Creating URL for NAS

Forums › LAN (ethernet/Wifi/routers/Bluetooth) › Creating URL for NAS

Rickles

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#309362 11-Oct-2023 18:42

Colleague wants to use an App to access his NAS, and VLC works fine.

However, when trying AppleTV App, it needs a URL. 192.168.xxx.xxx etc doesn't work, of course.

Is there a means to name/allocate/create a URL for the NAS on a local network?

nzkc

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#3145459 11-Oct-2023 18:49

Yes... as for how will depend on your router (or other network infrastructure if you're running things like a pihole).

Usually its tied to the DHCP settings of your router as to the domain it'll use. Fritzbox from memory creates a fritz.box domain for example. Others might do something like home.local. Some allow you to specify your own domain. If you're setting a static IP address on the NAS you might have to manually add a static name to the DNS on your router.

davidcole

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#3145540 12-Oct-2023 07:03

And in the router, the ns should identify itself as a name, like it's product name. From another machine other than the nas you should be able to get to the nas via that name.

If the nas does not, then most routers have the ability to set an alias which is the name you would use.

This all works for local access only.

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#3145557 12-Oct-2023 08:32

Given VLC works using an IP address in network stream URLs I think the OP has no understanding of how one would access a SMB share on a NAS and play back media using the VLC app on an AppleTV.

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davidcole

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#3145559 12-Oct-2023 08:34

yeah, but switching from using an ip address (which can change unless it's been set static) to a machine name if the first step in basic networking.

wellygary

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#3145564 12-Oct-2023 08:44

Hang on, can we just sort out what the OP is trying to do

What App on the Appletv is trying to access the NAS, As far as I am aware "apple" apps will only pull content from Apple's services,

He will need a programme like infuse to drag content of a local network drive....

Also what sharing protocols are enabled on the NAS, SMB ?? NFS ??

tangerz

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#3145572 12-Oct-2023 08:57

Rickles:

Colleague wants to use an App to access his NAS, and VLC works fine.

However, when trying AppleTV App, it needs a URL. 192.168.xxx.xxx etc doesn't work, of course.

Is there a means to name/allocate/create a URL for the NAS on a local network?

wellygary:

Hang on, can we just sort out what the OP is trying to do

What App on the Appletv is trying to access the NAS, As far as I am aware "apple" apps will only pull content from Apple's services,

Pretty sure he's trying to use the VLC media player app on the AppleTV.

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davidcole

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#3145573 12-Oct-2023 09:02

wellygary:

Hang on, can we just sort out what the OP is trying to do

What App on the Appletv is trying to access the NAS, As far as I am aware "apple" apps will only pull content from Apple's services,

He will need a programme like infuse to drag content of a local network drive....

Also what sharing protocols are enabled on the NAS, SMB ?? NFS ??

No apps like infuse, jellyfin and I think vlc exists as well, can access local content. Nothing comes from apple but AppleTV+ and App Store. Everything else is directly from services (disney, netflix, tvnz) or local network

RogerMellie

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#3145574 12-Oct-2023 09:02

Rickles:

Colleague wants to use an App to access his NAS, and VLC works fine.

However, when trying AppleTV App, it needs a URL. 192.168.xxx.xxx etc doesn't work, of course.

Is there a means to name/allocate/create a URL for the NAS on a local network?

If he wants an app, he might find Infuse a much better app experience (on the Apple TV)

Rickles

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#3145576 12-Oct-2023 09:13

Thanks all for interest and answers ... more info -

The NAS is a D-Link ShareCenter, and has a static IP and 'name' Also has NFS, SMB, FTP etc enabled.

As advised, VLC works fine but requires several clicks to get to music or video files, and then the 'right one' to actually play back.

The AppleTV App is the one that is available off the PlayStore, NO AppleTV device involved.

Reason to try another App is because the AppleTV App seems to display album covers and video/movie art work etc.

The AppleTV App works by installing on TV, then going to web site and entering Code .... the web site allows for the entering of the video/music library via URL, and that is where we are falling over <s>.

davidcole

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#3145578 12-Oct-2023 09:16

Oh right, so the appleTV app (is appletv+?) I think it's designed for accessing content as WellyGary said from Apple. I haven't tried it enough to know what local thing it is supposed to be able to access.

I think VLC or infuse (but has a payment for some formats) is a better option for local content.