Local media server for School

[Yehuda25]

I'm looking for some kind of local media server for streaming videos locally (without needing an internet connection)

We are currently using Plex, but its having its issues when too many students are using it simultaneously.


Does anyone know of a good one?


Thanks!

[pcgeek]

Is it possible that the plex issue is hardware limitations? If it is, changing the server may not help..

[Yehuda25]

Is it possible that the plex issue is hardware limitations? If it is, changing the server may not help..

Excellent point. It is a possibility, however its not transcoding, should that take basically all the load off of it?

[pcgeek]

Excellent point. It is a possibility, however its not transcoding, should that take basically all the load off of it?

That does take a lot of the load off of it.  However, HDD speed will still be an issue depending on the number of simultaneous users. The CPU might not be able to handle many streams as well

[Yehuda25]

That does take a lot of the load off of it.  However, HDD speed will still be an issue depending on the number of simultaneous users. The CPU might not be able to handle many streams as well

Thanks, will definitely try upgrading.

 
For approximately 50 Users on average, with a max of 150, what specs would you recommend?

[pcgeek]

Thanks, will definitely try upgrading.

 
For approximately 50 Users on average, with a max of 150, what specs would you recommend?

As far as HDD is concerned, a (very) rough estimate of the read speed you require for 150 users is 130 MBps for 1080p. It really depends on the bit rate of your videos. You can configure multiple HDDs in RAID 0 to improve performance, or better yet get an SSD. Regarding the CPU, it's hard to say.. I suggest you monitor CPU usage at peak traffic, and report back here

[Yehuda25]

As far as HDD is concerned, a (very) rough estimate of the read speed you require for 150 users is 130 MBps for 1080p. It really depends on the bit rate of your videos. You can configure multiple HDDs in RAID 0 to improve performance, or better yet get an SSD. Regarding the CPU, it's hard to say.. I suggest you monitor CPU usage at peak traffic, and report back here

SSD it is. Videos are streamed at 480p.

I guess ill have to monitor the cpu as you said.


Ram? Knock in 16gb?

[pcgeek]

SSD it is. Videos are streamed at 480p.

I guess ill have to monitor the cpu as you said.


Ram? Knock in 16gb?

I don't know how much RAM it requires. Try monitoring?

[Yehuda25]

I don't know how much RAM it requires. Try monitoring?

sometimes during peak times really does not look like its working too hard, Ill have to monitor it over a week or so.

In regards to the managed accounts issue (where even managed accounts have to have a sign in, which for us is very annoying because then we have to let access to the entire plex website) any workaround?

[pcgeek]

In regards to the managed accounts issue (where even managed accounts have to have a sign in, which for us is very annoying because then we have to let access to the entire plex website) any workaround?

Not sure what you are referring to

[pcgeek]

https://forums.plex.tv/discussion/96020/how-many-users-can-plex-media-server-support might be helpful to get an idea of specs

[Yehuda25]

Thanks!

[Yehuda25]

Not sure what you are referring to

https://forums.plex.tv/discussion/250021/have-managed-users-sign-in-on-the-local-network-without-a-plex-login

[Yehuda25]

Dell Business has the Dell XPS 8910 6th Generation Skylake Core i7 Quad-Core Tower Desktop, Silver Chassis (2016 model) for $1150 - $460 off with code XPS689 [Exp 3/17 at 2PM PT] = $690 with free shipping.

Windows 10 Professional (64-bit) installed.

Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz Quad, 16GB DDR4, 1TB HDD
2GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750Ti, 802.11ac, BT 4.2, DVD-RW Drive


I may buy this one, thoughts?

[pcgeek]

Dell Business has the Dell XPS 8910 6th Generation Skylake Core i7 Quad-Core Tower Desktop, Silver Chassis (2016 model) for $1150 - $460 off with code XPS689 [Exp 3/17 at 2PM PT] = $690 with free shipping.

Windows 10 Professional (64-bit) installed.

Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz Quad, 16GB DDR4, 1TB HDD
2GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750Ti, 802.11ac, BT 4.2, DVD-RW Drive


I may buy this one, thoughts?

Not sure about CPU.
 You definitely want to go for an ssd. That can easily be added, so no need to buy a machine that comes configured with one

[Yehuda25]

ya ssd, is a given.


The problem is I have no idea as to what kinda of CPU is required, im going to ask on the the pelx forums now, ill let you know what they say!


(drop tricky as I think plex is not meant for commercial use)

[Yehuda25]

ya ssd, is a given.


The problem is I have no idea as to what kinda of CPU is required, im going to ask on the the pelx forums now, ill let you know what they say!


(drop tricky as I think plex is not meant for commercial use)

seems like the CPU won't matter as much, because most of the stuff should be direct play - ordered an intel 6th gen 6700