how to ensure VLC clients require authentication?

[dance4ever 11]

I opened up my VLC app on my Android and it discovered my Emby server.  This is pretty cool.

However, it didnt ask for authentication.

I thought maybe it was because I authenticated in the browser through Chrome prior so I logged out.

I can still browse my library in VLC.

How can I ensure clients like VLC ask for authentication?

There are many ppl sharing our local network and like to restrict access to those who have a valid Emby server account.

Edited August 26, 2020 by dance4ever

[dance4ever 11]

I notice if I turn off "Enable DLNA Server" , it hides the server.

I tried enabling DLNA again, marking it as a favorite in VLC, disabling DLNA, and I was still able to connect to my Emby server thru the favorite without authentication.

Edited August 26, 2020 by dance4ever

[Carlo 4561]

That's the point of DLNA as it doesn't use authentication.  If you click on the left menu DLNA in web admin you'll see you can set a user that it uses.

You can use this person to setup parental controls if needed so that young children can't use DLNA to get to the good stuff.

DLNA only works on the server LAN.  It can not be used remotely.

[dance4ever 11]

ah that's exactly what I did, I created a 2nd user with access to less content.

If DLNA has no authentication by design, I strongly believe the DLNA server should be off by default (or maybe have a single video in a default directory teaching you how to use DLNA).

When you turn the feature on, it could pop up a warning that all libraries will be available over DLNA by default unless you create a "safe" user - "do you really want to do this?"

I definitely averted a potentially embarrassing situation with a 10 year old upstairs who is tech savvy w multiple devices including a Roku and PS/4!

Edited August 26, 2020 by dance4ever

[Luke 42086]

Thanks for the feedback.

[dance4ever 11]

while I don’t know if this should be a separate thread...now that I understand this is related to DLNA - is there a reason when “DLNA server enabled” is not checked, why VLC clients still have access libraries in VLC?

How do I toggle DLNA access?

Edited August 28, 2020 by dance4ever

[Carlo 4561]

Hi,

If you turn off all DLNA functionality they shouldn't have access.

Can you restart Emby and then take a pic showing how VLC is connecting to your server?

[dance4ever 11]

ah - i didn’t realize Emby doesn’t dynamically reconfigure that component.  I just opened VLC and it looks like since Emby last rebooted, I’m not able to use my network shortcut/favorite.

perhaps an enhancement request to put some text next to the option “server requires reboot for this to take effort” in red or something along these lines until the admin reboots the server?

[Luke 42086]

The majority of those settings are dynamic. That might be the only example that isn't.

[dance4ever 11]

ok I spoke too soon.  I restarted the server and I'm able to access content from VLC (Pixel 3a) using a "network favorite"

I have DLNA options unchecked and confirm I can stream content.

 

[Luke 42086]

You can also try removing the dlna plugin altogether.