TAIKO AUDIO 92592129 Extreme Router User Manual

TAIKO AUDIO 92592129 Extreme Router

Product Information

Specifications

• Dimensions: 22 x 22 x 5 cm / 9 x 9 x 2 inches
• Chassis Material: Solid Copper
• Number of WAN Ports: 1
• Number of Configurable Outputs: 3

Product Usage Instructions

Connection
To connect the Taiko Audio Extreme Router, follow these steps:

1. Connect the WAN (`input’) network port of the Router to your home network to provide internet access for the audio network.
2. Connect one of the three configurable outputs to your music server or the Extreme Switch.
3. Use the remaining two outputs for additional desired connectivity, such as a dedicated Wi-Fi Access Point and/or a wired control computer.

Installation
To install the Taiko Audio Extreme Router, please follow these instructions:

1. Ensure that the Router is powered off.
2. Connect the power cable to the Router and plug it into a power outlet.
3. The Green `POWER’ LED will indicate that power is on and the Router is starting.
4. The Orange `ON’ LED will indicate that the Router is ready for use.

Network Setup
To set up the network for the Taiko Audio Extreme Router, please follow these steps:

1. Ensure that the Router is powered on and connected to your home network.
2. On your control device (e.g., iPad), go to Wi-Fi settings and select the network of the Extreme Router.
3. This network is exclusively for controlling the Extreme Music Server.

USB Drive Sharing
The Taiko Audio Extreme Router supports USB drive sharing. Please follow these steps to share a USB drive:

1. Connect a USB drive to one of the Router’s USB ports.
2. Access the Router’s settings page through a web browser on your control device.
3. Configure the USB drive sharing settings as desired.

Firmware Update
To update the firmware of the Taiko Audio Extreme Router, follow these steps:

1. Access the Router’s settings page through a web browser on your control device.
2. Check for firmware updates and download the latest version.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the firmware update.

FAQ

• What is the purpose of the Taiko Audio Extreme Router?
  The Taiko Audio Extreme Router creates an audio-only network for the Extreme Music Server, isolating it from the traffic generated by the home network. It also offers built-in Wi-Fi capability optimized for best sound quality.

• Can I connect my control device to the Extreme Router’s built-in Wi-Fi?
  Yes, connecting your control device to the Extreme Router’s built-in Wi-Fi will provide the best performance for controlling the Extreme Music Server.

• Can I use the Extreme Router with my existing router and Wi-Fi access point?
  Yes, you can add the Extreme Router to your existing setup. However, it is recommended to connect your control device to the Extreme Router’s built-in Wi-Fi for optimal performance.

Safety

• The Taiko Audio Extreme Router is the perfect solution for networks requiring more than the standard router. This high-performing router is based on the NXP Layerscape® chipset technology and specifically selected router firmware to provide the utmost security. With the Taiko Audio Extreme Router, you can have full access to your network while keeping malicious actors out.
• This router was carefully designed with the help of specialized cyber-security engineers to ensure that all possible scenarios to reduce the risk of a data breach and mitigate their impact were taken into consideration.
• It is protected against unauthorized access and malicious activity, including disabling services, segmentation of the hardware to restrict access, configuring firewalls, and performing regular updates. As we develop and host these updates ourselves we’ll notify you if it there’s something you need to apply.
• Unlike other routers on the market, the Taiko Audio Extreme Router is designed for long-term availability and use, with a physical TPM that provides secure and tamper-proof hardware-based storage for encryption keys and other sensitive data. This ensures that malicious actors can’t access the audio router and its audio network and that any firmware or software updates are verified and secure. With a TPM, the risk of unauthorized access, hacking, and data breaches are greatly reduced, providing users with peace of mind when it comes to the security of their audio network.

The difference between a Router and a Switch

• In essence, a Switch is used to connect devices to each other within a network while a Router allows networks to communicate with each other. In general, Routers operate on a software level based on IP addresses while a switch works on a hardware level based on MAC addresses.
• A Switch can reduce traffic to a device by learning and storing which MAC address is connected to which port so it can send data to that device specifically addressed to it, while sending data for other devices over its other ports, reducing the amount of traffic on the port your device uses. This does not do anything to reduce broadcast traffic which is sent to all devices on the network.
• A Router can control the traffic which is sent and broadcast on your network.
• Talking in reduction terms, a router can reduce the amount of traffic on the entire network while a Switch can reduce the amount of traffic on a segment of that network. The combination of a Router and a Switch allows the control of traffic on a hardware and software level which can lower traffic to a larger degree than a single Switch, or even multiple daisy-chained Switches, can do.

