How to connect Tidal to DAC wireless via iPad

The Node2i is a well respected piece, and should do just fine. To be honest, I just don’t do ‘critical’ listening via streaming to warrant even that cost (usually use Tidal to check out stuff I’m curious about, or might consider purchasing), but what I do stream sounds just fine, in fact very good via my iPad, Tidal, or my server connected by my inexpensive wireless ‘streaming’ unit. I just prefer physical media first and foremost, and that will probably never change.

Good luck, you can’t go wrong with that purchase as a starting point.

Perhaps that could work. I have not seen a router that outputs via USB. Your router may have a USB port for another purpose. But a network cable out to the Node will work for sure.
In my experience the Node2i should be a nice improvement over your current setup. And you can always upgrade down the road.

I connect my router to my little wireless streamer wirelessly. No physical connection to my router required. Just connects via my wireless network as an ‘access point’. It can connect via cat5, but I don’t use it that way. Doubt it is required with the Node2i either. A wireless internet connection is just fine for streaming, but you want to stay away from Bluetooth for a quality home system. 

You won’t get best SQ streaming from your iPad, but most optimal way to do it is using Chromecast Audio device with mini Toslink to Toslink optical cable. 
https://www.whathifi.com/us/google/chromecast-audio/review

https://www.amazon.com/WIREWORLD-Supernova-Toslink-3-5mm-Optical/dp/B00KYXKE0O

oh, one more thing...your DAC is very good high quality component, but not supporting MQA so if you planning to stream Tidal with it you will miss Tidal’s best quality... think twice before buying streamer... maybe you will benefit from streamer with MQA DAC on board.... something like Lumin D2 or Teac NT-505.