Using OpenVPN to Stream Live TV Remotely

Help! There HAS to be a solution here but an entire day of searching for a solution to a seemingly common issue has been eluding my grasp!

I have Comcast Xfinity TV, I travel a lot for work, and I love watching my White Sox. If you’re still reading this, you probably already know that I’m going to say I can’t stream certain channels unless I’m on my home network. There has to be a “simple,” common solution for this (even if there are a variety of programs utilized for different steps), right? OpenVPN seemed to be a common theme in posts and articles but not exactly sure how to utilize that solution for this specific issue.

Added notes:

  • I have NordVPN purchased and running as I figured this might be part of the solution (and helpful to have regardless).
  • I know enough about networking/tech to know how to access my xFi gateway’s admin settings and understand most of what I’m seeing there.
  • My brain hit it’s ceiling once OpenVPN started asking how I’d like to set up my Access Server so I came back here.
  • I’m comfortable learning more.

Pivpn is super easy!!! I personally run wireguard in a docker container with docker-compose but pivpn will do what u want . You will also need DDns with something like No-ip.com if you have a dynamic IP.

OpenVPN Access server is not necessary just community version of openvpn server you need a computer at home this can be a standard PC with windows or something as cheap as a raspberry pi 3 or 4 (runs Linux and costs about $50)

setup openvpn server on PC or Raspberry pi openvpn documentation is available on openvpn website
in openvpn server make sure to forward all traffic through VPN using
push "redirect-gateway def1 bypass-dhcp"

now setup openvpn client on your portable device and when you’re away from home you can connect to your own home vpn redirecting all traffic to your home IP and xfinity will think you are home! I know this cause I use it :slight_smile:

If you are comfortable with all this it should be straight forward.

if you need more help let me know what kind of pc you have at home and I’ll help with the setup cause screw xfinity for being such tight A$$ holes

I have done this exact thing and it works perfectly. I also have a NVIDIA shield with Android TV that has a client app for OpenVPN. If you are away from home for a long time and have access to the network you can connect both your phone and your NVIDIA shield to the VPN and then cast to the shield. This works great.

Thank you!!! Really appreciate the detailed steps!!