Taiko Audio TAP011 Extreme Router User Manual

Taiko Audio TAP011 Extreme Router

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 Concept

Housed in a beautiful 22 x 22 x 5 cm / 9 x 9 x 2 inch solid copper chassis, the Taiko Audio Extreme Router yields a significant lowering of noise using two mechanisms. First, it controls the amount and flow of data by creating a dedicated audio-only network for the Extreme Music Server. Secondarily, it allows the user’s Control Point (usually a tablet) to connect to its built-in Wi-Fi functionality for controlling the Extreme Music Server.

The Wi-Fi functionality has been very carefully implemented and optimized for the best Sound Quality. With these combined techniques, the Extreme Music Server is isolated from the traffic generated by the home network. The 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.

The Extreme Router is pre-configured for Port-Forwarding to enable the use of tablets via your regular existing Wi-Fi Access Point to control Roon on the Extreme Music Server and streaming to an external Roon Endpoint, if desired. However, the best performance is obtained by connecting the control device to the Extreme Router’s built-in Wi-Fi.

The Router can also be configured to enable VNC, TeamViewer, and File Sharing, but this has not been implemented by default.

The Extreme Router is designed to work in tandem with the Extreme Switch to yield a stunning combined increase in sound quality. The sound quality can be even further elevated by adding the Extreme DC Power Distributor or one of our upcoming BPS solutions.

The Extreme Router (and Extreme Switch) are most effective when used with our Extreme Music Server, but the combo can also be used with other manufacturer’s servers or streamers.

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.

Features

• 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.
• By connecting an external USB drive, the Router can serve as a NAS for music storage.
  

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.

Wi-Fi Access Points

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)

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.

Important Notice

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.

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.

Power

The Router is powered by any normal 12-19V DC power supply. A standard wall- wart power supply is included. Please see the following image for reference.

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.

Optionally, the Router and Switch 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 a single 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.

Please see the following image for reference for how to connect the Router and Switch via the DC Power Distributor.

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

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.

First Use

The Extreme Router creates a dedicated ‘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. We also have the passwords on file and they are available by request.

To connect with your Control Point (usually your iPad) to the Extreme Music Server via the Extreme Router, join the Extreme Router’s dedicated ‘Taiko Audio’ Wi-Fi network. Now, your control point is connected to the Extreme Music Server.

At this point, please note that the server’s IP Address will change because it is now being controlled by DHCP running on the Extreme Router rather than on your default home Router.

Connect to Roon

If you use Roon, then there is no need to find or fetch the new IP Address. The connection should simply re-establish automatically and Roon should work automatically from the Roon Remote Control Point (usually your iPad) connected to the Taiko Wi-Fi network. If it does not, try restarting the Roon app on your Control Point. In any case, make you sure you are connected to the Taiko Wi-Fi network.

The router is pre-configured to allow Roon discovery from the “WAN” side, which is your current home network. As a result, Roon Remote Control Points should also work from the upstream network without needing to know the IP address.

In other words, Roon Remote should also work when you are connected to your home Wi-Fi network instead of the “taiko audio” Wi-Fi. However, please note that the best Sound Quality is achieved when connecting via the dedicated Taiko Audio Wi-Fi network.

Connect to XDMS

For XDMS, you need to connect the Control Point to the Taiko Wi-Fi network. With the factory-standard Router setup, XDMS cannot be controlled from your home network.

When using XDMS for the first time after adding the Router, there is an additional step which is to re-connect the XDMS app to the Server using the new IP Address.

SFP network ports don’t auto negotiate / automatically refresh like RJ45 ports do. Because of this, you may need to trigger the Switch or Server to trigger an IP Address refresh. In other words, you may need to make the Switch or Server aware of the updated IP Address.

Normally, it will suffice to remove the power from the Switch, wait 10 seconds, and reconnect it. Instead, you may opt to disconnect one of the Switch’s DAC cables, wait 10 seconds, and reconnect it. This will have the same result. Make you sure you are connected to the Taiko Wi-Fi network.

Now, start XDMS, go to ‘Settings’ – ’Connect’. Enter your Extreme Server’s Serial Number (this can be found on the rear of your server) in the upper field and then tap ‘Fetch’. Alternatively, you can use third party app ‘Fing’ to scan your network and obtain the new IP Address, enter it in the lower field, and tap ‘Connect’. The XDMS app will connect and then you are all set.

Ideal Start Up Routine

To prevent or solve connectivity issues, the easiest solution is to follow the below start up routine.

1. Disconnect and reconnect the Network Cable to the Extreme Music Server to force the new IP address. Unplug the network cable from the Extreme Switch to the 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

Step by Step Connection Methods

Below are detailed step-by-step instructions describing the two Connection Methods.

