Using the bonjour browser on my iPhone, I can see both channels app and channels dvr.
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In settings-Privacy-LocalNetwork, Channels DVR is enabled, allowing for local access.
Submit diagnostics from the app after trying to add dvr by IP
Just sent diagnostics. Thanks
Seems you are not using a private subnet for LAN addresses?
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I’m not quite sure what you mean by that. I have a modem connected to only router. The entire house is connected to a switch, which is connected to the router. The only difference is I didn’t use the normal 192.168.x.x and have not had any problem with my network until trying to get channels dvr to work in my home.
All my LAN traffic acquires it’s address from the router via DHCP, and few machines have a specific IP address. I have a windows machine that is running the camera server which has a forwarded port to access cameras through my phone when away from home network. That same box is running the channels dvr server. Could that have something to do with it.
Again, I can access the DVR when I’m away from home and all channels work fine. But I cannot access from home on the same network. That doesn’t make sense to me. I really want this to work which is why I’m here looking for help. I haven’t found any issues with pfSense that I can tell, and nothing is being blocked at the windows machine that I can tell from the windows firewall. It has the channels dvr in its rules for allowed.
I tried connecting to the server using my shield on ethernet, which resulted in the same issue. I tried to connect at home using the IP of the server, and when it failed, I submitted the diagnostics for that as well.
@Jamram109
Check your router wifi settings for something along the lines of 'AP Isolate' and make sure it's disabled.
Thanks. I have not established any VLANs on my network (not yet) but I do plan on isolating the IoT devices soon. I’ll take a look at the APs to make sure all that stuff is disabled, but I don’t believe any of it is ON.
Also, if you are using a guest network....look for 'Access Intranet' and make sure that one is enabled.
(Both settings are what they are called on Asus routers)
Nothing weird with the ubiquity APs or the Hp switch.
And I don’t have guest network enabled.
Everything has always worked without any issues but for some reason, this is beating me up 
Firewall on the DVR server? Try disabling it for a test.
Firewall disabled, no dice.
I appreciate everyone’s help. Thanks.
Which private subnet did you use? 10.x.x.x subnets are often used for things like VPNs. The 172.16.x.x thru 172.31.x.x is usually pretty safe.
109.232.x.x
That’s your problem. Channels DVR Server does not require authentication locally. But it also has specific subnets it requires to do this. And there’s no way to actually authenticate manually.
See @tmm1’s comment above. Your network needs to use a private subnet.
I’ve never had any problems with any other networkable devices. Why is this something the developer is choosing to do if no one else is doing this? Or am I missing something?
I’m not going to change my entire network for one app, so if this is really the root of the problem, I guess I’ll have to look elsewhere. And I was really hoping to get this working easily as my wife and kids are not too computer savvy. It just needs to work.
Thanks you everyone who helped me. Unless the developer is willing to make an update to the software, looks like I’m going to have to find another solution.
Jaime
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If "it just works" is a prerequisite, then choosing to use network addresses outside of the reserved private network ranges was just asking for problems to crop up some time in the future, and definitely not a "just works" choice. The reasons those three IP ranges are reserved are specifically for use in LANs not directly connected to the public internet.
Yes....Channels is following network standards and your network is not. I suspect a lot of things are not working as they should for you, even if you do not realize it.
PS - You do realize that part of that block of addresses you are using is owned by a service provider in Iran....also owners in at least France, Spain and the Netherlands just from a quick check of a couple of addresses.
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I guess I was missing a lot more than I anticipated😹. Didn’t realize my local IP was not within best practices. You’re right in the fact that if this is an issue now (first one), more will likely follow if I don’t address it.
I guess once I update everything that needs updating, I’ll try again.
Thanks everyone for the help. I will be back with an update.
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I want to thank everyone for the help and guidance I received yesterday in resolving my issues. After updating my network to a private subnet, Channels app automatically detects the server and all is well.
Thanks again,
Jaime
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