ARC vs Plex Remote Streaming
I’m at a loss as to why Plex simply works for remote streaming with no special set up with a router. I have T Mobile and their equipment doesn’t allow opening ports or any user access. I’m somewhat computer savvy, but trying to set up Tailscale is beyond me.
Why can’t ARC. simply work? It’d be great for many users.
Because they operate a low bandwidth relay server system to connect in between your home server, you plex cloud account and Plex apps, it isnt direct like ARC is. This allows it to navigate around port forwards as it initiates your server to send it out to the relay . Its limited to 2MB/s which is fine for most audio not so for Video where you then need a direct access via Port forwarding or VPN. Roon in their wisdom didnt take this approach and are on the back foot as a result. Relays are not a perfect solution do come at a cost to the provider and as with Plex are bandwidth limited.
Plex Relay allows users to remotely access their Plex Media Server by connecting their app to a Relay server. Here’s how it works:
Plex Relay acts as an intermediary, connecting the app to the Plex Media Server’s secure connection to a Relay server.
The app then connects to the Relay server and accesses the stream from the Plex Media Server.
Interesting. My Plex setup has port 32400 open for remote access. I guess Plex relays the external IP. It does work if I type in the IP address manually (or use DDNS).
Thanks. I do understand Plex’s relay set up. I am currently on a cruise ship in the Atlantic. The ship has WiFi. I’m able to stream movies from my server with no problem.