digital to digital transference is solved. Gear either works 100% or is broken.
LOL!!!!
Network optimization for serious streamers
In my ongoing experiments, now going on seven years, with network optimization for streaming I've discovered a number of optimizations that should work with any ethernet ISP.
I've tried a variety of ethernet cables, modems, routers, switches, FMC, ethernet filters, the following is what I've found to be most effective optimizations.
I'll start with ISP quality and speed. Recently I discovered 500mbps to be preferable to 300mbps. Along with upgrade in speed, modem capable of 1gb service replaced 600mbps, both have Broadcom chips and powered by same lps. Can't say which more responsible for improvement, speed or modem, presume speed has at least some role in ping time. As for ISP, there is importance in ISP server geographic location to you, shorter distances means lower ping time. For information as to how ping time affects jitter-https://www.fusionconnect.com/speed-test-plus/ping-jitter-test
Now for modems, modem close to audio system is most favorable, extending coax cable preferable to long ethernet cable. Coax more resistant to rfi and closer positioning to system means one can more easily afford top quality ethernet cable for modem to router connection. The modem should use Broadcom chipset vs. inferior Intel Puma, Broadcom chipset has lower jitter vs the Intel. Modem should be powered via external lps using quality DC and AC cables, lps to power conditioner for ultimate performance.
Following close positioning of modem to audio system, router should also be placed near modem in service of same advantage of making highest quality ethernet cable more affordable, in this case, modem to router and router to switches, streamers and NAS. Router should be powered with lps, this lps should be able to provide more amps than router requires in service of providing greater reliability, having lps with reserves of amperage means lps runs cooler, heat is enemy of reliability, longevity. As with modem, quality dc, ac cables and connection to power conditioner.
The next finding is new to me, provides very meaningful upgrade to streaming sound quality. Noise from wifi, injected both internally to router and externally with routers sitting close to audio systems has long been a concern to me. I have quality Trifield meter which measures rfi, router with operational wifi manufacture obscenely high levels of rfi, rfi is noise, noise is enemy of streaming at level we're talking about here. And its very likely the more wifi devices one has in home the higher the levels of rfi produced. This noise is then injected into following cables and streaming equipment. One may convince themselves FMC totally isolates this noise, and while correct, it doesn't mitigate the noise and masking going on within router. The only way to eliminate this noise is turning off wifi. And then, how to provide wifi for the many wifi devices we have at home? The answer is to connect a second router to the primary router. The primary router will only provide ethernet for streamers, switches and/or NAS in audio system, also for the second router. Second router provides wifi for the home, this scheme keeps vast majority of rfi out of audio system streaming chain. My own measurements find rfi significantly diminished in primary router, more than mulitiples of ten times lower vs wifi enabled. This was seamless install with the Netgear routers I'm using. There may also be value in provisioning higher quality routers. My new primary router, Netgear XR1000 is marketed as a gamer router, claims of lower ping time, latency, jitter vs other routers. Since my old router, Netgear RS7000 didn't have means to monitor ping time I can't provide evidence of this claim. Whatever the case, my XR1000 ping time test measurements are as follows, 25.35ms highest, 16.50ms lowest, this is A+ measurements against objective criteria. Ping time under load is download 25.93ms, upload 37.34ms, idle 17.31ms, this rates as A. My speed of 565gbps rates B grade, likely need 1gb service to get A here. At to how this all pertains to sound quality, adding up the upgrade in ISP speed and the off loading of wifi is without a doubt one of the most substantial, if not most substantial network upgrades I've experienced. While I long considered my setup as having a vanishing low noise floor, with this setup I heard a new level of vanishing if such a thing is possible. Even more astounding was a more analog like presentation, while I wasn't aware of even the slightest digital presentation prior, this upgrade certainly exposed it was indeed there. It seems logical to conclude there has been some lowering of jitter here.
And then we come to the ethernet filter. I suppose audiophile switches can be considered as one, then we have actual filters such as Network Acoustics Muon, my JCAT Net XE and others. I continue to believe these necessary even with the all measures above.
Optical conversion is also valid approach post router. While I found generic FMC somewhat effective, at this point I prefer ethernet. On the other hand I've not yet tried optimizing a fiber solution, for example two Sonore OpticalModules, both powered by lps, further upgraded with Finisar optical transceivers.
