I have docker installed, but only have a vague idea of how it works.
Back in the day, I would just port forward, but even then, I would need a static IP somehow.
I have heard a reverse proxy is an option, but that is an entirely new topic to me.
Surely there is an easy way to access Jellyfin outside of my home network that I’m just missing.
*Edit: I am blown away by all the help and support! I currently have tailscale running, and I’m in the process of purchasing a domain.
Thanks everyone!
You don’t need a static IP, you just have to keep track of what your current dynamic IP is.
You can do this with either a free or a paid DNS service.
There are a few different ‘free dns’ services that will delegate a subdomain of theirs to you at no cost. Admittedly, I’ve never actually used one of these so their names escape me. Hopefully someone else can point one of those out if that’s what you really want.
I purchased a domain via google domains, when they existed. It’s now transferred to squarespace, because they bought out google domains a few years ago.
It was around $13/year when I first got it a decade ago. It’s now around $28/year.
This allows me full control over the domain: I can use as many subdomains as I want to give each service I use it’s own unique name. (Instead of using their own separate ports that you’ve gotta remember) My domain will also forward all inbound email to my gmail account; this lets me use email addresses like <servicename>@mydomain.example. This way, I don’t share my real email and can immediately tell who sold my info to the highest bidder when I get spam. (I could also host my own email service if I really wanted, but I haven’t bothered)
Add Cloudflare ontop (for free); and it can filter out known attacks, ddos attempts, geofence your services to regions you’ll actually be in, provide/autorenew ssl certs for https, show you usage analytics, cache static data reducing server/network load, etc.
Ultimately, the paid option is well worth it IMO. $2/month (which I typically pay in 3-10 year blocks) is hardly anything.
/edit; vpns are good and all, but they require you to setup software on the remote device to connect to it, and that typically routes most if not all your traffic back to the vpn server then out to the internet. That can create speed/bandwidth issues.
A domain allows you to access your services from any Internet connection with 0 configuration on the client side. Just accessing it like any other website.
I also host a vpn directly from my network, that I access/find via my domain. This means I’m not dependent on a public service like tailscale, but can still add additional security to access private only services (stuff I don’t expose to the open internet)
You still need a public IP address. More and more often, IPv4 services are provided behind CGNAT, which won’t be able to work as you describe.
If you don’t have a public IPv4 for your LAN you can use IPv6. Or, you can reverse proxy your services through a gateway with a public IPv4.
I use a a reverse proxy (Pangolin) running on a VPS. A Newt tunnel connects my LAN to to Pangolin, exposing my local services via subdomains.
Tailscale, ZeroTier, and other similar services generally establish direct tunnels between devices, without a separate VPN server. They use a central service merely as a sort of common meeting point (STUN/TURN) for the devices to figure out how to establish direct tunnel(s).
Fair points.
I’ve been lucky enough to have never been behind cgnat, so I keep forgetting about it.
My bigger concern with tailscale is being required to install software on the client. Not every device I use, I have permission to install a vpn client, nor would I want to.
For example, I have a fileshare using Filebrowser where I store work related files that I don’t want to loose access to or need access to from multiple machines (non proprietary info, stuff IT/MGT wouldnt get mad at me for ofc. I’ve actually cleared it with my managers, so no worries). That’s also a handy way to (temporarily) share large files with people or provide a way for friends to upload large files to me.
I also like to access my emby server (using sufficiently limited accounts), from things like the TV in the work break room, or a friends PC while I’m visiting.
Tailscale is a hurdle that I just don’t need/want.
As averse as I am to spending money on subscription services, having my own domain for less than 30 bucks a year might be worth it.
I think I’m going to try out the tailscale VPN route first before I fully warm up to buying a domain.
*Edit-You’ve definitely got me sold on getting a domain! Thank you so much for all the info!
Glad I could help. I’m not always immediately available, but I don’t mind answering questions if you run into troubles. Just send me a DM and I’ll do what I can. :)