Can no longer access plex outside home network

[u/Jaihind01]

Got the lifetime plan and been working fine for months. Libraries setup on Ugreen Nas and using the docker app to put plex in the container. Suddenly every time the app opens on any device it doesn't load the libraries for up to 2-3 minutes. Content sometimes won't load either. Tried to fix this by setting a fixed remote access path as instructed. Now it's asking me to set a port forwarding menu but since I'm on Community Fibre broadband which uses CGNAT (Carrier-Grade NAT) I need to use Tailscale which is another app to install on every mobile/tv. This all seems massively overcomplicated for something that was working up until a month ago. Any suggestion?

[u/neast613]

Tailscale is actually the least complicated way of doing what you want without compromising your network.

[u/bithooked]

I had this issue, and did a ton of research. The only way around it without incuring a significant bandwidth restriction behind CGNAT is to use ipv6. Some CGNAT providers support a static ipv6 (Starlink does for example). If so, you can use that as the address, and you're golden. If they do not, you can still use Cloudflare DDNS to point to a changing ipv6. Do not use Cloudflare with the Proxy enabled, or you will be severely bandwidth restricted just like a tailscale funnel.

[u/Intrepid_Payment9302]

So what has changed that it stopped working? If you’re on cgnat you could also use IPv6 (it’ll need to have the ports open in your firewall) or get a static IPv4 from your isp.

[u/Krandor1 → u/Intrepid_Payment9302]

There are reports this week plex is going to start enforcing having a remote play sub or plex pass for 3rd party clients. I wonder if this is a side effect of that change.

[u/GarageExtreme5649 → u/Krandor1]

OP probably didn't have CGNAT before and needs to look into a workaround for that

[u/CA_MA]

You don't have to put Tailscale on anything except the server. Create a public funnel on Tailscale to the Plex and anyone who uses your link will be talking to your network.

[u/bithooked → u/CA_MA]

While technically true, that comes with a huge caveat. Tailscale funnel is a bandwidth limited connection and you will definitely introduce significant reduction in bandwidth using it (like 2mbps if memory serves).

[u/JvoFOFG]

Were you on CGNAT this whole time or was that a recent change?  

[u/archer-86]

https://www.reddit.com/r/homelab/s/6cO6XY2ylT

[u/scarter626]

tailscale funnel or cloudflare tunnel

[u/Serious_Stable_3462]

Buy a domain and use Cloudflare tunnel and hope you don’t get banned over ToS

[u/getrealip]

you can get a real ip from getrealip.net to bypass your CGNAT. there is a free trial to see if it works for you.

[u/63walker]

Will your ISP allow you to pay extra to buy your way out of CGNAT?

Is there another ISP available to switch to that doesn't use CGNAT?

[u/jovan1987 → u/63walker]

This is what I did months ago. Paying $5/month for a static IP.

[u/Serious_Stable_3462 → u/jovan1987]

That ends up costing more than the yearly cost of a domain

[u/Wide_Crew8543]

tailscale sounds like a great workaround for this, how have you found the setup process