Plex firmware that resides on the router is way out of date

plemans
Guru - Experienced User
Dec 15, 2022
Wonder how long netgear will continue to update this router since plex updates so frequently. I get regular updates on my plex installation but I'm running it on a server so its a little easier.

Might be worth checking out moving your plex setup to a NUC or repurposed old computer. Even an older computer can transcode better than the r9000.
- ReallyStoked
  Guide
  Dec 15, 2022
  I appreciate the advice, but I would like to hang with this router method a bit longer. It has served me well, only had transcode issues a couple of years ago, but now very smooth sailing. Plus it would be another piece of equipment that would have to be on all the time. Seems like it shouldn't be a hard task for NetGear to update the Plex Firmware. Fingers Crossed.
  - plemans
    Guru - Experienced User
    Dec 16, 2022
    ReallyStoked wrote:
    
    Seems like it shouldn't be a hard task for NetGear to update the Plex Firmware. Fingers Crossed.
    
    You wouldn't think so but the problem isn't just a simple firmware change.
    
    1. plex likes to add updates. They might not always be compatible with a router. Like the dvr feature or the live tv add ins. Not saying they aren't just saying as plex add things or changes coding, it can break backwards compatibility
    
    2. the R9000 was released in 2016. so its 6 years old. some of netgears devices still get updates after that long but others get phased out (EoS) as the chipset manufacturers stop updating. The amount of time a company dedicates to older hardware is going to decrease. Again, not saying they won't, its just something to keep in mind.
    
    https://www.netgear.com/about/eos/
    
    3. arm processors 6 years ago didn't have the power they do now. As features/things get added to plex, that processor in it can start to struggle. I found that out running plex on a nas and thats when I moved to a server. sometimes upgrading the firmware/plex can decrease performance as the software is requiring more power than is available.
    
    Its nice to see that its still working but its just something to keep in mind for the future with plex on these lower powered devices.
ReallyStoked
Guide
Dec 15, 2022
Will greatly apprecate anything you might be able to do. I have been struggling with this issue since August and been trying to get NetGear to fix it since September. I think this last Support Case ticket has everything they need to know about what's going on and hopefully get it resolved.
ReallyStoked
Guide
Dec 18, 2022
Christine,
I reached out to Tech Support again, this time with an answer. They told me no more Plex Firmware updates will be provided. This sort of blows my mind, as it makes the router non functional for the intended use for which I purchased it, as a Plex Media Server. It's a broken committment that the router would support Plex, no where did it say it would only be for a five year period. Apparently the customer isn't "buying" a router, but "renting" and at the end of the rental period you just through it away. They just don't care.

Thanks,
Wayne
- FURRYe38
  Guru - Experienced User
  Dec 18, 2022
  You might check Voxels FW to see if he updates his FW for plex...
  
  Nothing lasts forever. NG isn't the only one to drop support of a special feature after a period of time. 5-6 years is about the going rate.

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Plex firmware that resides on the router is way out of date