Sharing my server locally, but restricting Internet access: possible?

General Discussions
1

Hi,
I want to share my Plex server (local only) with the downstairs neighbor. In order to do so, he would connect to my WiFi network (unless there is another way?). Obviously, I do not want him to use my internet connection (WAN) whatsoever, not even to check his email…

Does know of any way to restrict WAN access while still allowing LAN access to the Plex server?

Thanks in advance.

2

*Does someone know of…

3

It was all depend on your router
My ASUS for example has the option to restrict clients from internet access with a simple tick of the box

If you have access to his PC you could manually assign it an IP Address and Subnet mask and the router as the DNS but do NOT give it a default gateway, this will stop it leaving the local network

4

Thank you for your answer. I have an Asus RT-AC1900 with the latest AsuwrtMerlin and I can not find the option…

As for the other solution, I suppose it doesn’t apply to devices such as Android TV boxes, Rokus, etc. ?

5

Yes it can apply to any device
As long as you can manually configure the IP Details

6

I have a ASUS DSL68 running the Standard firmware so I’m surprised a device with Merlin cannot
I just select the Client on the main page and it gives me a tick box for “Block Internet Access”

7

Yes, you were right, the option is there, hidden somewhere.

Now, the questions is: will Plex still work with no internet on the client side? I think for sure it will require internet for the first time use (either with pin or local account login), but I wonder if I can block it after. I’ve read reports of people switching to Emby specifically for this reason, that Plex requires an internet access at all times. I’ll do some testing and report back.

8

It does work, but internet is required for first time config.

  1. Client logs in to Plex with my Plex Pass account credentials or provides PIN number if using a TV box or similar device.
  2. Onced signed in to master account, client chooses “Switch user” and selects the local/home/managed account prepared for him/her (this can’t work with non-managed users AFAIK)
  3. Admin can now block internet access of client device in the router settings. Without WAN access, Plex will sign-in to the last used account when re-launched (account pictures and other managed accounts will not show)
  4. Local content is available and playable to client. However there is a slight delay before playback starts when opening an episode/movie as if Plex was trying to make contact with the Internet first before accepting the fact that it’s still not possible. Once the local stream starts, everything works fine.(tested on Plex Web, Chrome browser).
9

Another way around this…

Just have your neighbor use a repeater then (sign in the repeater for him/her the first time) have the repeaters broadcast a different SSID AND PASSWORD so if you won’t have to give out your SSID and password then just stick the repeater in parental restrictions mode from your home WiFi router to restrict access to Internet.

Maybe even allow a time limit of 10mins a day access to Internet to allow for updates…

I use the parental mode to block my kids access to Internet from 8 pm - 8 am

But they are still able to connect to local devices…

But also ive set my home WiFi to stop broadcasting wifi (sleep mode) from 1am to 7am to help conserve energy and to allow a longer life spand if my router so it is running 24/7

Side note:

I’m actually thinking of putting my “raspberry pi Plex server” in parental mode to restrict internet access but I’m not sure if it would work completely :grimacing: :grimacing: since I have to sign in with Google account after a certain amount of time.