The Concept

• Housed in the same beautiful 22 x 22 x 5 cm / 9 x 9 x 2 inch solid copper chassis as the Taiko Audio Extreme Switch, the Taiko Audio Extreme Router yields a significant lowering of noise by controlling the amount and flow of data on the network.
• The Extreme Router creates an audio-only network for the Extreme Music Server and offers built-in Wi-Fi capability which has been very carefully implemented and optimized for best Sound Quality. This way, the Extreme Music Server is isolated from the traffic generated by the home network.
• The Router’s own Wi-Fi Access Point is intended exclusively for controlling the Extreme Music Server. You can simply connect to it by selecting the network in your control device (usually an iPad) Wi-Fi settings, just like you do with your existing regular Wi-Fi Access Point.
• When adding the Extreme Router to an existing setup that already has a Router with Wi-Fi or a separate Wi-Fi Access Point, you’ll then have two Wi-Fi access points:
  • Your standard home network, with your computers, TV, video streamer, etcetera. (Zone A in the below Diagram)
  • The Taiko Audio Extreme Router network that allows you to control the Extreme Music Server. (Zone B in the below Diagram)
• In addition, the Extreme Router will be prepared for Port-Forwarding to allow using tablets via your regular existing Access Point if so desired. Among others, this allows controlling Roon and XDMS on the Extreme Server, as well as enabling VNC, TeamViewer, and file sharing and it also allows streaming to an external Roon Endpoint. However, the best performance is obtained by connecting the control device to the Extreme Router’s built-in Wi-Fi.

• A basic setup would be for the user to connect the Extreme Music Server to a generic router directly or via a generic network switch.
• This setup can be upgraded by adding the Extreme Network Switch to achieve a significant improvement in Sound Quality. For older Extreme Music Servers, the Extreme Network Card can be retrofitted. To raise the bar even further, the user can add the Extreme Router to create an audio exclusive (isolated) network unimpaired by typical home network processes and traffic.
• The Router has a single WAN (‘input’) network port which connects to your home network to provide internet access for the audio network. It has 3 separately configurable outputs, one of which connects to your music server or, preferably, the Extreme Switch. the 2 other outputs can be used for additional desired connectivity, such as for example a dedicated Wi-Fi Access Point and/or a wired control computer.

Features

• 1 SFP port that can accept an SFP Module or a DAC cable. Note that this SFP port only works with 1Gb connections. It will not work with 100mbit connections.
• 4 RJ45 ports of which 3 can be used when the DAC port is enabled. Note that the 4th RJ45 port cannot be used simultaneously with the SFP port.
• The Router creates a separate clean Audio-only network in series with (connected downstream of) your Internet Service Provider-supplied modem/router or any other router.
• Serve as a NAS (for music storage), an external USB drive can be connected.

Ports and connections

• 1 SFP port that can accept a DAC cable. Note that this SFP port only works with 1Gb connections. It will not work with 100mbit connections.
• 4 RJ45 ports of which 3 can be used when the DAC port is enabled. Note that the 4th RJ45 port on the far right cannot be used simultaneously with the SFP port.
• The top USB port can be used to connect SSD- or HDD drives to enable using the Router as a NAS for music storage.
• The bottom USB port is not connected and cannot be used.
• Factory Reset: hold down the ‘Factory Reset’ button and keep it down -> simultaneously press the ‘Reset’ button until the orange ‘ON’ light starts flashing -> let go of the ‘Factory Reset’ once this light has stopped flashing.

• The Green ‘POWER’ LED indicates that power is on and the Router is starting.

• The Orange ‘ON’ LED indicates that the Router is ready for use.

Connection

• For installation, you need to connect your regular Router or Switch’s output to the Taiko Extreme Router using an Ethernet cable with RJ45 connector. The first RJ45 port on the left, next to the USB ports, labeled INPUT/WAN is port which should be used as the main input.
• The 2 RJ45 ports next to the WAN RJ45 port are general purpose ports. The SFP connector on the far right is used as a LAN port and is the preferred method of connection to the Extreme Network Switch.
• As standard, the Router and Switch are powered by the two supplied Wall-Wart power adapters. Please see the following image for reference.