Assuming one has high resolving audio and streaming systems the above network optimizations should provide for substantial sound quality improvements. In my system, perception of performers in room has been taken to a new level of intimacy, meaning a more emotional connection to the performers and performance.
At this point, I consider network has been fully optimized, the only upgrade I'm aware of would be ISP upgrade to 1gb.
Showing 25 responses by thyname
@singingg +1. Good post! On #3, WiFi:
You forgot the potential electric noise the WiFi antenna / transmitter built in the unit may introduce to the unit itself. |
All of them. They already told you that, many times, right above:
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@coppy777 : I guess you are not familiar with Trolls in the internet. Rule #1: do NOT feed the trolls. Engaging them enables them. |
@singingg : thank you very much for sharing your experience and the journey.
As it pertains to your subsequent post:
There are already affordable options available in the market that accomplish this. This is the one I own and I am familiar with: https://www.ghentaudio.com/pc/et11.html For those who are interested learning on the concept:
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@singingg : you mentioned ONT. do you have Verizon FIOS? |
I tried to do this with my Verizon FIOS G3100 router, and I failed:
Why? Couldn’t find the wiring and dimensions of its DC input connector. None of the standard ones work. And the Verizon folks had no clue. As usual. I tried everything.
I wouldn’t mess with ONT. it’s outside the house, back wall, and I don’t even know how it gets the power |
I cannot help with that. In fact, I posted the same thing in this thread back in February:
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@fastfreight : 😂😉😂😉😂 |
@carlsbad2 : Innuos Zennith MK3 is definitely gigabit. A bit lazy now to send you a link, but it’s right there under specs on official Innuos page. How do I know? I have the Innuos and just bought the Muon Pro system about a month ago. I made sure everything in my chain is gigabit before doing so |
@fastfreight : yes, please keep us updated.
On another note, I have upgraded my Verizon router to the latest & greatest one, the CR1000a. I have had no time to observe the DC barrel plug sizing of the new router, but I plan to do so soon. |
I have to say, this is the most elaborate network improvement I have ever encountered. In person or online. Kudos to you!
One little (probably minor) remark: what if you can get your M12 switch closer to your audio system?
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Jerry @carlsbad2 (Not that Jerry). What is your your internet service provider ? |
@carlsbad2 : I am not familiar with Spectrum, as it’s not available in my area. I have Verizon FIOS. My other option for ISP is Cox, which I used to have years ago. Verizon FIOS is hands down better, I think there is also T-Mobile 5G home internet available now (via 5G wireless), but not sure |
@carlsbad2 : Verizon FIOS Gigabit service. Technically 940/880 Mbps (download/ upload). I get a solid 600-700 Mbps download speed on my iPad Pro (on Wi-Fi), and close to 900+ wired laptop to my router |
@fastfreight the current Verizon router is the CR1000a. And the CR1000b (basically same hardware and software as the “a”, just different manufacturer). The g3100 is the previous router. There are no modems with Verizon, just ONT (optical network terminal that converts fiber to copper, typically installed outside the house, or in basement) and the router. I am grandfathered to the previous Ultimate tv package (I use TiVo, Edge DVR and four Minis and only pay $5 per month to Verizon for the CableCard). So I don’t want to screw up the deal. It’s $139 a month including Gigabit internet. So I just buy the routers on eBay. I paid about $175 for the CR1000a about a month ago on eBay, brand new sealed. Verizon want $400 for it or $18 a month rent. Ridiculous. I also own two E3200 extenders, connected via MoCA. One upstairs and one for downstairs. Own them outright too |
@fastfreight : I still have the G3100. Unfortunately the G3100 and CR1000a have completely different SMPSs bricks, and different barrel connectors. They don’t work with each other. I just checked. The power requirements are also different, both 12v, but the CR1000a needs 5A (vs. 3.5A for G3100).
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@fastfreight : Technically the CR1000 is much superior. It has Wi-Fi 6E support which opens up the 6Ghz band which could be a game changer but very few devices support 6Ghz right now. More devices will surely join and provide connectivity down the road. Also it has multi gig capacity with WAN port capability of 10 gigabit, and one of the LAN ports also 10 gig. And if you are using MoCA, which I do, the coax LAN is MoCA 2.5 spec |