Well, I changed Channels server to Automatic. However, after finishing watching an episode, nothing worked again, even though Channels server was not reporting any issues...
So, now I will change to Manual and forward the port through the router, but waiting for Team Viewer to let me back in since I have used the max log ins with TV and have to wait! Arrrgghh!
Manual port forwarding works. I wonder why Automatic is having problems even though it says it listening on 96.x.x.x:8089?
My concern is that since my router is assigning IP addresses dynamically, I might lose that forwarding in the future. Would prefer to use Automatic.
Automatic seems to be fully working now. I changed it back and so far, so good.
That was why I recommended setting your Mac to use a static IP address within your home network; or failing that, at least set up a DHCP reservation in your router for the Mac. That way your Mac will have a stable, unchanging IP address within your home network. And, since your computer will always have the same IP address, you only need to set the port forwarding rule once.
There are many different implementations of UPnP employed across many different routers and software programs, and quite frequently things don't go as one would expect or as they should. Relying on such protocols should really only be a last resort when you can't control other aspects of your network. However, since you can make changes to your router, the best option for you in the long run is to set a manual port forward and a DHCP reservation.
I completely agree with @racameron. I even go 1 step further and disabled uPnP. I do not want to allow apps to "open firewall ports" without my knowledge. The above suggestion is very easy to implement after you invest the time to do it once.
Thanks both for your suggestions. Automatic forwarding seems to be working so I have deleted the Port Forwarding in the router.
As far as creating a static IP using the router, that is one step more advanced than I am used to doing. I am not highly tech literate (more intermediate) and I am worried if I try to do so, I may screw something up. I know I could reset my router, but prefer not to do that while I am out of town. I might fiddle with it when I get back and know if the thing gets screwed up, I could do a hard reset.
