Access HDD on router with laptop turned off?

Plex Media Server Remote Access
1

Server Version#: 1.27.0.5897-3940636f2-x86
Player Version#: ?

Hello,

Apologies if this is dealt with elsewhere, I can’t find a direct answer to it but I think I know it already - I just need to be sure!

I have an external hard drive attached to my router. I can listen to music from it direct through VLC, but through Plex I seem to have to have the laptop on.

Plex is a lot smoother than VLC, so I’d prefer to use that, so is there a way to link the HDD to Plex direct without needing the laptop turned on, or do I have to use a NAS drive etc? The external HDD is a WD Passport, but from what I’ve read it sounds like they removed a similar option in the newer drive/app versions?

Thanks!

2

Whatever runs the Plex Media Server needs to be on. Plex is a server+player app system.

3

Thanks, I tried installing it direct to my external hard drive that is plugged direct to the router but it wouldn’t work. I think this is why I didn’t use Plex when I first heard of it - if I have to have my laptop turned on to access the media I may as well just cast direct from the laptop. On VLC I can access the external hard drive on the router direct, which is what I’m after - but Plex is a much nicer and quicker interface.

4

Recommend you try an all in one server/player like Nvidia Shield.

Uses very little power and can be woken from sleep on command via any Plex app instead of physically booting up a full PC/laptop setup.

1 Like
5

Do you reckon a Raspberry Pi Zero 2W would work if it was ‘always on’ - seems like Youtube streaming doesn’t work well from it based on reviews I’d seen but streaming music is what I’d be using it for. Wary of ‘mission creep’ and going higher and higher in price to get a Pi 4 just because I’d prefer the smoothness of Plex instead of VLC! Thanks.

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