new to streaming- help!

Some streamers have built in dacs which either can be connected with Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Also when I bought my Auralic, they recommend even a certain router for streaming, so you won’t lose on the high speed data.

But also I second ghdprentice, get the laptop outta there, been that route, and you will have much better sound with a separate streamer/dac.

Node 2i had the same idiotic issues for me too. And the sound quality isn’t much to write home about. Get a Lindemann Limetree Bridge II or Wiim Pro. Both in a similar price range, and far better sound quality. No dropping and wifi issues. Also if you later upgrade a bit with a Linear Power Supply (like the one from MCRU) that’s an immediately audible upgrade. 

An external day of Quality is key , for 1 get rid of the wallwart power supplies to the router ,most are modem- router combos ,war wart power supplies Horribke noise makers buy a linear power supply, then a Ethernet  bridge LHY-SW8  sell very good LPS also loook on the wall wart most are 12 v and you need 4 amps or more in your LPS.

and SW8 Ethernet switch which gives alot for the money and your Ethernet cables 

pin a budget $200 each the Wireworld starlight ,usb cable too same brand  these are essential items , the $1k Denafrips Aries 12-1 dac excellent value 

and always use respectable power cords it does make a difference , Pangea awg14, Sig MK-2. Use Cardas best #1 Copper and all gold plated Copper connectors  

I've had issues with a non-BlueSound product running updated 64 bit programming where my streamer version, iPhone and iPad are all operating on 32 bit devices. Hence, "i" devices are not recognizing the streamer. No one has brought that up, but it might be worth vetting if your iPhone or iPad are older.