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Home network router question

Hi,

A network question from an analogue brain.

Our internet provider recently transitioned to a system of hardwired modems with various pods ( Plume ) for the routers.  There is one Plume/router which is hardwired to the modem and the rest are plugged into wall outlets.  Unfortunately, the modem is in the built in stereo cabinet- which is less than optimal.  I want to move the modem and "main pod" to another location away from the cabinet. Three questions:

1. Is running an ethernet wire from my streamer/DAC to the main pod equivalent to direct wiring to the old stand alone modem/router?

2.  If I move the modem and main pod; can I run a cable from the main pod to an ethernet port ( to be installed ) in the cabinet and plug in my streamer?  Will this be nearly equivalent to hard wiring into my old modem/router?

Any thoughts?  Please remember when replying that I am an analogue guy trying to navigate the digital world with as little pain as possible.

PS  I don't want to connect via wifi.

Thanks

 

MP

rivinyl
rivinyl OP
113 posts
 

Thanks for all the comments; all very helpful.

One other question/thought.

I know the modem/router is best located in the "center" of ones home but wonder if anyone has had success with placement in the basement ( with router extenders in the rest of the  home)?  

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,985 posts
 

With mesh network it doesn’t really matter where the modem/router is located as long as you have the nodes positioned in the right locations throughout the house. 

rivinyl OP
113 posts
 

So a followup question after considering the options.

Heres's the proposed solution:

Place the modem and first hard wired router pod in the basement but mounted up on the wall towards the ceiling.  Hard wire the streamer to the hard wired router in the basement.  Upstairs will add wireless pods to complete the system.

Question: does the Cat 6 ( or higher ) wire from the streamer to the hardwired router pod in the basement affect sound of streamed music?  Similarly does the wire from the modem to the hard wired pod matter?  If so do they have equal impact?

Thanks and Happy Thanksgiving

boulder_bob's avatar
boulder_bob
22 posts
 

how about this: changing ANYTHNG can have an impact on a system's sound.  there is a lot to say about the synergy between components.  like certain power amps work better with some speakers that others.  this makes saying that one wire is more important than another in a certain position difficult.

if I were you and trying to improve your situation, I would work backwards from the endpoint, upgrading cables in that manner.  your system may need 100 hours when you change something.  and you should do a lot of listening with the new part, and then go back to the old one and see if you can hear anything,  different isn't always better.  everything is returnable - or should be.  unless you're one of the people -  who I greatly admire - that will buy used stuff and then resell it if they don't like it

the other thing I would recommend is linear power supplies everywhere, again working backward from the end point and going all the way to the modem.

it's a great hobby - and Happy Thanksgiving to you!

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