Connection 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-audiodownloads.
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. You can then enter this IP Address in XDMS.

Connection Method 2 – For users of XDMS who do not wish 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. If Fetch does not retrieve the correct IP address you can enter it manually in the field below.

Solving 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: Power cycling the Switch
Option 2: Re-plugging the DAC cable between Server and 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.

Factory Reset

1. Hold down the ‘Factory Reset’ button and keep it down. Simultaneously press the ‘Reset’ button for 2 seconds. Keep the ‘Factory Reset’ button down.
2. The orange ‘ON’ LED will come on, but keep pressing the Factory Reset button.
3. Next, the orange ‘ON’ LED will start flashing. When it finished flashing, let go of the ‘Factory Reset’.

Accessing the Router Web Interface

For normal recommended use, it is not required to change any internal settings for the Extreme Router. But if you want to explore its settings or want to make changes, you can do this via its Web Interface. The interface can be found at the Router’s default IP Address 192.168.100.1.

➔ Please note that the interface is not accessible from your regular home network.

There are three ways to connect. In most cases, the first option is easiest.

1. Connect your tablet, phone, or laptop directly to the Extreme Router’s Taiko Wi-Fi network.
2. Alternatively, you can connect a desktop or laptop to the Extreme Router via wired Ethernet, whilst making sure to be disconnected from the home network. The desktop or laptop will now receive a new DHCP address from the Taiko router.
3. Log onto the Extreme Music Server via VNC, start an internet browser, and go from there.

In an internet browser, type http://192.168.100.1 to log in to the Extreme Router’s admin web UI and reconfigure it as required, per the recommendations below.

After entering the IP Address, you will see the following login screen:

To log in, use the following credentials:

• Username = ‘admin’ (not ‘Admin’ as indicated on some early labels)
• Password = located at the bottom of the Extreme Router

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.

Change Wi-Fi Channel

Log in to the Router’s Web Interface. This takes you to the main page.

Go to Network – Wireless

Tap “Edit” under Wireless Overview, second row

In the screen that pops up next, tap ‘Channel’

This produces a popup list

Choose your desired channel, scroll down to the bottom and tap Save

Port Forwarding

The Extreme Router offers a lot of functionality beyond the functions described in this manual. Please note that we need to limit our support to the standard features.

The Router is pre-configured with Port Forwarding rules to allow Roon playback across networks. While further Port Forwarding configuration is possible, for instance to access the Server via VNC, or enable File Sharing from the Home network to the Taiko Audio network, this does not currently fall under the default supported configuration for the Router.

Below are basic guidelines for configuring Port Forwarding. Please note that we cannot provide further support for this. In case you get stuck or want to start with a clean slate, there is always the option to reset the Router back to factory settings (chapter 20).

VNC

1. On the Taiko Router to go Network-> Traffic Rules -> click on ‘Add’ at the bottom
   
   Click save; then click Save and Apply

2. – Go to Network-> Firewall -> Port Forwards-> click ‘Add’
   
   click Save; click Save & Apply

3. Go to your computer on your main router (Wi-Fi or Wired) and open VNC.

Create a new connection or edit an existing one. The IP address is the Taiko Router’s IP address on your main router. This is not the Taiko Router IP default gateway of 192.168.100.1. You should now be able to VNC to the Extreme using your main network.

File Sharing

1. On the Taiko Router to go Network-> Traffic Rules -> click on ‘Add’ at the bottom
   
   Click save; then click Save and Apply

2. – Go to Network-> Firewall -> Port Forwards-> click ‘Add,
   
   Click save; then click Save and Apply

On a windows computer you should now to be able to go into file explorer and ‘Map A Network Drive’.

In ‘Folder’, type “\\192.168.1.180\music” where “192.168.1.180” is your actual Taiko Router IP address (same as with VNC).

The username and password are the same credentials as VNC as well.

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 RED , then a new update is available. If it is GREY , then the system has the latest updates installed and no action is required.

In the screenshot below, Firmware is shown as available:

To update the firmware, click on the ‘FIRMWARE’ button or go to the ‘System’ menu, select ‘Firmware Update’ and click on the ‘Check Update’ button.

If the update is present, you can click the ‘Install’ button.

The update will auto-install:

Then, the Router will be rebooted:

➔ Unless you made Taiko Wi-Fi your default network, please note that the tablet, laptop, or phone will reconnect to your Home Wi-Fi when the Taiko Router’s Wi-Fi shuts down as a result from the reboot. Simply reselect Taiko Wi-Fi in your device’s settings to continue.

When the Router has rebooted, please log in again with the same credentials as used before:

The grey FIRMWARE button top right indicates that the update has been completed successfully.

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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