best network switch configuration for audio

I thought switching would be dead simple until I read this thread. Actually, I’d like to keep it simple if I can.

My husband I and are elders now, and Audio is strictly my “game” so I don’t expect a lot of bit torrent interference, to put it mildly. The most that can happen is my husband might be watching TV with no Ethernet needed at the same time I am listening to music.

That said, do I really need a managed pro switch? Can I get by with a simple unmanaged switch from Netgear? My Netgear Nighhawk router will host only two Ethernet Cat6a cables. I just need one switch at my TV room where I want to split an Ethernet Cable to two sources, a Roku and a DVD player/network streamer. Will that lone consumer grade unmanaged switch compromise my high res audio quality? I’ve got mid to high quality stereo systems where audio quality definitely matters but I’m a long way from a $100k audio system.

I’m not kidding when I say my head feels full to bursting with a ton of new technical details related to adding high res streaming to my household. I really hope to minimize that brain bulge and avoid learning how to manage managed switches! But if I need to, I want to know I really do need to.

You do not need a managed switch.

Simple UN-managed and a unit with fewer ports.

Thanks much for that very comforting response!

You're welcome. The switch should be plug in and play, literally.

As long as your control point (e.g. Remote App) recognizes the unit it is responsible for (attached to the switch / network), you should be up and running right away. I would start with Roku as I believe it will automatically try to 'find' itself on the network.

Good luck.

Fiber.

If you are serious about the best network infrastructure, specially for high fidelity music and audio, I highly recommend fiber.  Proper routing, switching, WAPs and AC protection/isolation are important, but having a properly designed, terminated and certified fiber core is a requirement.

We specialize in audio/video integration for custom homes, condos and yachts.  We use Cisco, Cisco Meraki and Ubiquiti for routers, switches and WAPs.  We like Furman AC products and sometimes use Ruckus WAPs for large estates with multiple structures.  We are certified for single/multi-mode fiber and do all the installation, termination, service and support.

For the investment that some of you are making in your audio/music systems, you owe it to yourself to get the highest quality network: fiber.

Allan
www.In-Tone.com