Server Version#: 1.21.1.3830 (Windows)
Player Version#: 4.49.2 (Web)
Attempting to set up Plex on my home network (no need for remote access at the moment). I’ve run Plex before on the same Windows 10 desktop with no issues (though it’s been awhile). Install fine, server connected with ethernet.
Trying to connect with Plex Web App on the same network (same subnet, wireless) brings up “Cannot connect securely to SERVER NAME”. Tried insecure connection, but then it says it can’t connect at all. I’ve disabled my windows firewall, set DNS to 8.8.8.8/8.8.4.4 on my router, reserved an IP address and forwarded port 32400. Router is an Archer C7, I haven’t found any documentation for DNS Rebinding Protection. I’ve also tried connecting from the Plex Android App to no avail.
Any help is appreciated, I can’t quite wrap my head around what’s going wrong here.
EDIT: I should mention that if I turn on Remote Access, I can connect indirectly. However, this is slow and I’m trying to ensure that media only travels over LAN.
EDIT 2: In addition, attempting to connect with server-ip:32400/web returns a time out, server access from localhost works completely fine.
You may have to go in to your network setting on the serve and under List of IP addresses and networks that are allowed without auth add your local ip and subnet like 192.168.0.1/255.255.255.0. This will also help if the internet goes down. You will also want to go in to your plex client settings and change the secure connection always to no secure connection on local network.
Check your network setup on the computer and make sure it is set to home network and not public. Also make sure that the port is open in your firewall.
Do you have a setting named “Enable AP Isolation” (or similar) in your advanced wireless settings? If so, ensure that it is disabled. This setting isolates wireless clients from the rest of your network; it is of primary benefit to guest networks where you wouldn’t want devices connected to it to be able to browse the rest of your network.
Otherwise, this feels like a potential DNS rebinding protection issue. If the Plex client is unable to resolve the IP address of the server’s local *.plex.direct FQDN it will fall back to trying its public one. This wouldn’t explain the problem of not being able to connect directly by the server’s IP address however. It would explain why you’re able to connect indirectly when you enable remote access though.
When you set the DNS servers on your router, where did you configure it? You should configure them in the router’s DHCP server configuration settings. That change the DNS server information handed out to DHCP clients on your network, allowing them to bypass your router’s built-in DNS server.
Aside from that, @Alucard1’s suggestion is a good one. Ensure that your network profile is set to Private for the server’s network. You can check this in Windows Settings -> Network & Internet -> Properties button.
What’s the proper syntax for setting up a range (i.e. allowing all my DHCP endpoints to access)? I use Plex on the TV, laptop, phones, etc, and I’d rather not have to manually specify every IP in the range. Thanks!
Hey all, just wanted to say thanks for your help! During the process of trying another program similar to Plex to see if there were any changes, I accidentally stumbled upon the fix in my case.
Turns out NordVPN, though turned off, had “Invisibility on LAN” turned on at some point. Uninstalled NordVPN and now able to connect. Hopefully this is helpful for others, though kicking myself that it was such a simple fix after hours of troubleshooting. At least I learned some networking in the process!
I’ve have had intermittent problems with NordVPN and plex in past on my Windows Server 2016. For some reason when i update NordVPN software, it corrupted my NordLynx connection. Had to completely uninstall and reinstall. I also notice after setting LAN to static and port foward 32400 to IP on router, my connection to server on AT&T cable box and mobile device was faster. I advise taking off extra cyber malware security on NordVPN app in PMS. Please leave remote access to automatic and not manual (you will have problems reconnecting if your ISP has hiccups). I currently use Actiontec Bonded cable over ethernet extenders and TPLink cable router and wireless.
