Looking for suggestions on setting up a home media server that I can access locally and remotely. I bought a house about 6 months ago and have been slowly setting up the components of my network, including a full re-wire with Cat 6. Now that the wiring is complete and I have most of the components in place, I want to get a media server set up (thinking older model Mac Pro or Mac mini based system with additional Thunderbolt storage, but open to any suggestions). Here is a breakdown of my current network and hardware I have, plus the capabilities Im looking for (see attached diagram). Also, what is the best software for ripping Blu Rays/DVDs/CDs and do I need any additional software to access the media my devices (Plex) locally and remotely?
Hardware (4 locations):
- Office Closet:
- 9U rack mount case
- 1U 24-port Cat6 patch panel
- 1U 24-port 10/100 Mbps switch
- 1U 12-outlet surge protector
- Comcast modem/router
- 4 120mm fans (currently unplugged due to lack of heat and noise)
- Planned:
- Thermostat for fans
- 1U rack mount shelf for Comcast modem/router
- Office (desk):
- Time Capsule 3TB (newest model)
- Family Room:
- Airport Express (set up to extend Time Capsule network)
- Apple TV (connected to Samsung receiver and TV)
- Bedroom:
- Airport Express (set up to extend Time Capsule network)
- Apple TV (connected to Samsung sound bar/receiver and TV)
Computers:
- MacBook Pro, MacBook, Dell Work PCs
Mobile Devices:
- iPhone 5s, iPads
Extra:
- Time Capsule 500GB (original model)
Cat 6 Wiring:
- Office Closet:
- Homeruns connect from the patch panel to a wall plate in each location
- Office (desk): 3 homeruns to patch panel
- Family Room: 6 homeruns to patch panel
- Bedroom: 3 homeruns to patch panel
Desired Capabilities:
- Media server to store all media files (2 separate iTunes libraries, pictures, movies)
- This is where the Mac Pro or Mac mini connected to additional Thunderbolt storage comes in
- If Mac Pro, any suggestions for rack mounting, I've seen people cut the handles off and use a sliding shelf
- Easy drag and drop file server to access documents locally and remotely from computers, iPads, iPhones
- Rip Blu Rays/DVDs with metadata
- Locally and remotely play stored movies and music on Apple TVs (local only), computers, iPads, iPhones
- I think this covers the basics, but Im interested in any additional capabilities that would be useful
Hardware (4 locations):
- Office Closet:
- 9U rack mount case
- 1U 24-port Cat6 patch panel
- 1U 24-port 10/100 Mbps switch
- 1U 12-outlet surge protector
- Comcast modem/router
- 4 120mm fans (currently unplugged due to lack of heat and noise)
- Planned:
- Thermostat for fans
- 1U rack mount shelf for Comcast modem/router
- Office (desk):
- Time Capsule 3TB (newest model)
- Family Room:
- Airport Express (set up to extend Time Capsule network)
- Apple TV (connected to Samsung receiver and TV)
- Bedroom:
- Airport Express (set up to extend Time Capsule network)
- Apple TV (connected to Samsung sound bar/receiver and TV)
Computers:
- MacBook Pro, MacBook, Dell Work PCs
Mobile Devices:
- iPhone 5s, iPads
Extra:
- Time Capsule 500GB (original model)
Cat 6 Wiring:
- Office Closet:
- Homeruns connect from the patch panel to a wall plate in each location
- Office (desk): 3 homeruns to patch panel
- Family Room: 6 homeruns to patch panel
- Bedroom: 3 homeruns to patch panel
Desired Capabilities:
- Media server to store all media files (2 separate iTunes libraries, pictures, movies)
- This is where the Mac Pro or Mac mini connected to additional Thunderbolt storage comes in
- If Mac Pro, any suggestions for rack mounting, I've seen people cut the handles off and use a sliding shelf
- Easy drag and drop file server to access documents locally and remotely from computers, iPads, iPhones
- Rip Blu Rays/DVDs with metadata
- Locally and remotely play stored movies and music on Apple TVs (local only), computers, iPads, iPhones
- I think this covers the basics, but Im interested in any additional capabilities that would be useful