Plex Server + Asus Router > Outside accessible for 4 seconds only?

[stansoltz]

My Plex Server was fine for about 4 years... then about 6 months, I noticed that I was having issues connecting externally. I have an Asus Rt-N66U with latest firmware. I have 32400 port forwarded to my .106 server address. When I click retry in Plex, it says fully accessible... about 4 seconds pass, then changes to red. (Note the clock in the screenshots... same minute... different message) Any idea what else I could try? I saw someting similar on plex forums but no real solution... btw, my other blueiris on port 55555 works no problem so i think it's plex specific. I've uninstalled, cleaned folders and reg, reinstalled plex, same thing.

Also, I have a wifi dongle and Private Internet Access VPN installed... could be something with Plex moving to a different network adapter?

 

[ColinTaylor]

Also, I have a wifi dongle and Private Internet Access VPN installed...

Either or both of these are likely to be the problem.

I don't know what options you have in your particular firmware, but you would need to make an exception for the Plex server so that it's traffic doesn't go through the VPN.

You'll have to explain how you have your WiFi dongle setup before we can comment on that.

 

[stansoltz]

I just disabled all those ethernet adaptors in settings... so just my LAN ethernet on ip .106. same problem. Also, windows firewall is OFF. I also have ZoneAlarm firewall... wonder if something in there is closing the port?

 

[ColinTaylor]

Sorry, I may have misunderstood you. Are the WiFi adaptor and VPN client installed on the router or the Plex server? I was assuming the router.

 

[stansoltz]

Fyi, I had to uninstall then delete this whole registry folder https://support.plex.tv/articles/201105343-advanced-hidden-server-settings/ Then reinstall. Working now

 

[GorOps]

Pretty sure your issue is related to PIA. See this PIA help doc. There are only some locations that allow port forwarding I believe and if you're using their desktop client you have to enable a switch in the settings.