2024-03-02, 01:40 AM
I just use Tailscale, which is free for private use - installed using a Docker container on my Debian server (https://tailscale.com/kb/1282/docker), but you should just as easily be able to install it directly on Debian/Linux (e.g. sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install tailscale && tailscale up - or https://tailscale.com/kb/1031/install-linux for various Linux versions) , or Windows, Mac, Synology, Raspberry Pi or whatever your server is (https://tailscale.com/kb/installation). Then install it on whatever you are using as a client. Make sure both are connecting to your Tailnet/private Tailscale Network through the Tailscale admin interface.
This means no ports open, no public IPs, no security issues, no need for domain names, no need for Dynamic DNS setups. Just one software package on each end.
Limitations - I have had problems (a few months ago, haven't tried since about December 2023) casting from my Tailscale connected Android phone to a Chromecast on the same WiFi network, which may be because I am not using the public host names/IPs that Tailscale can automatically assign (xxx.tailscale.net) as I want my server completely invisible publicly for security reasons. But, I have been easily able to connect my Windows laptop to the same WiFi, connect to my remote/home server using Tailscale, then cast my browser Window from a Chrome browser to the local Chromecast on the same WiFi. Can then use the laptop for other things with the Chrome Browser minimised or using another tab in Chrome to browse the net, as long as the Jellyfin tab remains open and casting. I have no idea about casting Chrome tabs from Android to a Chromecast. My guess is whatever version of Chrome browser you can get to cast to Chromecast without Tailscale involved will also cast with Tailscale involved.
This means no ports open, no public IPs, no security issues, no need for domain names, no need for Dynamic DNS setups. Just one software package on each end.
Limitations - I have had problems (a few months ago, haven't tried since about December 2023) casting from my Tailscale connected Android phone to a Chromecast on the same WiFi network, which may be because I am not using the public host names/IPs that Tailscale can automatically assign (xxx.tailscale.net) as I want my server completely invisible publicly for security reasons. But, I have been easily able to connect my Windows laptop to the same WiFi, connect to my remote/home server using Tailscale, then cast my browser Window from a Chrome browser to the local Chromecast on the same WiFi. Can then use the laptop for other things with the Chrome Browser minimised or using another tab in Chrome to browse the net, as long as the Jellyfin tab remains open and casting. I have no idea about casting Chrome tabs from Android to a Chromecast. My guess is whatever version of Chrome browser you can get to cast to Chromecast without Tailscale involved will also cast with Tailscale involved.