Initially, my network was an old Apple Air router servicing the house. On a lark, I changed to a Netgear Nighthawk router/switch attached via Cat5 cable from the Spectrum ISP modem. That was a big uptick in SQ here.
At the time, I was streaming with an Aurender ACS10 (which I still use as back-up and streamer for a second system).
I added an eReGen switch and soon thereafter changed to Cat6 cable. The eRG was an improvement, for sure. Cable? Who knows.
At some point, I added a used Cisco 2960 switch after the router. I also moved the eRG downstairs (35' run) close to the Aurender. This was an uptick in SQ, so why not add another Cisco switch (at 25 bucks, easy and cheap)? I daisy-chained four of them at one point, but did not notice a difference between three and four. I settled on two and passed the surplus switches along to friends.
Eventually, I tried an optical proof-of-concept with a cheap "bundle" from Amazon. Two 10GTek FMCs with SFPs and a meter of MM fiber. About 100 bucks, as I recall. This was about five years ago. It was a net-positive in the system. I also tinkered around with various copper patch cables, including a few "audiophile" items.
I tested many different configurations of daisy-chained switches and fiber optic solutions, including SFPs in the Ciscos and fiber between switches, and to the eRG. Mostly, it was fun, and educational, researching SFPs, cables, etc. An excellent way to learn about networks. Actually, it was a great time to explore, with the added virtue of not being very expensive to try.
Skipping over a description of many permutations of cable and device configurations, I eventually added a Sonore OM with upgraded ps and switched to SM fiber cable and Finisar SFPs. The OM is excellent (a new version exists now) and a good value.
About the same time, I purchased a Buffalo switch modded with a primo Pink Faun OCXO, footers, and access for external power (5v and 12v). Whoah! That was good! Very good. So good, I ended up removing the Ciscos.
So, everything in the network was (and is) on external LPS power, which makes a difference, IMO.
I was essentially on that configuration for a good while. And it was very good. I would recommend the modded switch and OM any day.
Fast forward a couple of years, and a lot is different...except for the Netgear router, which somehow seems fine, frankly.
I have a second ISP delivering fiber service for audio-only. Their Nokia modem and the Nighthawk router are on LPS power (on opposite AC phase from dedicated audio lines), with Cat6 copper 35' to the Taiko switch. A one-meter DAC (copper coax) connection from the switch to the NIC in the Extreme server. This is a primo set-up. SQ is excellent.
Will I spring for the new Taiko router? I don't know. I have an uber-network with only the Extreme and an iPad control connected. I use a laptop for access, and disconnect afterward. All traffic has one target. How much will I benefit from the new router? TBD.