2 networks (1 with VPN), 1 plex server, 1 plex client and a headache

General Discussions
1

Hello,

I’ve used plex for ages and it’s great. I have a WHS2011 server (with Plex server) and one Plex Client used regularly (Fire TV).

I recently upgraded network and now have two routers:

  1. My main network connected to the ISP with the plex server, my desktop pc, etc. (on 192.168.1.x)

  2. And, a separate VPN network with a dd-wrt router (on 192.168.2.x) with the Plex Client (amazon fire tv)

The Fire TV can access the Internet and works fine through the VPN. But, the Fire TV can no longer see the Plex Server as it is I guess locked by the VPN tunnel.

I have tried for a few days to add iptable rules to permit the Plex Client access to the Plex Server, but have not had any success.

Can anybody offer any suggestions / tips?

Much appreciated.

Dean

2

I should add the the culprit are the VPN firewall rules. My firewall rules are like this:
iptables -I FORWARD -i br0 -o tun0 -j ACCEPT
iptables -I FORWARD -i tun0 -o br0 -j ACCEPT
iptables -I FORWARD -i br0 -o vlan2 -j DROP
iptables -I INPUT -i tun0 -j REJECT
iptables -t nat -A POSTROUTING -o tun0 -j MASQUERADE

Without these rules, the Client can see the Server. So, I would like to add to the rules above to enable the route that bypasses the VPN where the destination address is the Plex Server.

3

When ever using multiple gateways - like you are - you have to use a Routing Protocol to make the 2 networks talk to each other. ipTables is a firewall system, it doesn’t do routing between networks.

Otherwise your betting your connection on the bounce out via VPN and then bounce back in via your ISP Network. All it really does, if it works, is double your bandwidth traffic.

Best thing to do is put your Fire TV back on the same network as your server.