Network Solution

Dirk Diggler · 30 Mar 2017 at 11:50

I'm looking for something to store and stream around 4TB worth. Will also be used for backup. Ideally, something that will be hard wired into my network and be accessible with the usual devices around the home. Would like remote access, add finally something that will go into low power state until it's called into action.

Summary of wants:

Connect to my home network by plugging in to VM Hub and have my PC access it to move files to and from the cloud.
Configure it so that my Dropbox is backed up there with an app or automatically somehow?
As above for Google Drive, have it sync like any other device.
Access all the files on it via Plex running on a TV or tablet etc. in my home network.
Access Plex from outwith my home network (when I'm travelling).

Any recommendations?

Dirk Diggler · 30 Mar 2017 at 13:31

Glanza said:
HP Microserver with whatever drive config possibly raid you desire?

Cheers, will have a look.

Dirk Diggler · 30 Mar 2017 at 14:18

beefybarn said:
If its just a simple solution you want, a WD my cloud might be ok as it uses very little power.

That looks interesting. Have you used one? I have a couple of questions if you have.

Thanks.

Dirk Diggler · 30 Mar 2017 at 15:25

beefybarn said:
Yes got a single bay and 2 bay version.

I'm looking at this model: WDBCTL0040HWT-EESN

This is what I'm trying to achieve:

Connect to my home network by plugging in to VM Hub and have my PC access it to move files to and from the cloud.
Configure it so that my Dropbox is backed up there with an app or automatically somehow?
As above for Google Drive, have it sync like any other device.
Access all the files on it via Plex running on a TV or tablet etc. in my home network.
Access Plex from outwith my home network (when I'm travelling).

Is all that do-able?

Dirk Diggler · 30 Mar 2017 at 15:36

nox_uk said:
If you have the space, the microserver is excellent. Can load any OS you want on it, and even multiples.

Could you give me a model number to Google?

Dirk Diggler · 30 Mar 2017 at 15:42

nox_uk said:
just look for 'hpe proliant microserver gen8'

Ah, I see. Unfortunately, a little over the budget.

Dirk Diggler · 30 Mar 2017 at 15:49

nox_uk said:
that's a shame, they can often be picked up new for around £120 (after cashback). you just need to add the disks. they are excellent, but probably overkill if you are comaparing to a WD nas/cloud device.

the microservers are not as user friendly either, and do have a bit of a learning curve

The model I looked at was £400 - I see now that they are under £200 which is in budget, however it does maybe look a bit of overkill.

Dirk Diggler · 30 Mar 2017 at 16:26

beefybarn said:
Yes that's all do-able but with regards to plex the unit is not powerful enough to do any transcoding so bear that in mind.

Oh, right. This means I would have to handbrake the files into a particular format? I wouldn't mind doing this. Do you know the format it requires to stream seamlessly?

I'm close to pulling the trigger on one of these, so thanks for the advice so far.

Dirk Diggler · 30 Mar 2017 at 16:34

Ok bud, thanks.

Dirk Diggler · 30 Mar 2017 at 20:30

@beefybarn are you using the SmartWare software to do auto backups?

Dirk Diggler · 31 Mar 2017 at 17:13

The My Cloud is really excellent for my needs, it even sips power at just 6 watts. Amazingly, I've managed to do all the things I thought would be a hassle and the simple thing has got me beat... Streaming to the TV!

I can stream to phones and tablets but I just can't get the TV sorted. I can't find an app that streams to Chromecast and my Bravia TV won't recognise half of the files.

I'd be happy with a solution that allows me to stream via my tablet or phone to the Chromecast... Or I'd even buy a replacement for the Chromecast if there was something better?

Any ideas anyone?