So on my server, I noticed the option to disable or enable Plex relay. I saw a support article that talks about the free version of Plex being limited to 1Mbps and the Pass version being limited to 2Mbps… when accessing a Plex server through the relay.
I was always under the impression that everyone that streams from me is always going through the relay server. I have my users set for 4Mbps. So even though I’m sending data to the relay server at 4Mbps, they are only pulling it down at 2Mbps?
I then saw another thread where a mod mentioned that the relay server is only used when somebody can’t make a direct connection to my server. If somebody can’t make a direct connection to my server, wouldn’t it be offline for everyone? What could allow them to get on the internet at their house but not make a direct connection to my Plex server? (maybe a stupid question but I just need to put all this together in my head)
In the past, I know that Plex has had problems with their relay servers which negatively impacted folks that stream from me so this leads me to believe that the relay servers are always used… and people are only viewing at 2Mbps?
If I turn off that check box and give people my direct IP/DNS name, will they totally bypass Plex relay servers and get the full 4Mbps I have them configured for?
No. Only if a direct connection is not possible. Plex Relay is meant to be a fallback when Remote Access is not working for some reason.
It would make no sense for traffic to go through a server at Plex if it can go direct instead. Especially if all the Plex server would be doing is redirecting the traffic.
Correct. See Plex Relay support document linked below.
No.
The problem could be on the user’s end of the connection. Not all users will use the same Plex app, have the same ISP, etc.
A problem with their ISP’s network, DNS issues, probably a lot of other things.
No. For discussion purposes, assume there is a problem with a relay server. It would have no impact on remote clients streaming direct from your server.
If you do not want them connecting via Plex Relay, simply disable it on your server. If any of your users cannot connect, you’ll probably hear from them.
Note that not all Plex clients let you enter IP addresses for servers. Also, they still have to authenticate via plex.tv.
You can monitor connections in the Plex Dashboard. Users streaming via Plex Relay show up as Indirect, instead of Remote or Local.
