LAN set up

[colinB]

I'm using a lot of wired/wireless streaming devices these days and find I sometimes get dropouts if I'm running to many, for example airplay an PCM browsing at the same time.
My LAN is confined to two rooms but I'm wondering if I should be using the ports on a switch instead of the sky router I'm currently using.
Could this speed things up?

[Stratmangler]

The router you're using is likely have a switch built into it.
Most have.

[colinB]

Oh. There goes that idea. Thanks chris

[Rothchild]

Unless you have a really nicely tweaked out 'N' class wireless network then the cable is always going to trump wireless for bandwidth.

If you have the option to feed some of your devices with ethernet cables directly from your hub/router then you should take it as it will make the wirelessly connected devices less likely to suffer dropouts.

[colinB]

Thanks. I like using airplay and find hard disc storage complicated but I can compromise by wiring my laptop.

[Markiii]

Wifi acts like a wired hub in that each device contends the bandwidth

A switch is infinitely better than a hub, so cabling the laptop and running AirPlay wirelessly should still be a great improvement

[The Grand Wazoo]

Hi Colin,
It's nice to see you back.
I hope you're well, me ol' mucker? How's things?

[colinB]

Thanks chris. Life is it a bit more settled now and I'm getting into music again all be it in a very different way. I've gone a bit spotify and ipody.
All good fun though.
I've got a new mid life obsession to. Couldn't pull a young thing or afford a Harley but I've taken up the musical instrument I played when I was a boy ( bagpipes ha!)
Neighbours must love me what with subwoofers and now the sound of pipes during eastenders.

[The Grand Wazoo]

That's great Colin - good to see that life may have taken a better turn for you.
As for the pipes - I've only got one thing to say: "Muckle yer crunge!"