Buffering via static IP on CGNAT network, how to fix?

[mrpid2]

Server Version#: Version 1.40.3.8555
Player Version#:Version 1.95.3.175-dd94cbd1
<If providing server logs please do NOT turn on verbose logging, only debug logging should be enabled>

Hi, im having trouble playing movies remotely - they all just buffer - since moving to a new property. It has load-balanced dual mobile connectivity with external aerials, and gives me typically 150Mbps down and 70-90 Mbps up, albeith both are split over the two conenctions. So say min 30Mbps upload on a single - more than enough. My old property had slow BT copper to premises with upload of 13 Mbps and i saw no buffering at all.

I asked the provider for a fixed IP, and put its address into the Custom server access URLs section in server settings. I can access Plex fine, but even in the menus its laggy. And playing a movie buffers within seconds.

The plex server is as I had it before, on a windows machine, and the files are on a NAS drive local to the server. The movies all play no problem when the player is also local, ie inside my new home.

My server settings - other than adding the custom server access url - were initially the same as in the old house, and buffererd. So i’ tried hardware accelaration on and off, i’ve tried limiting bitrate in the remote player, and various other things but no luck so far.

I had a brief look at server logs, but am no expert, but it appears to lose connection and timeout. The errors I see are

• The semaphore timeout period has expired
• QueryParser: Invalid field ‘pinnedContentDirectoryID’ found, ignoring
• Req#497b] Client [mx501yjrvocpf49yzt9gvax9] reporting timeline state buffering

…and maybe others, but i dont know what i’m looking for.

I can see the upload speed from my NAS drive, and it initially is sending data at maybe 24 MBps (ie Bytes not bits) and drops to what i’d expect for the (18mbps) movie, ie about 2.5 MBps, but then drops to zero. and buffers, and then there’s a spurt of high data, then drops to zero again. I know the uload rate will exceed the movie bitrate in order for Plex to build a buffer, and then lower, but I doubt it should be going to zero for substantial periods like it is?

I’mn guessing i’m losing connection and reconnecting repeatedly or something like that? i’m hoping its either a setting, or at least I can gether some evidence here that I can share with my provider to get them to fix something?

Thanks in advance for any help!

[OttoKerner]

@mrpid2

I asked the provider for a fixed IP, and put its address into the Custom server access URLs section in server settings.

This input field requires a full URL, not just an IP.
https://support.plex.tv/articles/200430283-network/

Even with a fixed IP, you’ll need a port forwarding in your router.

The Basics of Remote Access Troubleshooting

When it comes to remote access, there’s a lot of different factors which can impact your setup. Some are under your own control, others not so much. First off… there’s a dedicated support article on troubleshooting your remote access. I strongly recommend you have a look at that. Find below some additional remarks on how to troubleshoot your remote access setup. Review your internet access / remote access configuration It’s good practice to review if Plex gets the correct public IP address…

[mrpid2]

Hi there, thanks for helping. I already have the full IP and port open, as mentioned I can connect and browse menus and play for short periods (which is only possible wih a working connection). It just doesnt last long before buffering. I suspect its an issue with how the ISP provides upload connections via the load balanced mobile networks, but just checking in case there are any plex options I havent tried
cheers

[OttoKerner]

@mrpid2

I already have the full IP and port open

I am not talking about your firewall.
Please follow the link I posted and read how to use the “Custom server access URLs”

[mrpid2]

the full http etc address is in the custom field and works - I can connect. I wasnt talking about the firewall either

[mrpid2]

for clarity, the custom field contains thr following (i’ve obscured my actual address)

http://xxx.xx.xxx.xx:32400

the port is also forwarded and shows as open if you use a port checker

cheers

[mrpid2]

what confuses me is that even if you delete the custom server access url totally, and remote access is off, plex can still play my movies on a remote player - badly. does this help? is plex caching some connection info even after you delete it?

thanks

[FordGuy61]

@mrpid2

if you delete the custom server access url totally, and remote access is off, plex can still play my movies on a remote player - badly.

Plex Relay.

Connection is tunneled through server at plex.tv. Limited to 2 Mbps (1 Mbps w/o Plex Pass).

Stream listed as Indirect in Plex Dashboard.

Enable / disable in Settings → Network.

[mrpid2]

is this the ‘enable relay’ setting? mine is unchecked
thanks