PIA IP address changes during the day.

[SuperBobTV 0]

Folks: I know there are many articales on the use of a VPN and PIA in particular. But I have not found one that specifically addresses my issue. 

When I boot my desktop computer in the morning, both Emby and PIA launch correctly. At that time the IP address (lower right cover of their pop up icon)  of PIA and the WAN IP address of Emby are the same and everything works perfectly--remote emby connect access. I have PIA setup with split tunneling. I do not change the PIA service location (although I have done so to test if that resolves my issues and it doesn't). No changes are made to Emby or PIA throughout the day. However, invariably the PIA IP address changes sometime during the day and then the two IP addresses do not match. At point emby connect and remote access no longer works. I don't know why this IP address change happens and I don't know how to stop it. I understand that PIA offers a fixed IP address at considerbly cost. I am not sure one should have to pay for this, and I am not sure that will fix anything.

Interesting that if I discover the IP address change during the day and reboot the computer--all is in sync and emby connect is working as it should (but for how long).

Can anyone help resolve this issue with a recommendation that a non techie can implement?

Thanks to all that respond.

SuperBob TV

[Abobader 3470]

Hello SuperBobTV,

** This is an auto reply **

Please wait for someone from staff support or our members to reply to you.

It's recommended to provide more info, as it explain in this thread:

Thank you.

Emby Team

[rbjtech 5284]

You need to use a service called DDNS on the VPN IP - it allocates a name to an IP address and will update itself as the IP changes.

This not instant - but it should keep the IP reasonably in sync.

Obvious point the emby clients to the DDNS address - not the IP ...

Edited March 5, 2023 by rbjtech

[SuperBobTV 0]

Thank you rbjtech. I have been researching DDNS and understand better how that works. There is some debate, however, on whether or not DDNS services are secure. Do you have an opinion? And, if less than safe, what steps can be taken to make it safe. 

Thanks.

[rbjtech 5284]

It is true they could be abused, and you are re-directed to a fake site, but in the grand scheme of things, the risks are low.  If you are concerned, just use https with a certificate for the ddns name (or use a dns c name), then at least the end destination can't be spoofed.   For emby,  basic ddns is just fine.