I’m sure I haven’t tested as thoroughly as Kris, but my initial impression is that removing my PF/buffalo Router and connecting copper Lan
to Taiko Router is an improvement in my system.
But I’ll take my time and listen more before reaching a conclusion on that.
I am curious if fiber might be an improvement for me given the 70 foot length of my copper Lan from modem to Taiko router. But this would require two Sonore optical converters (expensive).
I know Taiko doesn’t see fiber as the optimal connection but other manufacturers do view fiber as the best network cabling. I wonder what accounts for the difference of opinion?
As for my comparison between wired to remote and Wi-Fi to remote, it’s too close to call at the moment. Given that, I’ll just choose not to use Wi-Fi.
It’s not as much as a difference of opinion but a different situation, caused by the power consumption of the fibre SFP modules which is typically around 1.5 watts each. Normally this is not very relevant as a typical wi-fi router will consume between 12 and 24 watts, your buffalo switch consumes perhaps around 12 (?) watts, the OCXO will add a few watts aswell, maybe an additional 5 as it’s probably linear powered. So not that big a deal to add 3 watts for 2 fiber modules on a total of 30-40 watts.
However, the Taiko switch consumes between 1.1 - and 1.3 watts, aka less then a single SFP fiber module. The Router consumes between 5 and 6 watts. Now all of a sudden the SFP fibre modules power consumption is very significant , at ~ 125% of the switch, and ~ 25-30% of the router, and you need 2…
Add to this that the dominant type of noise in the router and switch is power supply noise, which is a type of noise which increases with higher power consumption, and all of a sudden it seems like a less good idea to use fiber.
But as always, it’s highly recommended to form your own opinion by listening yourself, and very appreciated to share your findings, your datapoints are invaluable to improve our products. We wouldn’t be where we are today without them.