I originally joined plex back in October roughly and have been dealing with a constant on going problem. At first I thought it was a server issue so I upgraded my server like crazy. Specs are Intel i7-4790k @ 4.00GHz with 32GB memory. So that should never be an issue.
My problem is randomly while playing files I will get a stutter during playback more constantly towards the end of a file, usually on a chrome cast (both hardwired in and wireless) while on the same network. I have searched around for months for settings to change around to try and solve this issue but alas I have given up. Almost every file is in the correct format and in MP4. I have attached the verbose logs in hope that someone can figure out what in the world is going on. In the attached file I play a simple 478 MB file that is about an 45 minutes long so by no means high quality. Starting playback is rather quick and only takes a few seconds. I then skipped forward to 41 minutes in and it adjusts quickly and playback resumes with an average of 1-2 Mbps running though my network on the server. Around 42:15-42:25 seconds stuttering starts and the network usage jumps to anywhere between 40-60 Mbps with constant stuttering in playback.
I have attempted several fixes from a fresh OS install, to several Plex re installs, disabling secure connections, direct play, and direct stream. The only thing That I have been able to find is that lowering the quality of the playback to 720k speed from the device, but lets be honest who wants to watch anything at that quality.
Thanks for looking and hopefully the advise.
Greg
Still looking for a response. Really don’t want this post to die like my last one.
ERROR - Error writing media: 10054 - An existing connection was forcibly closed by the remote host
That looks like a network issue if I’m not mistaken, and the upgrades you’ve done to ensure the the server has the necessary power - points to it even further. Does the issue appear when playing directly on the server, ie browsing to local IP and using the web client? I’d also try and setup a manual portforward and disable UPNP (and set a static IP for the server) if you haven’t already (I think the log said it opened UPNP). Also, if you can, a resett of the router and update its software might be a good idea too (while you’re there poking).
Edited: The problem is back again running it a second time. 
Went though all your requests, (and FYI yes I was able to watch it though local IP and using the web client with no problems.) I’m not sure which one cleared the issue I have been having for months up but it worked, no more stuttering, no hikes in network usage. The software on the router (Actiontec for verizon fios for those wondering) was already updated. Thank you SO SO much Peter for the response!
Not fixed Ran though other files and the problem came back, same exact issue as before. Any other suggestions?
Have you replicated the problem on a wired client?
The following devices and what happens specifically 2-4 minutes at the end of a file, or randomly during playing
Chromecast wireless (verison 2) - Stutters
Chromecast wired in (verison 1) - Stutters
Chromebook wireless - Stutters
Separate PC wired in - No stuttering but network use on the server shows as high as 375 mbps while stuttering, average of 1-2 mbps while not stuttering.
Server playback via client/127.0.0.1 - No stuttering at all.
Again, most files play with no problem until they get to about the last 2-4 minutes of the file, but some files do randomly start the problem, at any time during playback.
Have you looked into your switch/router? If there is network congestion, that’s a central point that could be responsible for your issues. You might also want to look at the server’s processes/performance during playback to see if there’s a problem that is happening because of a full buffer. It could be that your NIC on the server is part of the problem.
Too many torrents open at a time can also cause this kind of issue. As well as any other kind of extreme network traffic.
@MikeG6.5 No torrents running in the network or any other notable data usage. @kegobeer-plex I have looked into it to the best of my knowledge and cannot find any problems other then the original fixes @Peter_W suggested. I can duplicate the problem every time with almost no network usage on the entire network besides Plex. I monitor the servers processes and performance during normal playback, and during the stutter in which my powerful CPU doesn’t even flinch. The only notable thing I have been able to find is that during the specific time frame usually 2-4 minutes before the file ends (or randomly in different files) when the stuttering starts, and depending on the device im running Plex on or though, the network usage for “Plex Media Server (32 bit)” jumps from its normal 1-2 mbps while streaming with no problems, to between 45-350 mbps. What in the world would be causing Plex to try and push out that much data to the device during that time?
If local playback on the server computer yields no stuttering, but there is stuttering on all network playback, then my guess is that there’s something going on in the network that’s causing the issue - and I’d start by looking at the server computer. Verify the NIC has the latest drivers, the computer is fully updated, etc. From there look at the next hop (router/switch/etc).
Your logs show warnings for excessive Chromecast buffering, so that might be contributing to the stuttering.
If anyone looks to this post for help, nothing has been solved. Still suffering with 720kb quality movies when streaming.
