Home network router question

@rbstehno - Wired is certainly better, but sometimes it is not achievable. I think if their WiFi can handle, say, Netflix to the point, it will be fine with audio.

I think your concerns on configuration really won’t impact the performance of your streamer.  A good general rule to follow is to hardwire your devices wherever possible. Even streaming high res audio, you’re not using enough bandwidth to stress anything.  As far as concerns with interference goes, it’s also a moot point. It will never be high enough to be detectable by your hearing.  The entire process involves moving packets of data from a source to your device. Be it wired, wireless, power lines….it doesn’t matter.  It’s all read requests followed by a data stream. A file is broken down into chunks (packets) sent over what ever, then reassembled by the client. 

Question for the IT guys, isn't a mesh network supported by nodes in a hierarchy with each node connected by WIFI? So if you Ethernet cable to a node, you are still ultimately using an RF signal (WIFI) rather than a direct Ethernet connection to your cable modem, is that correct?

A couple of years ago I went to an ASUS Mesh network for our home. The base router, an RT-AX86U sits upstairs in my den next to the Motorola cable modem. Downstairs are two RP-AC1900 Mesh nodes that are networked over the air to the main router upstairs.

One node is in my wife's office downstairs that serves her wifi needs with enough range to serve our outdoor patio shelter as well. (I move my wifi pellet grill under it for our PNWet winters ) It also serves our smart TV in the den.

The other node I tried to install in the same cabinet in the living room as my hi-fi rig but it generates so much RF (Hello? Wifi!) that it made my CJ Premier 6 impossible to use. So I moved it into a bookcase across the living room and ran some quality Cat 8 from it to my streamer. Problem solved. 

Here's a review of the Plume system:

https://www.cnet.com/reviews/plume-adaptive-wifi-system-review/

I gotta tell you, I'm not impressed on either a cost or performance basis. But getting back to your question, sorry I veered off course there, if you can I would move any RF generating gear away from your hi-fi rig. It doesn't have to be that far really. Then I'd run good quality Cat cable from your router back to your streaming device.

Good luck and as always...

Happy listening.

Get three bids from three different electricians for relocating your RJ45 jack. When you hardwired modem is where you want it then place your boosters.