PLEX Server Version#: Version 4.87.2
Had been running my server from an AT&T Provider with their typical wi-fi router. AT&T had set up a 32,400 port on the Gateway to forward that port allowing Remote Access to function. I moved and now have the new T-Mobile internet service which converts their 5G service to wi-fi internet and provides 2 ethernet connections. However, the PLEX Remote Access does not work as apparently, their device does not support Port Forwarding.? They advised me to obtain a 3rd party router that would support port forwarding the way the standard AT&T Router did.
I could use some advice on how to make this current setup work to restore Remote Access to my PLEX Server. Do I really need to buy another router, if so what type & Brand would be the most simple to program?
T-Mobile uses CG-NAT addressing (as does Verizon, AT&T, and other wireless home internet providers that use a mobile network).
It is incompatible with Plex remote access, as it places your server in a double-NAT situation.
If you search for “CG-NAT port forwarding” or similar terms you can find possible work arounds, such as using a VPN that provides a unique, public IPv4 address.
The other alternative is returning to your former ISP or a similar ISP that does not use CG-NAT addressing.
Plex Relay, which tunnels through a connection to plex.tv, should work. However, it is limited to 1 Mbps max (2 Mbps with a Plex Pass).
Thank you so very much for responding. In an attempt to fully understand my situation and options, let me recap;
In order to emulate what the AT&T Technician had done previously, I would need to purchase a 3rd party router that can handle “CG-NAT port forwarding”, then plug one of the Ethernet outputs from the T-Mobile 5G converter into the input of the new “port forwarding router”, and learn how to set it up to create and use the 32,400 public port used by PLEX, or
try to figure out a way to somehow do a work around using a VPN, or
3} Utilize the “PLEX Relay”. As I understand, I and all of my remote Family Users that connect and view/listen to media on my PLEX Server, had to purchase the initial $4.99 Plex Pass. So is that the “same” Plex Pass" you refer to being needed to have the 2Mbps download speed with the Relay", or will I or each of us need the " monthly Pro Plex Pass" (or something else)?
And finally, what do I and my Users need to do to begin using the “PLEX RELAY” as soon as possible; including changing any settings for PLEX?
Again, thank you so very much for your kind assistance. We are all a bit lost without access to the wonderful World of Plex.
As far as I know, #1 is not an option. The issue is not the T-Mobile router, it is the way CG-NAT networking works. In theory, T-Mobile could provide you a unique IPv4 address that supports port forwarding. However, they do not offer that service as it defeats the benefits of CG-NAT addressing.
Contact whoever told you about using a 3rd party router and ask for a specific router make/model that works. It would be great if such a thing actually exists.
I’ve yet to hear of a reliable way to make Plex work on a CG-NAT network. It might exist, but I have not heard of one.
Plex Relayshould work. It works with other double-NAT situations.
Disable Remote Access if you have it enabled.
In Settings → Network, check the box to Enable Relay.
Restart Plex Media Server.
That should force PMS to register with the relay hosts at plex.tv.
As mentioned, it is limited to 1 Mpbs, so you’ll probably get 320p video.
It was a Tech at T-Mobile that suggested the 3rd party router but didn’t specify what kind.
Didn’t you say if I have a PLEX Pass that I could get up to 2Mbps?
So, is my only real option to change back to a cable pig ISP and then set the public port so I get a direct connection?
“Disable Remote Access if you have it enabled.
In Settings → Network, check the box to Enable Relay.
Restart Plex Media Server.”
This DID NOT seem to work either. Is there a way to get a PLEX Technician to help me sort this out? I’m exhausted and frustrated that all this is so difficult and nothing will just work for me.
Thanks for your assistance. I at least partially now know what I don’t know. : }
