if I run my M3U links from a media server but use a streaming stick to connect to an app for that media server to stream content, is it more important that the streaming stick is connected to a VPN or the desktop server which hosts the media server software?
Ok bro if your m3u iptv server which orginally is providing the content is blocked by local isp then the server which is getting content from external server should be within vpn for that you can use vpn. If media streamer is configured to get content fron the local server which is in your local network does not need to be behind vpn, unless ur media server is fetching content from external server. Isp cannot see what ur r fetching from internet with m3u link as ur server is behind vpn. Media player will not go out of local network for the contents your local server is providing.
If both desktop server and stick are on a local network you don’t need to use VPN.
You can stream the content with NDI or UDP locally.
If it’s hosted else where you need the VPN on the stick. But depends what kind of content you’re trying to watch.
Thanks for the updates. So to clarify, on my desktop server I am running Emby software. The software allows me to provide a m3u URL given to me by my IPTV provider.
I use my Apple TV app to use the Emby app.
Obviously if my desktop server is located, on my local network, at something like 192.168.1.23 then the Emby app on Apple TV is connecting to 192.168.1.23 in order to access content.
In the case of local media hosted on 192.168.1.23, I don’t care, what does my local ISP for rider see that I am connecting to a specific m3u URL?
Should I care?
I was wondering if I should run a VPN service on the desktop server? My original question was if I should instead put my Apple TV over a VPN? My concern was that the Emby app connects to the M3U url provided by the IPTV provider? as I dig deeper, I get the impression that the Emby app only sees a connection to 192.168.1.23 and that’s it.
I definitely hear mixed things about whether or not you even need to use a VPN. I am in the states and use Verizon FiOS if that’s any help in discussing this matter? I also have a UniFi security gateway which I read can simplify the VPN process.
Depends if your IPTV provider is being blocked by the internet service provider. If they not then a VPN only makes the experience worse.