Wifi vs ethernet revisited


For this discussion I want us to forget the usual problems of wifi: stuttering, buffering, loss of signal strength. Let’s assume we have a strong, reliable wireless connection. Questions: how would you rank the following:

1. [No wireless, my current config] Ethernet from router -> Switch (or OM) -> fiber -> Etherregen -> ethernet -> streamer.

2. Eero wireless mesh -> receiver -> ethernet -> streamer.

3. Eero Wireless mesh -> receiver -> ethernet -> Etherregen -> ethernet -> streamer.

Or, to really go hybrid and (probably nuts):

4. Eero wireless mesh -> receiver -> ethernet -> Switch (or OM) -> fiber -> Etherregen -> ethernet -> streamer.

I haven’t done [4] yet. But to my ears, [1] definitely beats {2] and (less emphatically maybe) beats [3] even though I have a very strong Eero wireless mesh system. Maybe my assumptions to begin with are still wrong? I can’t seem to read a good forum thread where the usual stuttering’/buffering problems (that we all know about) are removed. Thanks in advance everyone!

 

debrajray

I’ve tried the same and find that a good Ethernet cable (I use a 6A from Blue Jeans cable made to length) from the router or from an Eero pod works better than Wi-Fi.  The streamer is important too.  My Innuos Zen MK3 improved the sound when I upgraded from my Bluesound Node N130 as a streamer.  

@sns This is the one I am going to try: ASUS RT-AX86U Pro (AX5700). It has wifi alas which I will disable. 

@debrajray Looks very nice, presume you'll be using LPS with this. Let us know your results.

One thing is your router-modem combo shoud be shut down unplugged 1 x a weak l for the cache gets built up,, turn off unplug for one minute ,then turn back on a tech told me this it refreshes and empties the buffer giving it faster load times 

I highly recommend buying a much higher grade router setup 

I bought  a Motorola 8702 combo router- modem on Amazon it has wifi 5 but has  docsis 3.1 , most are older3.0, much bigger processor much faster and much larger buffer easy to setup this works the majority of companies , around $270.just call tech support they ask for a Mac #  within 10  minutes up and running ,for a clear wifi or streaming upgrade the rougher is 4 amp  buy a LPS  power supply Digital is not grounded small green computer  has a decent one $299 and a decent power cords nice upgrade ,the stock $5 wall wart just add more noise .

@sns will report back, yes will get an LPS.

Thanks @audioman58 but if you read the last few posts carefully you will see why the 8702 does not work for me. I need 2.5 gb ports and I have zero use for the wifi.