Chord English Electric 8Switch EU Ethernet Switch

Chord English Electric 8Switch EU is an eight-port Gigabit Ethernet switch. It is designed to connect several network devices within a wired music-streaming network. This model is made under English Electric, a brand belonging to The Chord Company.

The switch has been modified and upgraded in accordance with requirements specified by English Electric. Its role is to bring networked music equipment together at a single point within a wired network. It does not replace a router and cannot provide an internet connection by itself.

Who is this switch for?

This model is suitable for systems in which music sources receive data through a wired Ethernet network. Compatible network equipment may include network players, music servers and other devices that use an Ethernet connection.

Eight network ports make it possible to centralise wired connections. This is useful when the router does not have enough available ports or when the audio equipment is installed in a separate part of the system, away from the router.

The practical value of eight ports

In a typical arrangement, one port is used for the connection to the router. The remaining seven ports can then serve endpoint devices on the network. All of these connections become part of the same local network.

This arrangement reduces the need to run a separate cable from every device directly to the router. A network player, music server and other components that use wired networking can instead be connected together at one convenient point.

Eight ports do not necessarily mean eight additional device connections. When the switch must be connected to an existing network, that link also occupies one of its ports. It is therefore important to count both the network connection and the intended endpoint devices when planning the installation.

Gigabit network connectivity

Each port supports GbE connectivity. Gigabit speed is useful when music files are being transferred between a server, storage device and network player. Actual transfer speed depends on the complete network chain rather than on the switch alone.

To use a gigabit connection, the connected devices and Ethernet cables must also support it. A slower component anywhere in the chain may limit the available data-transfer speed. The switch does not increase the networking capabilities of a connected device or make a slower device operate at gigabit speed.

Connecting it to a music system

First connect the switch to a working local network. The music-streaming devices can then be connected with separate Ethernet cables. Choose cable lengths according to the actual distances involved and avoid leaving unnecessary coils of spare cable.

The switch carries network data, so its ports are not audio inputs or outputs. Analogue RCA cables, digital audio cables and speaker cables must not be connected to them. Audio processing remains the responsibility of the connected network player or another appropriate component in the system.

In a stereo or home cinema installation, the 8Switch is useful only for components that use network connectivity. Amplifiers and players without an Ethernet connection cannot be connected directly to this model.

Placement and cable planning

The switch can be positioned near the part of the system containing the largest number of wired network connections. This can allow shorter cable runs and make it easier to identify the purpose of each port when installing, checking or changing the system.

Choose a stable location with enough room for every connection in use. Cables should not be tightly bent or placed under strain. Before routing them permanently, plan the link to the router as well as the individual connection to each endpoint device.

If the system requires more than seven endpoint connections in addition to its link to the network, one 8Switch may not provide enough ports. In that situation, the network topology must be planned around the total number of devices that need wired connections.

Technical specifications

FAQ

Does this device replace an internet router?

No. It is a network switch intended to expand the wired connections available on a local network. A router is still required to provide internet access and perform network routing.

How many devices can be connected?

The switch has eight network ports. If one port is used for the connection to the router, seven ports remain available for endpoint devices.

Can an amplifier be connected directly to it?

Only an amplifier equipped with an Ethernet connection can be connected in this way. Analogue and digital audio connections are not compatible with the network ports.

Is it suitable for a home cinema system?

It can be used to connect home cinema components that have network connectivity. The switch does not carry a speaker signal and does not replace an AV amplifier.

What cables are required?

You need network cables suitable for Gigabit Ethernet connectivity. A separate cable must run from every connected device to the switch.

Does the switch improve sound quality by itself?

The available information does not confirm that this switch improves sound quality by itself. Its purpose is to distribute a wired network connection.

What does EU mean in the model name?

EU is part of the exact model name. That designation alone does not confirm a particular plug type, voltage or package contents.