Streaming network issues - need a geek

What model is the router? If relatively new, you may have customer service available from Netgear for free. Their paid service, I'd be hesitant about. The one time I tried it, it cost me to have them tell me to reset everything back to default (which didn't help).

Because network addresses are assigned by the router, you’ll never be able to run a cable directly from the modem and use the router at the same time, as you noted. Also, the router provides Network Address Translation, which is a safety measure you’d best not do without.

It would be unusual for a router to restrict speeds unless specifically configured for that. Cables could be a problem. I’d suggest using decent cables -- not "audiophile" Ethernet cables -- that are Cat 5e, Cat 6, or Cat 7. Try swapping cables, as they do fail from time to time

After making changes, sometimes it helps to shut off modem and router and let them boot up again.

That’s about all I know. There is a Small Net Builder’s forum available online where you can get more free advice. Like the free advice anywhere (including mine), it might be good, bad, or indifferent.

How do you know that the Nighthawk is restricting bandwidth? Can you turn off any QoS or bandwidth control settings?

Otherwise, the only way I think you can solve this problem is by enabling port forwarding for the Nighthawk’s IP address on the modem, if this feature is supported. This is very risky because you’re essentially creating a hole in the modem’s firewall to allow ISP traffic through to your local network. And if you don’t have a static IP address for the Nighthawk, then *anyone* assigned to that IP address on your ISP’s network can connect to the Nuprime.

The nighthawk is a dual band router. I would get a wall wart wifi extender and plug it in next to the audio system and connect your audio ethernet cable to it. Then run your iPad on which ever band does not take away from your system.

Also, better quality streamers cashe and can make up for a lot of network issues. So, it the above doesn’t work, consider an Aurender streamer.

Thanks everyone for replies so far.

@yage I bought a large Sony 4k TV, connected it to the Nighthawk router (tried both Ethernet and WiFi) and was not able to connect to any 4k service. Connection tested as functional. Connected straight to the modem via ethernet and it worked just fine. Netgear spent a lot of time with me, even replaced the router. No change. They gave up. I called Sony support and went through everything. They eventually came to the conclusion that the router was restricting bandwidth somehow. 

No bandwidth settings that I could find. What is QoS?

@ghdprentice I have three devices that have this issue with the Nighthawk - see above for Sony TV problems. The third is my Bricasti DAC with a streaming card. The Bricasti is no slouch. 

"I would get a wall wart wifi extender and plug it in next to the audio system and connect your audio ethernet cable to it." That is exactly what I wanted to do using the Nighthawk, with WiFi on the modem OFF, but bandwidth restrictions in the Nighthawk. It works, but I don't think I am getting full bandwidth. 

@mike_in_nc The model is RAX45 Nighthawk from Netgear. I did upgrade all my ethernet cables to Cat 8. 

Thanks for the Small Net Builder's forum reference.

First, what is your speed on the DSL?  Around here it is only 6MB downstream.  That's not much these days.  It certainly will not do justice to a 4k TV.

Second, are you trying to hookup two networks?  It sounds like you have the router function on the DSL modem on, and the Netgear router.  That could cause issues.  If you want to use only the Netgear router, make sure the modem router is turned off - not just WiFi.  You will probably have to connect directly to a computer via Ethernet and go to the modem/router setup page in your brower, usually 192.168.1.1 for Netgear, but it depends on what brand your modem is.

Is there a reason you are not using the modem router?  It must have one if there is more than one ethernet out.  

Jim