Ethernet Switch- what's the point?

Many or most people need a switch to run other equipment.  A switch is what the ethernet needs to split a signal.  If you want to run ethernet to 2 peices of equipment, use a switch.  I have other ethernet cables running to my Roon Core, TV, AV receiver, and power plant.  

Now "audiophile" ethernet switches are designed to improve delivery of error free bits to the streamer by use of improved power supplies, grounding, shielding, clocking, and other methods. So some people will want to put the switch in even if they don't need cables to other components.

jerry

@p05129 You have demonstrated the exact and most common misunderstanding about streaming. This error even exists among IT professionals.  Why?  Because what you stated is exactly correct for the applications that you referenced.  I used to make the same argument.  Dropped bits cannot be tolerated in banking, defence, big business, etc.  AND IT TOOK ME A LONG TIME TO GET A STRAIGHT ANSWER.  Why?  because most don't know the answer--including many so-called experts.  Here is the difference:

Business uses File Transfer Protocol with error checking that will not let file transfer complete until the transferred file is EXACTLY like the original. Bit perfect.  but that's why sometimes it takes forever to download a file.

Streaming doesn't have the luxury of taking whatever time it takes for error checking to make sure the file is perfect.  Instead, it has to use what is called "error correction".  I'm no expert but as I understand it, it does it's best to interpolate for missing bits and moves forward.  So bits that get dropped, and there are lots of them, are estimated.  Of course video can be even worse. 

If every file stremed was perfect, there woud be no need for any high end streaming equipment, any high end digital cables, etc.  And this explains why you can never stream quality music wireless.

Just to be clear, I'm not criticizing you.  I started with the same misunderstanding.  

Best of luck,

Jerry

@fredrik222 You seem to disagree with everything I say.  I don't recommend that path.  Best of luck, Jerry

@tonix Thanks for the help and support.  I'll remember UDP for the next time I need to explain this.  I thought I was the last one to figure this out but this thread shows there are still lots of people who think streaming is bit perfect.    -Jerry

@fredrik222 I'd say back away from the keyboard, think some calm thoughts, double up on your bp meds and take the rest of the day off.

I've been accused of starting a riot and walking off into the darkness....

@erik_squires I think you nailed it.  Converting to digital and back may add more noise than the fiber prevents.  

We just had to splice a fiber line accidentally cut at our plant, and what a pain.  We had $100k worth of special equipment mounted on  it's own truck and 8 technicians.  It was important and time sensitive but wow, what a production.

Jerry

@zavato You asked a good question and got good answers.  Unfortunately it is up to you to sort the good answers from the misinformation....which is the key to success on the internet.