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Setting up Wired Plex Media Server with google Wifi

Posted on 12/28/21 at 11:50 am
Posted by taylork37
Member since Mar 2010
15317 posts
Posted on 12/28/21 at 11:50 am
I currently have Google Wifi with a wirelessly connected Plex media server. The media server (which I also use as my home/office PC) is the furthest device from the modem/base router puck. Between the base router puck and my server are two additional pucks that are both needed due to the length of my house as well as the multiple plaster/lathe walls that seem to kill signal significantly.

Often times when playing better quality media (larger file size) on devices scattered throughout my house I have buffering and/or video quality issues. Remote streaming is almost always a no go, even with lesser quality videos. Internet upload/download speeds aside, I am wondering if plugging my server directly into the base wifi router node or even in to a switch that is hooked to the base node/router will provide a significant enough improvement to mitigate the issue.

If that is something that would help, is it just as easy as plugging the wired connection from the server directly in to the main wifi puck or will I need to throw a switch in there somewhere?

Thanks!

Posted by Korkstand
Member since Nov 2003
28687 posts
Posted on 12/28/21 at 12:55 pm to
quote:

I am wondering if plugging my server directly into the base wifi router node or even in to a switch that is hooked to the base node/router will provide a significant enough improvement to mitigate the issue.
Most likely yes.
quote:

is it just as easy as plugging the wired connection from the server directly in to the main wifi puck or will I need to throw a switch in there somewhere?
Should be as easy as plugging into the main puck, assuming it has a free port. But although it's easy, and maybe I have misunderstood your configuration, but this cable will have to basically go from one end of the house to the other? Do you know how you will route it?


IMO the better (but more costly) solution would be to get a dedicated box for your media server. It would live right next to your other network gear. I say it would cost more, but that really depends on how much time and money you will save by not running the long cable. Also, a dedicated plex box doesn't have to be all that high powered, and it could actually save you money on electricity and cooling bills if your PC is allowed to hibernate. Might seem inconsequential, but it can add up to $50/year or more. Ballpark $1 per watt per year of 24/7 operation.
Posted by taylork37
Member since Mar 2010
15317 posts
Posted on 12/28/21 at 1:03 pm to
Thanks for the quick response dude!

quote:

But although it's easy, and maybe I have misunderstood your configuration, but this cable will have to basically go from one end of the house to the other? Do you know how you will route it?


This is correct, but I don't think it will take more than a couple hours and a long CAT5 to make this work, although it will be somewhat crude.

quote:

IMO the better (but more costly) solution would be to get a dedicated box for your media server.


Can you recommend me something that is pre-built? I can build a PC if the cost is that much different but curious what my options are.

Thanks again.
Posted by DoubleDown
New Orleans, Louisiana
Member since Oct 2008
12846 posts
Posted on 12/28/21 at 6:10 pm to
Piggybacking on this thread, I stopped my plex server through the plex app on my nVidia shield tv pro. However now I can’t restart it.

The option where it says “running” or stopped is just gone. I’ve deleted the plex app and restarted… any ideas.
Posted by DoubleDown
New Orleans, Louisiana
Member since Oct 2008
12846 posts
Posted on 12/28/21 at 7:04 pm to
Yikes apparently there’s a bug on the latest plex app for nVidia shield tv that is causing this issue.
Pro tip: don’t stop your server for a while!

LINK
Posted by Puffoluffagus
Savannah, GA
Member since Feb 2009
6089 posts
Posted on 12/28/21 at 9:41 pm to
Worth noting that the Google wifi only has one Ethernet out. I'd you have any plans to add smart devices, hubs etc, I would just go ahead and get a switch.
Posted by DoubleDown
New Orleans, Louisiana
Member since Oct 2008
12846 posts
Posted on 12/28/21 at 9:50 pm to
Funny you bring that up, got a switch for my main entertainment area off of 1 google puck/node.

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