• Optionally, the Switch and the Router can both be powered from a single power supply via the Extreme DC Power Distributor. The power supply may be the supplied Wall-Wart Power Adapter or an audiophile switched or linear power supply. A better power supply does provide even better sound quality.
• The Extreme DC Power Distributor offers improved performance over two separate power supplies, especially when using a DAC cable to connect the Extreme Router to the Extreme Switch.
• Please see the following image for reference.

• The DC Power Distributor offers 2 unfiltered outputs, 2 Default Outputs, and an Alt1 and Alt2 output. The Default outputs are what we recommend starting with. More information can be found in the DC Power Distributor Documentation which can be downloaded from the Downloads section on the Taiko website: https://taikoaudio.com/taiko-2020/taiko-audio-downloads

Installation

• There are several ways to install the Extreme Router, but the easiest method is to use Roon as this will work from both your home Wi-Fi and the Taiko Extreme Router Wi-Fi. Additionally, this will enable hearing the difference when switching from the home Wi-Fi to the Taiko Extreme Router Wi-Fi.
• The Router creates a ‘Taiko Audio’ Wi-Fi network. The password for this can be found on the bottom of the Router. Functionally, this works the same as with any other router.

Do not use a Static IP Address
Extreme Music Servers are supplied as standard with DHCP enabled which means that a router is free to supply it an available IP Address. However, if you have deliberately configured a static IP address on your Extreme Music Server, it is recommended to remove this and configure the Server to auto-assign an IP address before installing the Taiko router.

Installation Methods
Below are 3 installation Methods, starting with the simplest method using Roon.

• Installation Method 1 – Using Roon for automatic Discovery:

1. The first step is to switch to Roon if you are using XDMS, before inserting the Router. Roon Discovery works through the router using your home Wi-Fi so you will not need to use an IP lookup app and change your Control Point’s Wi-Fi (usually your iPad) at the same time.
2. Then proceed with connecting the Taiko Extreme Router (and DC Distributor if you ordered one) per the instructions in this guide and the other documentation that can be found on the Downloads page on the Taiko Audio website: https://taikoaudio.com/taiko-2020/taiko-audio-downloads.
3. After everything is connected and powered up, unplug the network cable from the Taiko Extreme Switch to the Taiko Extreme Music Server (usually a DAC cable) for a few seconds and plug it back in. Alternatively, you can also power off the Taiko switch for a few seconds and power it back on. This will achieve the same as unplugging the network cable. This will force the Extreme Music Server to refresh its IP address with a new one that is provided by the Taiko router.  

Now, Roon should be able to reconnect from your regular Wi-Fi, and you can see the new IP address in the Roon Control App. To see the IP Address in Roon, go to Settings –> General and look at the ’Roon Core’ section.

• Installation Method 2 – For users of XDMS who do not want to use Roon:

1. Connect the Control Point (usually your iPad tablet) (which runs the XDMS client) to the new Taiko Extreme Router Wi-Fi.
2. Disconnect and reconnect the Network Cable to the Extreme Music Server to force the new IP address. Unplug the network cable from the Taiko Extreme Switch to the Taiko Extreme Music Server (usually a DAC cable) for a few seconds and plug it back in. Alternatively, you can also power off the Taiko Switch for a few seconds and power it back on. This will achieve the same as unplugging the network cable. This will force the Extreme Music Server to refresh its IP address with a new one that is provided by the Taiko router.
3. Run FING on the tablet to find the Server’s new IP address and use this in XDMS. FING should find 3 IP addresses: The Extreme Server, Router, and tablet/client.
4. Reboot the Extreme to trigger XDMS to register the new IP Address. Then you can use your Extreme’s Serial Number with the option “Fetch” in the ‘Settings’ –> ‘Connect’ screen of the XDMS App.

• Installation Method 3 – Manually for advanced Users
  Connect a desktop or laptop to the Taiko Extreme Router via wired Ethernet or connect to the Taiko Wi-Fi, whilst making sure to be disconnected from the home network. This desktop or laptop will get a DHCP address from the Taiko router. Then in an internet browser, log in to the Taiko Extreme Router’s admin web UI and reconfigure it appropriately, per the recommendations in this manual.

