Hi Everyone. I have been using plex for a number of years but am far from a power user, so please keep it relatively simple (if possible). I have searched every way I can think of and haven’t come up with an answer. Most “spikes” I have read about are from remote users, and that isn’t my case. If I missed the solution please be kind enough to share a link.
I have been experiencing buffering at random for a few months now and can’t track down the source. My system is as follows.
Server - Mac mini M1 (OS is up to date)
Storage - Synology NAS
Player - Apple TV 4K or Sony 4K TV (2018)
Network Gear is all newer Pakedge, cables are all Cat6
Problem happens on both WiFi and hard wired.
When I watch a file, seemingly any file it will buffer one day but not the next. I started watching by bandwidth using the Plex dashboard. Today Watching a lower bitrate, 1080p file it hovers around 20-30 mbps and plays fine. When I see buffering it spikes to 900+. I get the spinning wheel for a few seconds, then it plays again.
File type seems to be irrelevant. I have 4k, 1080p, 1080i and 720p files. H264, H265, MKV, etc etc. Any of them can act up at any time, or play just fine.
I can rewind a scene that just buffered and watch it again without problems.
I can watch a file one day and it works perfect, the same file the next day buffers every 5 minutes.
There is no additional network traffic from one day to the next as we usually watch as a family, so nothing else is happening inside the house.
I have gig tested every cable. And the fact that a 4k file will play fine one day, but not the next leads me to believe it has nothing to do with the network. It is these oddball spikes.
Any idea what is causing them?
I am baffled.
Thank you in advance.
