Quick question router / switch.

As the router & switch SMPS's will be on a separate power circuit,  I doubt very much it will be a problem.  

But what do you mean by "router" ??  A router is a device that manages data between computer networks,  if you mean a wireless broadband hub,  then bottom shelf is not ideal for optimum wireless range,  its best to be off the floor & in the open.   But if it works in all the places around the house that you want it too when its on the bottom shelf,  then go with it.

Thanks for the quick reply Mike. Yes I do mean the wireless hub. I am connecting it to a switch which will feed network cables to two other rooms. If there are no problems with close proximity to the system then it may be possible to place it on the top shelf or next to the rack. 

Regards

Stuart 

Bottom shelf is fine in an upper story room with a wood (or MDF or glass) shelf and a wood floor; in fact, on the floor may then be ideal.
Wood is largely transparent at 2.4GHz (and still fairly transparent at 5GHz).  It's usually best to get some distance between WAPs and concrete floors though (but there are some circumstances where exceptions arise even here).

Apart from it being a crap position for wireless range, I wouldn't put a wireless router that close to the system. Better elsewhere if you can do that. 

I'm guessing your profile is out of date; last time I checked, the CD5XS didn't need a network connection 

Intuitively, it seems wrong to me to put cheapo ISP suppled networking gear (maybe you have posh stuff!) anywhere near my rack. Besides, there are enough cables to deal with as it is. Still, if it works for you there's nothing to lose by trying it.

I agree the distance separation in theory,  however I've had my wireless hub at various distances from my system,  in another room,  about 2m & as it is now 0.8m hub to NDX (box centre to centre) & I have not detected any difference.  

I'm sure mileage varies Mike but wireless devices and audio stay separated in this house. 

Mike-B posted:

I agree the distance separation in theory,  however I've had my wireless hub at various distances from my system,  in another room,  about 2m & as it is now 0.8m hub to NDX (box centre to centre) & I have not detected any difference.  

Same here, when I was with BT wireless signal range  was a problem, BT suggested positioning the Hub up higher and off of glass or metal shelving so I mounted it on a bracket away from the equipment well up off the floor sod all difference whatsoever. 

Changed to EE positioned the  the new Hub on the lower shelf on the equipment rack (The original position of the BT Hub) works a treat better wireless coverage all round.

Seems to be so many things that can affect Hub positioning for good wireless signal etc that some trial and error might be involved. 

Yes wifi access points are best up high - and away from where possible metal and cables, you were given good advice - I suspect if that was not improving performance and error rates something was else at play - but definitely don't put wifi on the floor - you are just asking for issues and poor signal quality. At the end of the day wifi is radio - and you want to keep it away from noisy cables and things that can reflect and interfere with the radio signals such as metal cases and pipes. Commercial APs are put high and on the side of walls or on ceilings.

Thanks everyone 

I still have the xs separates but have added a Muso in the kitchen and am considering going down the streaming route in the lounge so a Nas would serve both rooms. 

I have also installed network cable to the Snug. I therefore have a four way rj45 socket next to the rack (2 for the kitchen and 2 for the Snug) and the BT line enters the house in the same corner of the room. I have a wall shelf I could use for the router and switch which will still be quite close to the rack but it will enable me to manage the cables more effectively. 

I could use extension cables across the room to reposition the hub/router but this would look a bit unsightly and would an extra 2 metres make that much difference?

In terms of positioning the Nas would it be possible to place this in the kitchen and connected to the switch in the lounge then switch to the streamer (when I purchase one) 

The network cable is cat 6 and runs externally so I guess it will be shielded. Would this work correctly or would it be better to house the Nas in the lounge and connect direct to the streamer? 

Sorry for the questions but this is all quite new to me 

Regards

Stuart 

You can position most of the network bits wherever you want that fits in with the domestic stuff,   the NAS included;  I have my NAS in a small cabinet near the hifi rack.  Its near silent even with the door open,  the door however is most useful for shutting out the blinking LED's.  Living in the same cabinet is a UPS & switch.

Cat-6 is not normally screened,  it can be but is more likely not,  you need to look to see if its UTP (unscreened) or STP (screened).    Its not a problem to run unscreened ethernet externally,  the screen is only required in high RF noise & EM power environments that are rarely found in domestic situations.

Stuart, as long as the NAS is connected somewhere on your home Ethernet network, it doesn't matter where you put it... that's the beauty of Ethernet 

Thanks everyone 

Great advice as usual. Makes things a bit easier to configure 

Stuart