connecting Bluesound node 2i streamer to old system

It looks like I will have to add a good WIFI extender behind my existing stereo system in order to connect the Bluesound streamer.  Most of these better extenders have an ethernet port on them.  Does the Bluesound node need to be hardwired to the extender or does the Bluesound virtually "pick-up" the WIFI and not need to be hardwired...or is there the choice of one way or the other relevant to the best sound.