Running Multiple Plex Servers on a single Nas
Why bother, I can hear at least a few Ninjas shouting
Well, because I can… And while you can segregate a single server, there can only ever be one admin.
So maybe your kids want their own server, maybe you want to delegate some of the work maintaining libraries, as you can now with UNO pin content from different servers, so you could have Movies in one Plex and TV in another… but anyway I digress.
So how do you do it, well that's where docker and macvlan's come into play.
My DS918+ struggles to transcode 1080p H.265 HEVC files (even for one single client). Now, I am thinking about to buy an Intel NUC as my Plex server.
Docker macvlans allow you to create a virtual network interface that you can use for your docker images.
Synology And Plex Media Server
Hey everyone, got my first Synology NAS server last month (DS920+) and have been experimenting with it. My goal was to have the server run as a Cloud Storage for all my family members (locally) and to also run my (quite) large Plex Server and have it be available remotely (for my family in another state). Running Multiple Plex Servers on a single Nas. So I have Synology DS1815+ with 4 ethernet ports as a bonded network interface. And my local ip network is 10.0.0.x.
So I have Synology DS1815+ with 4 ethernet ports as a bonded network interface. and my local ip network is 10.0.0.x. My NAS does support Hardware transcoding, so if you have one that does, then sorry I can't help with how to make this available to the Docker Instances. Sorry.
Points of note you can only create 1 macvlan with the same gateway address, so make sure your your network block has enough ip addresses for your requirements.
You can use an ip calculator for this.
First thing to do is create a macvlan…
ssh to your nas and run something like this and enter your password when requested
sudo docker network create -d macvlan –subnet=10.0.0.0/24 –ip-range=10.0.0.115/29 –gateway=10.0.0.1 -o parent=bond0 macvlan1
This should create a new maclan with a few usable ip addresses, in this case from 10.0.0.113 – 10.0.0.118
Create some directories on your nas somewhere for the Plex Docker Data, I suggest one for each install you want eg:
In each of these directories create a config folder and a transcode folder, as we will map the Docker containers to these folders. You will also need to decide which media folder(s) each Plex will have access to, but will come to that later.
Launch docker and Download the Plex Docker Image, I used the one that Plex themselves provide.
Now go to plex.tv/claim and sign in if need be (use the account you want this server to be associated with), you should then be provided with a claim token, copy this as you will need it.
So back to the shell (ssh)
type: id
to get your user and group, something like this xx will be a number
uid=10**xx**(username) gid=100(users)
Then and run a command like this for each Plex server you want, edit as required
If you then look in your Docker GUI on the NAS you should see this NameThatWillAppearInDockerGUI as a container.
In your browser, go to http://oneofyourmacvlanipaddresses:32400/web
And with any luck you should get to the Plex setup screen. So set up your server.
(I think the docker run command may still be running in the shell, so in the GUI Turn off your new container and then back on, as you can now use the GUI to start and stop the container.
Rinse and repeat for each Plex server you want to run.
You will probably need to create a task to create the macvlan when you start up your nas, or else your plex servers will not be available after a reboot.
and there you go… multiple plex servers on a single NAS… Enjoy.
Best answer: Synology DS420+ can technically stream 4K media to compatible devices; just don't go and try to do some serious transcoding to multiple devices.
- Description: Synology DS420+ ($500 at Amazon)
- Better for 4K: QNAP TVS-882 ($1,572 at Amazon)
- Unlock transcoding: Plex Pass (From $5/mo. at Plex)
Decoding vs. transcoding 4K media with Plex on the DS420+
There's a substantial difference between the decoding and transcoding of media, especially 4K. The former requires the simple processes of the NAS streaming the said file to a compatible device like a PC. The receiving device simply needs to support the format the file is stored as. The Intel Celeron J4025 CPU inside the DS420+ barely has to do much work to achieve this. 4K is bliss when everything supports the same file.
The issue becomes apparent when you try and transcode 4K media. When your TV or receiving device doesn't support the filetype, the DS420+ would need to transcode the file into one it does for streaming. This is when the CPU needs to really do some work. This NAS and the processor can technically transcode 4K content, but it's not perfect, and you will encounter stuttering if other tasks are running on the NAS.
4K transcoding is a mixed bag on the DS420+
The Synology DS420+ comes with the Intel Celeron J4025 CPU, a dual-core processor without Hyperthreading. It's clocked at 2.0GHz with a boost speed of 2.9GHz. To break through this jargon, it's a reasonably powerful CPU for a NAS. The issue comes with transcoding 4K content, which is incredibly CPU intensive.
The DS420+ isn't a budget-friendly NAS, but if you want to do some intensive tasks like 4K transcoding, you'll, unfortunately, need to spend more. QNAP has a good selection of NAS models with Intel Core i3 and i5 processors. These CPUs are vastly more powerful than Celeron processors, making 4K transcoding a far easier goal to achieve.
