TAIKO Audio Extreme User manual

P a g e 1 | 28
Taiko Audio Extreme Router
Manual
Table of Contents
02.Safety
03. The dierence between a Router and a Switch
04. The Concept
07. Features
08. Ports and Connecons
10.Connecon
12. First Use
12. Connect to Roon
13. Connect to XDMS
14. Ideal Start Up Roune
15. Step by Step Connecon Methods
17. Solving Connecvity Issues
Advanced Use
18. First authencaon
20.Network setup
21. USB drive sharing
22. Change Wi-Fi Channel
26. Firmware update
28. Specicaons

P a g e 2 | 28
Safety
The Taiko Audio Extreme Router is the perfect soluon for networks requiring
more than the standard router. This high-performing router is based on the
NXP Layerscape® chipset technology and specically selected router rmware
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 migate their impact were taken into consideraon.
It is protected against unauthorized access and malicious acvity, including
disabling services, segmentaon of the hardware to restrict access, conguring
rewalls, and performing regular updates. As we develop and host these
updates ourselves we’ll nofy 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 encrypon keys and other sensive
data. This ensures that malicious actors can’t access the audio router and its
audio network and that any rmware or soware updates are veried 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.

P a g e 3 | 28
The dierence 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 soware level based on IP addresses while a switch works
on a hardware level based on MAC addresses.
A Switch can reduce trac to a device by learning and storing which MAC
address is connected to which port so it can send data to that device
specically addressed to it, while sending data for other devices over its other
ports, reducing the amount of trac on the port your device uses. This does
not do anything to reduce broadcast trac which is sent to all devices on the
network.
A Router can control the trac which is sent and broadcast on your network.
Talking in reducon terms, a router can reduce the amount of trac on the
enre network while a Switch can reduce the amount of trac on a segment of
that network. The combinaon of a Router and a Switch allows the control of
trac on a hardware and soware level which can lower trac to a larger
degree than a single Switch, or even mulple daisy-chained Switches, can do.

P a g e 4 | 28
The Concept
Housed in a beauful 22 x 22 x 5 cm / 9 x 9 x 2 inch solid copper chassis, the
Taiko Audio Extreme Router yields a signicant lowering of noise using two
mechanisms. First, it controls the amount and ow of data by creang 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
funconality for controlling the Extreme Music Server.
The Wi-Fi funconality has been very carefully implemented and opmized for
the best Sound Quality. With these combined techniques, the Extreme Music
Server is isolated from the trac 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 selecng the network in your control device
(usually an iPad) Wi-Fi sengs, just like you do with your exisng regular Wi-Fi
Access Point.
The Extreme Router is prepared for Port-Forwarding to allow the use of tablets
via your regular exisng Access Point if desired. Among others, this allows
controlling Roon and XDMS on the Extreme Music Server, as well as enabling
VNC, TeamViewer, and le sharing. In addion, it also allows streaming to an
external Roon Endpoint.
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 soluons.
The Extreme Router (and Extreme Switch) are most eecve when used with
our Extreme Music Server, but the combo can also be used with other
manufacturer’s servers or streamers.

P a g e 5 | 28
When adding the Extreme Router to an exisng 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 addion, the Extreme Router will be prepared for Port-Forwarding to allow
using tablets via your regular exisng Access Point if so desired. Among others,
this allows controlling Roon and XDMS on the Extreme Server, as well as
enabling VNC, TeamViewer, and le sharing and it also allows streaming to an
external Roon Endpoint. However, the best performance is obtained by
connecng the control device to the Extreme Router’s built-in Wi-Fi.

P a g e 6 | 28
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
signicant improvement in Sound Quality. For older Extreme Music Servers, the
Extreme Network Card can be retroed. 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 trac.
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 congurable outputs, one of which connects to your music server or,
preferably, the Extreme Switch. the 2 other outputs can be used for addional
desired connecvity, such as for example a dedicated Wi-Fi Access Point and/or
a wired control computer.

P a g e 7 | 28
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.

P a g e 8 | 28
Ports and connecons
•1 SFP port that can accept a DAC cable. Note that this SFP port only
works with 1Gb connecons. It will not work with 100mbit connecons.
•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 boom USB port is not connected and cannot be used.
•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’.

P a g e 9 | 28
The Green ‘POWER’ LED indicates that power is on and the Router is starng.
The Orange ‘ON’ LED indicates that the Router is ready for use.

P a g e 10 | 28
Important Noce
Do not use a Stac 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 congured a stac IP address on your Extreme Music Server,
it is recommended to remove this and congure the Server to auto-assign an IP
address before installing the Taiko router.
Connecon
For installaon, you need to connect your regular Router or Switch’s output to
the Taiko Extreme Router using an Ethernet cable with RJ45 connector. The rst
RJ45 port on the le, 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
connecon 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.

