Router and Switch Adjustments for Echo

[Crash2009]

I read a lot of suggestions this week regarding router and switch adjustments.

The first one was bypass the switch and plug in the HTPC and the Echo in to the router, then as soon as Echo gives you an IP, DMZ the Echo in the router. I think the idea was to simplify troubleshooting and eliminate the switch as a possibility for error, and DMZ as a fast and simple port forward so the Echo can reach the update server. Can someone suggest the correct way to port forward the Echo. I would prefer to just open the ports that Echo needs, rather than being wide open.

I have noticed that live TV plays better (perfectly) when the HTPC and the Echo are plugged in the router, compared to being plugged in to the switch.

I have a managed switch that I don't know how to manage. Yeah I have a management console, with Putty, TFTP, HTTPS, and all that good stuff. But is there some configuration that needs to be done to the switch ports that are connected to the Echo's and HTPC?