4K transcoding on the DS420+requires Plex Pass
One factor to keep in mind when it comes to hardware transcoding is you need Plex Pass to do it with the Plex Media Server. If you only have a free account, you'll need to rely on software transcoding. You may encounter some buffering or other related issues if relying on this method.
Paying out for Plex Pass will ensure you're taking advantage of the hardware you have available. You have the choice of three plans: $5 per month, $40 annually, or $150 for lifetime access. The one-off payment of $150 would save you a lot of money in the long run, especially if you have everything set up for years of use.
Plex And Synology
Solid NAS
Synology DS420+
© Provided by Windows CentralFour-bay NAS
Synology gave the DS418 a refresh for 2020, throwing in a new faster Intel Celeron J4025 processor and DDR4 RAM. It's a great little server that can even run Plex.
High-end NAS
QNAP TVS-882
© Provided by Windows CentralPlex Synology Package
You can do everything and so much more
Plex Synology Download
If you have a budget that could cover the expense of the QNAP TVS-882 and need a server that can handle larger 4K movies, look no further than this NAS. It has an Intel Core i3-6100 processor, but QNAP does have models available with i5 and i7 CPUs if you need even more performance.
Then and run a command like this for each Plex server you want, edit as required
If you then look in your Docker GUI on the NAS you should see this NameThatWillAppearInDockerGUI as a container.
In your browser, go to http://oneofyourmacvlanipaddresses:32400/web
And with any luck you should get to the Plex setup screen. So set up your server.
(I think the docker run command may still be running in the shell, so in the GUI Turn off your new container and then back on, as you can now use the GUI to start and stop the container.
Rinse and repeat for each Plex server you want to run.
You will probably need to create a task to create the macvlan when you start up your nas, or else your plex servers will not be available after a reboot.
and there you go… multiple plex servers on a single NAS… Enjoy.
Best answer: Synology DS420+ can technically stream 4K media to compatible devices; just don't go and try to do some serious transcoding to multiple devices.
- Description: Synology DS420+ ($500 at Amazon)
- Better for 4K: QNAP TVS-882 ($1,572 at Amazon)
- Unlock transcoding: Plex Pass (From $5/mo. at Plex)
Decoding vs. transcoding 4K media with Plex on the DS420+
There's a substantial difference between the decoding and transcoding of media, especially 4K. The former requires the simple processes of the NAS streaming the said file to a compatible device like a PC. The receiving device simply needs to support the format the file is stored as. The Intel Celeron J4025 CPU inside the DS420+ barely has to do much work to achieve this. 4K is bliss when everything supports the same file.
The issue becomes apparent when you try and transcode 4K media. When your TV or receiving device doesn't support the filetype, the DS420+ would need to transcode the file into one it does for streaming. This is when the CPU needs to really do some work. This NAS and the processor can technically transcode 4K content, but it's not perfect, and you will encounter stuttering if other tasks are running on the NAS.
4K transcoding is a mixed bag on the DS420+
The Synology DS420+ comes with the Intel Celeron J4025 CPU, a dual-core processor without Hyperthreading. It's clocked at 2.0GHz with a boost speed of 2.9GHz. To break through this jargon, it's a reasonably powerful CPU for a NAS. The issue comes with transcoding 4K content, which is incredibly CPU intensive.
The DS420+ isn't a budget-friendly NAS, but if you want to do some intensive tasks like 4K transcoding, you'll, unfortunately, need to spend more. QNAP has a good selection of NAS models with Intel Core i3 and i5 processors. These CPUs are vastly more powerful than Celeron processors, making 4K transcoding a far easier goal to achieve.
4K transcoding on the DS420+requires Plex Pass
One factor to keep in mind when it comes to hardware transcoding is you need Plex Pass to do it with the Plex Media Server. If you only have a free account, you'll need to rely on software transcoding. You may encounter some buffering or other related issues if relying on this method.
Paying out for Plex Pass will ensure you're taking advantage of the hardware you have available. You have the choice of three plans: $5 per month, $40 annually, or $150 for lifetime access. The one-off payment of $150 would save you a lot of money in the long run, especially if you have everything set up for years of use.
Plex And Synology
Solid NAS
Synology DS420+
© Provided by Windows CentralFour-bay NAS
Synology gave the DS418 a refresh for 2020, throwing in a new faster Intel Celeron J4025 processor and DDR4 RAM. It's a great little server that can even run Plex.
High-end NAS
QNAP TVS-882
© Provided by Windows CentralPlex Synology Package
You can do everything and so much more
Plex Synology Download
If you have a budget that could cover the expense of the QNAP TVS-882 and need a server that can handle larger 4K movies, look no further than this NAS. It has an Intel Core i3-6100 processor, but QNAP does have models available with i5 and i7 CPUs if you need even more performance.
Better streaming
Plex And Synology
Plex Pass
© Provided by Windows CentralStream everything
Plex is an excellent platform for managing, storing, and streaming all your multimedia, including 4K movies. The Plex Pass adds a whole number of benefits that are handy for a NAS owner.