Metadata Updates Fail When Using Emby Remote Connection

[martincwd 2]

I’ve got a strange server connectivity problem that affects the ability of Emby to update Metadata for library entries. I’ve explored the Emby forums and tried various fixes but can’t find a solution hence this post and request for ideas that might help.

The Emby server [4.7.11.0] runs on an Ubuntu Server [22.04.1 LTS] connected to my LAN, Router and ISP. My ISP doesn’t offer inbound connections so, as is, I’m unable to access my Emby server remotely. To overcome this problem I use a VPN connection to the internet, with a dedicated domain name, which allows me to access the server remotely.

The basic setup works fine. I can access the server locally from my LAN and remotely using the dedicated domain name/VPN. The problem is that when the VPN connection is running on the server Metadata updates on the server don’t work. All other features viewing/streaming content work but Metadata updates fail. If I stop the VPN connection on the Ubuntu server so the Emby server just sees the LAN and standard ISP connection then Metadata updates work normally.

For the remote connection, the Emby server connects via an Nginx reverse proxy and Openvpn. I’ve followed the guidance elsewhere in the forums on using Nginx and remote connections [e.g. https://emby.media/community/index.php?/topic/93074-how-to-emby-with-nginx-with-windows-specific-tips-and-csp-options/] and I’ve tried with both secure [https] and non-secure [http] remote connections. The problem remains the same.

I’ve attached a copy of the Emby server log showing examples where Metadata updates fail. I’d be grateful for suggestions of any further things I might to do resolve this problem. Many thanks.

embyserver.txt

[martincwd 2]

Ok. Some more information. My mistake. The problem is to do with the use of OpenVPN and configuration for DNS. The problem is not an Emby problem but a general Linux/Ubuntu networking issue. When the OpenVPN tunnel is up it is not picking up the correct DNS data and connections are being routed out of the local internet connection. This breaks the update of Metadata. The confusion is that inbound connections from the remote domain name work. It's just hat when OpenVPN is running it breaks outbound DNS. I've checked all the settings for the OpenVPN server and OpenVPN client but can't find a fix. I think I may need to adjust the Netplan settings. Following the OpenVPN guidance doesn't seem to fix the problem.

Any suggestions for a fix gratefully received. Thanks.

[Luke 38528]

5 minutes ago, martincwd said:

Ok. Some more information. My mistake. The problem is to do with the use of OpenVPN and configuration for DNS. The problem is not an Emby problem but a general Linux/Ubuntu networking issue. When the OpenVPN tunnel is up it is not picking up the correct DNS data and connections are being routed out of the local internet connection. This breaks the update of Metadata. The confusion is that inbound connections from the remote domain name work. It's just hat when OpenVPN is running it breaks outbound DNS. I've checked all the settings for the OpenVPN server and OpenVPN client but can't find a fix. I think I may need to adjust the Netplan settings. Following the OpenVPN guidance doesn't seem to fix the problem.

Any suggestions for a fix gratefully received. Thanks.

Thanks for following up.