P a g e 11 | 28
The power supply may be the supplied Wall-Wart Power Adapter or an
audiophile switched or linear power supply. A beer power supply does
provide even beer sound quality.
Oponally, the Router and Switch may also be powered by our new to be
released Taiko Audio BPS (Baery Power Supply).
The ulmate current soluon 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 oering 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 oers 2 unltered outputs, 2 Default Outputs, and an
Alt1 and Alt2 output. The Default outputs are what we recommend starng
with. More informaon can be found in the DC Power Distributor
Documentaon which can be downloaded from the Downloads secon on the
Taiko website: hps://taikoaudio.com/taiko-2020/taiko-audio-downloads

P a g e 12 | 28
First Use
The Extreme Router creates a dedicated ‘Taiko Audio’ Wi-Fi network. The
password for this can be found on the boom of the Router. Funconally, this
works the same as with any other router. We also have the passwords on le
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 nd or fetch the new IP Address. The
connecon should simply re-establish automacally and Roon should work
automacally from the Roon Remote Control Point (usually your iPad)
connected to the Taiko Wi-Fi network. If it does not, try restarng 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-congured 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.
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. However, please
note that the best Sound Quality is achieved when connecng via the
dedicated Taiko Audio Wi-Fi network.

P a g e 13 | 28
Connect to XDMS
If you use XDMS, there is an addional step which is to re-connect the XDMS
app to the Server using the new IP Address.
SFP network ports don't auto negoate / automacally 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 suce 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 ‘Sengs’ - ’Connect’. Enter your Extreme Server’s Serial
Number (this can be found on the rear of your server) in the upper eld and
then tap ‘Fetch’. Alternavely, you can use third party app ‘Fing’ to scan your
network and obtain the new IP Address, enter it in the lower eld, and tap
‘Connect’. The XDMS app will connect and then you are all set.

P a g e 14 | 28
Ideal Start Up Roune
To prevent or solve connecvity issues, the easiest soluon is to follow the
below start up roune.
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.

P a g e 15 | 28
Step by Step Connecon Methods
Below are detailed step-by-step instrucons describing the two Connecon
Methods.
Connecon Method 1 - Using Roon for automac 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 Sengs --> General and look at the ’Roon Core’ secon.
Connecon Method 2 – For users of XDMS who do not want to use Roon:
4. Connect the Control Point (usually your iPad tablet) (which runs the
XDMS client) to the new Taiko Extreme Router Wi-Fi.
5. 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

P a g e 16 | 28
the Extreme Music Server to refresh its IP address with a new one that is
provided by the Taiko router.
6. 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.
7. 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.

P a g e 17 | 28
Solving Connecvity Issues
If you run into connecvity issues then the most likely cause is that SFP
network ports don't auto negoate / automacally refresh like RJ45 ports do.
SFP ports also do not automacally re-establish a network connecon aer 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 xed using either of the following 3 methods.
Opon 1: Power cycling the Switch
Opon 2: Re-plugging the DAC cable between Server and Switch
Opon 3: Restarng the Music Server.
This is also automacally accomplished if you follow the following ‘startup’
procedure:
1) Power on the Router, wait unl the ‘ON’ LED is on and/or the network ports
are blinking (which indicates that it is on).
2) Power on the Switch.

P a g e 18 | 28
First authencaon
For normal recommended use, it is not required to change any internal sengs
for the Extreme Router. But if you want to explore its sengs 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 rst opon 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 hp://192.168.100.1 to log in to the Extreme
Router's admin web UI and recongure it as required, per the
recommendaons below.
Aer entering the IP Address, you will see the following login screen:
To log in, use the following credenals:
-Username = ‘admin’ (not ‘Admin’ as indicated on some early labels)
-Password = located at the bottom of the Extreme Router

P a g e 19 | 28
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
dicult to memorize so the user may decide to change it for convenience.
Aer successful login, you will see the following screen:
If you want to change the password, please go to ‘System->Administraon’ and
enter a new password. See the password change screen:

P a g e 20 | 28
Network setup
You can set up your Internet connecon.
By default, the router uses Dynamic Host Conguraon Protocol (DHCP) to
obtain Internet access parameters. Therefore, the Internet connecon should
work automacally aer turning on the router. Most Routers will work this way.
If you know that your router does not provide DHCP, then you need to
congure access to the Internet in accordance with the recommendaons of
your provider.
Please, go to ‘Network->Interfaces’ and click on the ‘Edit’ buon 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.