NAS access from smart TV (and PC)

Question

Hello everyone,  I have a D-Link NAS.  It is connected to my network via cable. I have put several videos in mp4 format on it.  I would like to access it from a Samsung smart TV, which is also connected to the network via cable.  In the TV sources, I cannot find the NAS, but I do see a device called "living room media server" that I can access, but it only contains empty folders. I don't think this is the NAS - it remains there even if I unplug the NAS.  1° Do you know what this "living room media server" might be?  2° Could you help me make my NAS appear on my TV, and possibly on my PC in a simpler way than through the "network" menu?  Thank you all, have a nice evening and take care.

avion-f16 · Accepted Answer

Hello,  The first step, if you haven't already done so, is to set a static IP address for your NAS so you don't have to search for it every time during a DHCP renewal. Two methods to choose from: - set a static IP reservation via the router for your NAS (which will remain configured for DHCP) - set a fixed IP via the NAS outside the DHCP pool of the router  For access from the TV, you need to check which protocols it supports and those that can be offered by the NAS directly or with the help of “plugins.”  Take a look at DLNA or UPnP AV.  That may not be the case for yours: some NAS devices allow the installation of a media server (Plex, Emby, Jellyfin, ...). This offers additional features beyond simple network access. These media servers often provide their own app for smart TVs; otherwise, you can choose an "independent" app like Kodi and use the appropriate plugin according to the media server.

greglomba · Answer

Hello,  In the settings menu of my NAS, I found an option for UPnP --> I activated it. Now, my NAS appears on my TV and I can access videos, great!  I also fixed the IP address of my NAS via the IP address of my ISP router.  I have two more questions:  - On my PC, I can only access my NAS through the "network" menu, and I have to enter a username and password. Isn't there a simpler way to do this?  - How can I access it when I'm away from home?  Thank you!

avion-f16 · Answer

What protocol do you use to access the NAS from your PC? On a Windows PC, you can map the network drive from the file explorer. This way, you can assign it a letter like a local disk, and also choose to save the credentials.  For accessing the NAS from the Internet:  Solution 1) Set up port forwarding on your router to the local IP of the NAS. The ports depend on the chosen protocol (SMB, NFS, FTP, ...). UPnP and DLNA will not be possible over the Internet. Access will then be through the public IP of your router, which may be dynamic (there are solutions for this "problem").  Solution 2) Set up a VPN server at home. This requires "a lot" of configuration and also a computer that is permanently on. This could be your NAS if it allows the installation of a "VPN server" plugin (OpenVPN, Wireguard, ...); otherwise, a computer as energy-efficient as a Raspberry Pi will do the trick. It will still be necessary to configure port forwarding so that the VPN server is accessible from the Internet, but once the connection to the VPN is established, you will be able to access the NAS based on its local IP "as if you were at home." I put quotes because most VPNs operate in "routed" mode, so the networks do not belong to the same multicast domain, meaning UPnP and DLNA will not be available. A VPN server like OpenVPN can work in bridge mode, but the configuration is even more complex. In any case, SMB access seems more appropriate for a computer.  Solution 2b) Set up a VPN server on a remote server (such as a VPS for €5/month) and connect the NAS as a client. This can offer some advantages...

greglomba · Answer

Hi F16,  I managed to "mount the network drive", I'm even learning the technical jargon :)  However, I would like to go for solution 1 for remote access with port forwarding (I need to access it remotely 1 or 2 times a year max...). Specifically, which ports do I need to redirect and how? How do I then access my router...?  Thanks for enlightening my ignorance.

avion-f16 · Answer

Hello,  Indeed, port forwarding is managed via the router.  This allows you to establish a match between « IP_PUBLIC:PORT_1 » and « IP_LOCAL:PORT_2 ». PORT_1 can be equal to PORT_2. When nothing prevents it, it is even simpler to avoid getting mixed up.  In this way, connecting to IP_PUBLIC:PORT_1 from the outside is equivalent to connecting to IP_LOCAL:PORT_1 from the local network.  When you connect to a network drive via SMB, NFS, FTP, ... you may not explicitly specify the port, but you certainly indicate a server address. The port used is then the default port of the protocol.  The question is therefore which protocol you are using to mount your network drive on your PC.  Be careful, some protocols do not have encryption! The protocols SMB, FTP, NFS are concerned: these should not be used outside of a local network. Using these protocols over the Internet will expose your data and credentials. To use them, it is better to opt for a VPN.  Without a VPN, I advise you to use SFTP (FTP over SSH).

NAS access from smart TV (and PC)

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