Connecting To Servers across different local networks

[outlaw69uk 7]

Hey guys

 

Ok, so, I have 2 internet connections at home, 1 work, one personal. Emby is sat on the work network. Connects fine to both Firetv sticks I have, but, I cant access it via mobile or laptop, even though they are on the same network, and, it point blank refuses to connect to any device on the other internet connection. This seems to be purely Emby, as, I also have Plex which works fine across both networks and devices. 

 

At the moment, on my android phone, and this windows laptop, I get the server come up, press connect, and it states its unavailable, however, I know thats incorrect, as, I am sat watching a show on it on a TV via firestick as I do it.

 

Any thoughts at all?

[ebr 16185]

99% sure this will come down to your network configuration and how the traffic is routed in and out of those networks including all firewalls involved.

[mastrmind11 722]

We'd need a bit more detail in order to figure this out.  You mention 2 networks and "the same network", so not entirely sure what that means.  Plex works because it goes out to the internet and loops back in to your server.  Emby Connect would work the same way, so that's 1 option.  So assuming both networks are on a different subnet, you just need to open up your gateway mask a bit more.  ie, if your subnets are eg 192.168.0 and 192.168.1, set your mask to 255.255.252.0 and then both subnets will be able to see each other.  The other way to do it would be to get a L3 router/switch and stick it in between, but that's probably overkill for what you're trying to do.

 

edit: Just re-read your post.  You mean your Android device cannot connect to the server when you are connected to the network that the server is on?

Edited February 6, 2018 by mastrmind11

[ebr 16185]

Plex works because it goes out to the internet and loops back in to your server.  Emby Connect would work the same way,

 

I think you are probably correct on why Plex works but Emby Connect does not work this same way.  Connect would still use a direct local connection if available.

[outlaw69uk 7]

We'd need a bit more detail in order to figure this out.  You mention 2 networks and "the same network", so not entirely sure what that means.  Plex works because it goes out to the internet and loops back in to your server.  Emby Connect would work the same way, so that's 1 option.  So assuming both networks are on a different subnet, you just need to open up your gateway mask a bit more.  ie, if your subnets are eg 192.168.0 and 192.168.1, set your mask to 255.255.252.0 and then both subnets will be able to see each other.  The other way to do it would be to get a L3 router/switch and stick it in between, but that's probably overkill for what you're trying to do.

 

edit: Just re-read your post.  You mean your Android device cannot connect to the server when you are connected to the network that the server is on?

Cheers, I can see why it was a bit muddles.

 

I have the following:

 

1 - FTTC internet connection with work. Currently on a Billion 8800 series router

2 - Virgin Media Fibre broadband, with Virgin MEdia Hub (3) I believe

 

FTTC network internally is using powerline adaptors, emby server is sat on a pc acting as a media server on this network. Laptop connects to this (ethernet), as do both firetv sticks currently. My android mobile also uses this most of the time

 

Virgin network is only connected to PS4 and VIrgin Tivo box, but, ideally, I would like to use the firetv sticks, mobiles on this etc. 

 

Mobile App - connects when using the FTTC connection, not on the virgin connection.

Laptop - wont connect via FTTC network when I log in to Emby on a browser, I dont have an app on here, as, its only for updating titles/pictures on the library really. Not tried with Virgin network. Not understanding why this wont connect, as, same network as the server.

 

I havent tried, but, this makes me think I wont be able to take this laptop away with me and connect back to my library

[mastrmind11 722]

Cheers, I can see why it was a bit muddles.

 

I have the following:

 

1 - FTTC internet connection with work. Currently on a Billion 8800 series router

2 - Virgin Media Fibre broadband, with Virgin MEdia Hub (3) I believe

 

FTTC network internally is using powerline adaptors, emby server is sat on a pc acting as a media server on this network. Laptop connects to this (ethernet), as do both firetv sticks currently. My android mobile also uses this most of the time

 

Virgin network is only connected to PS4 and VIrgin Tivo box, but, ideally, I would like to use the firetv sticks, mobiles on this etc. 

 

Mobile App - connects when using the FTTC connection, not on the virgin connection.

Laptop - wont connect via FTTC network when I log in to Emby on a browser, I dont have an app on here, as, its only for updating titles/pictures on the library really. Not tried with Virgin network. Not understanding why this wont connect, as, same network as the server.

 

I havent tried, but, this makes me think I wont be able to take this laptop away with me and connect back to my library

Can you connect to the server via your laptop and work wifi?  Assuming your fire sticks are both wifi, the only variable here is the ethernet connection via your laptop.  Try and report back.

[outlaw69uk 7]

Can you connect to the server via your laptop and work wifi?  Assuming your fire sticks are both wifi, the only variable here is the ethernet connection via your laptop.  Try and report back.

I believe the issue is Virgin. I have somehow got the laptop to connect via ethernet, also wifi via work wifi. I connected via the IP address of the server, rather than just clicking on the name and it went straight in

 

The common denominator here is the virgin connection, I have had a look at the virgin hub, and, there appears to be nothing blocking, same on the billion. I will have a play and see what I can find out

[mastrmind11 722]

I believe the issue is Virgin. I have somehow got the laptop to connect via ethernet, also wifi via work wifi. I connected via the IP address of the server, rather than just clicking on the name and it went straight in

 

The common denominator here is the virgin connection, I have had a look at the virgin hub, and, there appears to be nothing blocking, same on the billion. I will have a play and see what I can find out

You have 2 internet connections, with 2 routers.  If your server is on your work network, then it will only be reachable internally from that network.  There is no way for the routers to know about the parallel network... the 2 networks are independent of one another.

[outlaw69uk 7]

In saying that, I cant connect on 4g either, so, perhaps its a setting somewhere in the billion, not allowing connections from outside

 

Is there a port forwarding thing for Emby somewhere on here? I will go and have a look at that

[outlaw69uk 7]

You have 2 internet connections, with 2 routers.  If your server is on your work network, then it will only be reachable internally from that network.  There is no way for the routers to know about the parallel network... the 2 networks are independent of one another.

I know that bit, it seems to be external connections. I have tried with a device on the virgin network, and, an android device on 4G, neither option lets me connect to the server, even using connect

[mastrmind11 722]

I know that bit, it seems to be external connections. I have tried with a device on the virgin network, and, an android device on 4G, neither option lets me connect to the server, even using connect

Yes, you have to open the emby port (8096) on your Billion and route it to your server's internal IP if you want to connect to it from outside your local network.

[outlaw69uk 7]

Yes, you have to open the emby port (8096) on your Billion and route it to your server's internal IP if you want to connect to it from outside your local network.

 

Had a good look and the port forwarding was in place, but, to the wrong IP for the server .105 not .103. SO, cheers, really appreciate the help  

[mastrmind11 722]

nice work.