Ethernet Wiring

Some of the best money I've ever spent on my system was to pay pros to install both ethernet cabling for streaming and before that coax for my FM antennas and cable TV. It's amazing what these guys can do and you're left with a neat, invisible install. There's no cabling in any of my duct work, although in places ethernet runs right next to it, affixed to the duct with little plastic clamps. 

For various reasons, I don't use any equipment provided by my cable co/ISP. I choose my own equipment and contractors. (The sole exception is the little decoder box needed to receive local TV.)

For my system, nothing has bettered this wired network. It's been absolutely stable. No hiccups. Sounds great. No heroic measures required.

sns

... you have modem and router, so how do you provide wifi?

It's a separate wifi router for use around the house. 

sns

If any of those other components require wifi I'd rather not have them in my audio system ...

My audio system relies on wired ethernet. I don't use wifi for audio other than to control the streamer.

Clocking/timing/synchronization also important for optimal networking ...

"We hold these truths to be self-evident."

... don't forget a wifi enabled router not only contaminates nearby components ...

I don't use a wifi router.

sns

The physical distance between the modem/router and streamer is of little or no consequence ...

My audio system works best with the modem and router located away from the system and connected to the streamer via ethernet. The streamer sits in my audio system rack.

... If you’re worried about internally generated noise migrating via LAN cables ...

No, I’m not worried about that at all.

... modems and routers with wifi disabled, sitting in close proximity to any or all other streaming components will not contaminate those components in any way.

You may be correct. But of course my system includes other components, too.

foggyus91

Curious why would you think this? 

As I explained: "I’ve had the best results by keeping these items far from my system ..." 

Properly designed AP filters and switchers ... all are shielded to reduce EMI and RF emissions.

Yes, of course.

sns

... Modems and routers should be located near audio system ...

I've had the best results by keeping these items far from my system, and using ethernet from there to the streamer, which is in my audio rack.

... audiophiles spend large sums on things like network filters, audiophile switches while they completely ignore noisiest components in network chain ...

That's the best reason to keep them as physically separated as possible from the rest of the system, imo.