Connectivity Issues

• If you run into connectivity issues then the most likely cause is that SFP network ports don’t auto negotiate / automatically refresh like RJ45 ports do. SFP ports also do not automatically re-establish a network connection after it went down.
• What this means is that when you connect the Extreme Network Switch to the Extreme Network Router, the Extreme Network Card inside the Extreme Music Server cannot see that something has changed and it will not refresh its IP address. In other words, the Router needs to be up and running before the Switch. This can be fixed using either of the following 3 methods.
  • Option 1: Re-plugging the DAC cable between Server and Switch
  • Option 2: Power cycling the Switch
  • Option 3: Restarting the Music Server.
• This is also automatically accomplished if you follow the following ‘startup’ procedure:
  1. Power on the Router, wait until the ‘ON’ LED is on and/or the network ports are blinking (which indicates that it is on).
  2. Power on the Switch.

Everything connected properly but still having Connectivity Issues?

• Then try the routine below which works universally.
  1. Power OFF the router and the switch by unplugging their DC cables. Turn OFF the Extreme Server from the button on the front. Leave the DC Distributor (if you have one) powered ON.
  2. Power ON the router first. Wait 2 minutes.
  3. Power ON the switch. Wait 1 minute.
  4. Power ON the Taiko Extreme.
  5. Connect to the Taiko WiFI.
• Technically, Fetch IP in XDMS should work at this point (from the device connected to the Taiko WiFi network). If it does not, you can run an IP scanner to discover the Extreme’s IP address.
• Roon should also work automatically from the device connected to the Taiko WiFi. If it does not, try restarting the Roon app on your tablet/computer. In any case, make you sure you are connected to the Taiko WiFi network.
• Roon remotes should also work from the upstream network. The router is setup to allow Roon discovery from the “WAN” side, and in this case your “WAN” is your current home network.
• In other words, Roon remote should also work when you are connected to your home Wi-Fi network and not to the “taiko audio” Wi-Fi.

First authentication

• Open a web browser on the device connected to the Audio Router. Enter the router’s IP address in the browser’s address bar. By default, the IP address of the router is 192.168.100.1
• You will see the following login screen:

• To log in, you need to use the user ‘admin’ and enter the password which is located at the bottom of the device.
• All routers have random unique passwords meaning you can leave it as is. There is no need to change it for safety reasons. However, the password can be difficult to memorize so the user may decide to change it for convenience.
• After successful login, you will see the following screen:

• If you want to change the password, please go to ‘System->Administration’ and enter a new password. See the password change screen:

Network setup

• You can set up your Internet connection.
• By default, the router uses Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) to obtain Internet access parameters. Therefore, the Internet connection should work automatically after turning on the router. Most Routers will work this way. If you know that your router does not provide DHCP, then you need to configure access to the Internet in accordance with the recommendations of your provider.
• Please, go to ‘Network->Interfaces’ and click on the ‘Edit’ button on the line where the WAN/eth0 interface is located. See the screenshot below:

• You can set it to manual or specify another protocol for Internet access.

USB drive sharing

• Please insert your USB drive into the uppermost USB port. Go to ‘System-Mount Points’, scroll down to ‘Mount Points’ and click on the ‘Add’ button.

• In the new window, you must select your USB drive and enter the name of the directory to mount and then click the ‘Save’ button. For example, you can type ‘/vault’ directory.

• Then, you must scroll down and click the ‘Save & Apply’ button.

Firmware update

• To ensure the highest level of security we strongly advise always keeping the router software up to date. To indicate the availability of updates in the user interface, there is a ‘FIRMWARE’ button in the upper right corner. If it is green, then a new update is available. If it is grey, then the system has the latest updates installed and no action is required.
• To update the firmware, click on the ‘FIRMWARE’ button or go to ‘System-Firmware Update’ and click on the ‘Check Update’ button. If the update is present, you can click the ‘Install’ button. See the screenshot below:

Specifications

• The Router is powered by any normal 12-19V DC power supply. A standard wall-wart power supply is included but the Router will sound better with a higher-end power supply.

• The Router may also be powered by our new to be released Taiko Audio BPS
  (Battery Power Supply).

• The ultimate current solution would be to add the Extreme DC Power Distributor. This allows you to power both the Extreme Switch and Router from the same power supply while offering improved performance over 2 separate power supplies, especially when using a DAC cable to connect the Extreme Router to the Extreme Switch.

• Power input: 12-19V DC. (12V is the optimal voltage)

• Current draw at 12V: 500mA natively. Note that the total current draw depends on the supplied voltage.

• Earth Screw: M6 with 4mm hex screwdriver hole (use screw length and or washers as needed)

• Product Dimensions: 21 x 21 x 6 cm (with feet)

• Connector Dimensions: 2.5 inner / 5.5 outer / 11.3mm length (14mm recommended)

• Weight: 13.1 Kg / 28.7 lbs

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