I just got the drive on Tuesday, couldn't do anything til Wednesday. First hour I skimmed through the manual and configured the drive how I wanted. Renamed, setup wifi, changed passwords, installed PMS. Spent another half hour or so just playing around and poking in all the different menus.
Next I started optimizing my library using it as my storage location. I first created a Plex folder on the WD and then added to my TV Shows and Movies library on my local Plex server. Next was telling the local server to "Optimize" both libraries. I have 2.5 TB total and over night it was able to optimize roughly 33 movies. Quite a few to go, but seems to be moving along nicely.
I had a little spare time today, so I "paused" optimization, unplugged from my PC and let it join my home WiFI. I think tried to play some content. It was really slow at first as this was it's first time connnecting to the internet since adding all the content, so it was trying to DL metadata. Cover art started to populate in the library and the responsiveness got much better. Picked a movie to play and it did, however about 2 minutes in buffered some and complained my network was to slow. I disconnected from home wifi and connected directly from my phone. Played 20 minute clips from 3 different movies without issue then.
I plugged back in to PC which automatically shuts wifi off and I hit "resume" once my PC detected the drive and it was mounted. Within seconds it continued the optimization process. So far very happy, yet I am cautiously optimistic. I haven't used out in the wild just yet.
Couple questions
1. From what I read it's best to not "claim" to avoid issues when no connected to internet....does that advice still stand? If so, what exactly are the ramifications?? It gives you grave warnings how it's not secure, etc if you don't claim it.
Since I am not "claiming" the server, when I am using the direct connect method and I am connected from my iPhone and then a friend who has own Plex account wants to connect....do I have to invite them first in order to share that content?? They already share my Home server, but not sure if needed if the server is "unclaimed". If they connect to the WD Wireless Pro network, then their Plex app should see the server, but not sure that's enough to actually connect and view content.