I have this exact router (Asus RT-AC68U) that I am using in combination with a Aaris Surboard SB8200 modem so I really appreciate the guidance. I have everything set up exactly as you instructed, however, I still have the message “Not available outside your network”. When I click on retry or I disable and then enable remote access, the green “Fully available outside you network” message comes up for about 6 seconds before turning red again,
I love PLEX and have 8 relatives that share my system who also love PLEX when they can get to my server.
Can you help? I will gladly take any additional suggestions you may have to help get past this very annoying problem.
BTW, I had this issue before but found that it was caused my a double NAT issues caused by the combined modem and router that the cable company issued. I got past that issue by replacing the combined unit with a dedicated Aaris modem to work with my Asus router.
Did you put the new modem in bridge mode? If not you have to do that. Then double-check that your port forwarding is setup in the virtual port forwarding section with the correct IP address of your server. I know you said you already did that but make sure it’s the same after changing the modem to bridge mode.
Also I know it sounds goofy but on the Asus Routers once you apply those settings you have to reboot them for them to actually take effect. Although it reboots when you applied the settings it doesn’t actually apply fully. Unplugging the Asus waiting 5 seconds and plugging it back in makes it permanent.
Lastly make sure your firmware is up to date as one version did have a port forwarding issue.
I cannot thank you enough. The reboot of the router after the changes seems to have the changes sticking and the GREEN message is staying. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!
I have not experienced that, but also have no problem believing it.
I do reboot the thing often 'cause we have low signal out here and sometimes it comes unglued (ISP is ‘working on it’).
Port Forwarding that 68 is a breeze (at least on the latest Merlin):
WAIT … the dreaded RED message is back after 6 seconds of Green. Noooooo!!
You said the modem has to be in bridge mode … This is NOT a combo unit. It is just a modem so I do not think it has a bridge mode and I do not know how to invoke it.
Recently upgraded to 1G - new combo modem/bla/bla had to be employed until I can pick up a modem.
They disabled everything except the modem - even had it in Bridge Mode - I saw a green check, but didn’t look long enough - they left - no remote access. Of Course.
A call to the ISP found the guy with a Plex server (a miracle), he disabled ‘The Gateway’ - and the lights came on.
Make sure no funny bidness exists in the modem. Engineers and Developers love to make things difficult…lol
Your modem not being in bridge mode is causing a double Nat which is what’s kicking it back. Try logging into the modem and see if you can find a bridge mode option.
ISP? Verified that ISP is not using CGNAT?
Checked your external port on https://www.canyouseeme.org/ ?
Pointed your router’s DNS to 8.8.8.8?
What OS? Firewall on the server open for port 32400?
Probably would be good to say what ISP you have in case anyone knows of specific issues with them. Comcast has this Xfinity security app that blocks Plex and there were forum reports that turning that Xfinity app off is the only way to fix it. There is also a forum topic about a similar issue with Verizon Fios.
The modem I am using is only a modem and not a combo unit. I spoke directly with Customer Support from Aaris (modem manufacturer) and they told me there is no bridge mode … it is just a modem.
My OS is Windows 10 64 bit. I don’t know how to check to see if the firewall is open for port 32400.
Everything was working great and stable since 1-15-2020 until this past weekend. Something changed and I had not changed anything on this system. Very strange and frustrating. I will really be greatful when this gets resolved and stabilized.
If you click on the canyouseeme link above, it will give your public IP, then you can enter the port for Plex to check if it is open to the internet. If you compare the ip given on canyouseeme to what is in your router for the WAN address you can eliminate any CGNAT situation.
My network status did say Private. I have now changed it to public.
When I compare the canyouseeme ip address to that shown for my internet connection in my router set up, they are the same.
I admit freely that I know near zero about networking so I do appreciate your help. I am still getting the green remote access message for only six seconds before it changes to the Red no access.
What can I check next? At this point I have frankly made so many changes that I have lost my place.
I’m like you - only 10X worse (No Network Skills to speak of) - but I do know if you don’t get a port forwarded in your router and Plex you’re going nowhere.
