Direct wired - via ethernet - into NDX in place of Devolo plugs

Hi Antony,

Used a similar solution as you did (ie via Netgear GS105s and 2 x Ethernet over Mains devices) until recently. Whilst it worked very well for the just over 2 years it was in place I did find that when streaming high res it occasionally dropped out - I think it was related to the fact that the two mains circuits were on different spurs and so the signal path went via the consumer box. Anyway I bit the bullet and had an engineer install ethernet (Cat 6) from my study round the outside of the house (60m) and back into my lounge. I have now connected TV and other devices as well as the HiFi to the network via Netgear GS105 with a very solid network to date. I have not suffered from any drop outs irrespective of whatever else is going over the link concurrently and potentially more importantly do believe that the sound from my system has improved.

My recommendation is go ahead and do it. I used Cat 6 cable to gain a little future proofing as to throughput as all my ports etc are Gigabit (except SuperUniti, which I believe is only 100M). I also used cable that is capable of being used outside (not armoured) - a little more expensive but should ensure that it can withstand our weather to some extent.

Regards

DWO   

Hi Antony,

Couldn't update in time but a couple more comments:

Cost of install was considerably less than Naim Powerline - I already had 2 x Netgear GS105s but they can easily be obtained  new for around £25 each.

As to network diagram - due to number of ports on back of BTHH5 (I've upgraded to the new BT Smart Hub but there are still only 4 ports on the back) and my need to connect more devices than it has I have used another Netgear GS105 to provide additional ports. In this way I can also ensure that audio traffic from my NAS does not go via the BT router which I understand to be a better solution based on other posts on this forum. 

Regards

DWO

It will work because you have it all - PC & NAS - going to the router,  problem is the router is not the best at being a switch it does not do a good job with SQ on hi-res streams,  (I have had a string of BT HH2, 3, 4 & 5)  And frankly having the switch between the router & the NDX is a bit pointless, it might as well not be there.  

The switch should be be the central hub.    

Router to switch       Computer to switch      NAS to switch     ..........  switch to NDX

Just add a computor branch to this diagram 

thanks Mike - just awaiting quote from cable company - i am sure going forward it will be a better solution than current

Mike-B posted:

It will work because you have it all - PC & NAS - going to the router,  problem is the router is not the best at being a switch it does not do a good job with SQ on hi-res streams,  (I have had a string of BT HH2, 3, 4 & 5)  And frankly having the switch between the router & the NDX is a bit pointless, it might as well not be there.  

The switch should be be the central hub.    

Router to switch       Computer to switch      NAS to switch     ..........  switch to NDX

Just add a computor branch to this diagram 

Mike

could you remind me of the ethernet cables you use - will look to contact NDX to terminal with them - can't remember which ones you recomend

thanks

antony d posted:

Mike         could you remind me of the ethernet cables you use - will look to contact NDX to terminal with them - can't remember which ones you recomend

Hi Antony, the ethernet cable I use is shown in my profile;  the two more important cables are MeiCord Opal Cat-6 between NAS-switch-NDX.  These are Cat-6 (250MHz) unscreened (UTP) pre-made (patchcords) with their own design RJ45 plugs that feature twisted pair cable guides that control TP orientation up to the RJ45 pins,  this they claim ensures best possible performance to Cat-6 compliance.  The less important connection between switch & wireless hub is Lindy Cat-6.      

But you mention in your 1st post that the total network distance is around 80 feet (24m).  If possible it would be better & more economical to get the NAS within a shorter manageable distance from the NDX with the switch between them,   then get a regular lower cost Cat-6 installed by a cable company between switch & wireless hub.   You can then use the wireless hub end or the switch ports to connect your PC.

Mike

i have the NAS on shelves by NDX connected to switch develo plug into switch via Cat 6 Ethernet 

more than happy to keep it in the same place and get the router connectEd directly into switch as per your diagram 

thanks for help will update on forum if I go for it depending on cost 

Mike-B posted:

It will work because you have it all - PC & NAS - going to the router,  problem is the router is not the best at being a switch it does not do a good job with SQ on hi-res streams,  (I have had a string of BT HH2, 3, 4 & 5)  And frankly having the switch between the router & the NDX is a bit pointless, it might as well not be there.  

The switch should be be the central hub.    

Router to switch       Computer to switch      NAS to switch     ..........  switch to NDX

Just add a computor branch to this diagram 

That's helpful to me too, thanks.

G

I have pressed the green button and cabeling should be done soon, so Devolo plugs will be a thing of the passed

quote was less than I had budgeted for, in fact much less than another black box - but i can feel the 250DR getting ever closer

will post update when completed

I can now enjoy for the first time direct wired into NDX - cabeling fitted today - network map as Mike-B and others recomend

the results so far - base is certainly a lot richer and deeper - more detail when using UpNP - Iradio is a real improvement !

cost around £350 so i feel good value - I can now look at ethernet cables

Great stuff, with those poweline adapters away from your house mains, your audio equipment can almost certainly breath again.   If I were you I would simply now enjoy your music, you really don't need different Ethernet  cables, but it can be fun to experiment, but don't spend a lot, get an assortment from fleabay  and the like and swap around... until you hear a 'tuning' you like... the key one is the one that couples directly to your streamer...

just purchased x2 Cord C Stream ethernet cables - well worth the £45 each from my friendly Leciester dealer - and boy  instant  improvement - tighter base, mid range detail

another small win -

also found better sound using x2 netgear GS 105 switches - one for all other household use and 1 for NDX - NAS

the direct wireing route £ for £ is the best money spent on system so far

time to sit back and enjoy!!

Good move Antony D, hard wired is the  way to go for sure. Enjoy the music!

Yes indeed, good to see it all come together Antony D.     The little Netgear GS (Gigabit) "ProSafe's"  seem to be the best of the small form "dumb" switches.   I'm quietly looking around for a 5 or 8 port (no bigger than the Netgear 108) that holds promise of SQ better than the GS105 ,  but in no hurry & it may well be that such a switch does not exist.