Question about how streaming works via Direct Play versus Transcode

Plex Media Server NAS & Devices
1

I use a Shield to run Plex Server, and all media is on my NAS.

If a client connects, has the bandwidth, and gets “Direct Play”, is the file being streamed to them directly from my NAS only, or is it going through the Shield (running the server) as well?

The reason I ask is that my Shield is connected to my router through a MoCa 2.5 adapter, and it gets around 100Mbps upload on a speedtest. The NAS is connected via Cat6 to the router, so it isn’t an issue.

I have 1Gb fiber service, so that’s not an issue. My other Shield connected via Cat6 gets 750Mbps upload, but didn’t want to use that one.

Everything works great so far transcoding to 8Mbps, but want to know if the MoCa connected Shield would be a bottleneck once my parents get 1Gig fiber installed.

2

The Server serves everything, its just a matter of how its served.

Transcode => Converted to a different format then sent to player
Direct Play => Sent directly from server to client as is.

3

I understand all of that.

My question is, will the Shield be a bottleneck even if it’s Direct Play to an outside network client? Or does the server say to stream directly from the NAS?

I have a feeling it goes through the server (in my case, the Shield), regardless.

4

The client devices cannot see the NAS, only the server so it will be the bottleneck

5

Thanks for the reply, figured that was the case (makes sense). Have another Shield coming, so I’ll connect it directly to the router, and fix the possible issue.

Much appreciated!

6

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