Realize this is an older thread, I'd like to revisit it. I am revamping my sound system and am looking to optimize the network elements of the solution. I have some questions related to this thread.
I've spent months now reading various articles, forums and other materials discussing the benefits/drawbacks of various networking technologies. After serious therapy and a lot of aspirin I landed on the foundational elements of my system. The critical factors for me were in this order (Useability, Sound Quality, # of boxes). I believe I've achieved my goals so far.
So how do I best optimize the network elements (Please reference edited diagram below).
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Ethernet Cabling
It appears that: A) Shielded cabling (STP) improves SQ, assuming A) the network elements employ port grounding. B) one is not intermingling STP/UTP cabling.
Unfortunately, most off the shelf routers/modems do not employ port grounding. (I'm assuming) this is why most network audio solution providers discourage the use of STP ethernet cables, for the aforementioned reasons.
Questions:
1. If one wants to use STP cable, what is the best method to ground the shielded elements of an STP ethernet connection from end to end?
2. I have an EtherRegen (ER) which provides for a grounding capability, is this sufficient and where in the chain should the ER sit if grounded STP cabling is the intention?
3. What is the appropriate category of cable to use Cat7 or Cat8?
1. If one chooses to use UTP cable, what is best method to avoid RMI/EFI interference?
2. I've read that keeping cable lengths helps, what is the optimal cable length?
3. What is the appropriate category of cable to use Cat6 or Cat7?
1. I'm also looking at proprietary cabling, similar to the Melco C100, Heimdall 2 etc. All of these solutions (apparently?) leverage some form of shielding but terminate the grounding elements on one end of the cable to avoid crosstalk/passthrough. Any thoughts on this type of cable?
1. I've read some articles that suggest impedance matching and crosstalk are to blame, and that one should stick with Cat6 UTP to avoid incompatibility issues at the connection. Any thoughts on this?
Network Switch
I currently own an EtherRegen and plan to employ if beneficial. Considering the following switches curious to get feedback:
1. Ediscreation Extreme switch
2. Melco S100
3. Innous PhoenixNET
4. Paul Pang switch
LPS
I currently own a Uptone JS-2, also a Teddy Pardo 7v LPS. The JS-2 is configurable from 12v to 5v, the Teddy Pardo is fixed 7v.
Have read that there are benefits to powering the switches and/or routers & modems with an LPS
1. Considering the solution diagram attached, what are the recommendations for powering A) Modem B)Switches given the LPS options I have.
Thanks all!
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