switch to router question

If your network looks something like this (picture courtesy of MikeB), than 'cricical' connections for the streaming are:

• N272 to switch - this is where the best streaming cable should be placed
• NAS to swtich - a good quality cable will help

Switch to modem is not relevant for a local streaming setup (except for internet radio / Tidal  etc).

robkirby posted:

 I have a 272/US/Unitiqute arrangement for my two music systems.  Currently the three Naim pieces are connected to a 4 port switch with the 4th port running back to my Apple Extreme router. In playing music, does the musical information from the US travel to the router and then back to the 272/UQ or does the switch allow the musical information to travel directly between the Naim pieces? Ultimately wondering about the necessary cable quality between the switch and the router - it's a long run and right now it's a generic CAT5 cable. Thanks

Hi, the media path travels from the Unitiserve via the switch to the 272 and/or Unitiqute. The segment to the router won't be used for the transfer itself. The purpose of the switch is to efficiently switch data frames between its ports. 

As a matter of possible Interest, the function of the router in the setup you describe is to assign IP addresses to the Naim units so they can talk together via the switch as explained by Simon and Adam. The router does allow your smartphone to control the streamers via the Naim app and connects the US to the Internet to get metadata when you rip a CD (and for internet radio obviously). 

Best

David

If you want to prove it to yourself, unplug the wire to the router and the music will keep playing. The wire from the router to the switch only comes into play SQ wise for internet radio and Tidal etc.