COMA Blog
Remote Access for a Home Media Server
Set up safer remote access for a home media server using HTTPS, Cloudflare Tunnel, firewall checks, and COMA networking tools.
Start with the local server
Before remote access, confirm COMA works on the local network. Play a file locally, confirm the admin dashboard loads, and check that the server can validate its licence.
Use a tunnel when possible
Cloudflare Tunnel is often simpler than router port forwarding. For COMA, the public hostname should point to the local service URL shown in Admin > Networking, commonly http://localhost:31314.
Keep API paths uncached
Static pages can be cached, but API routes must not be cached. In Cloudflare, disable caching for /api/* so authentication, playback authorization, purchases, and licence checks remain live.
Test from outside the house
Use a mobile connection or another network. Check HTTPS status, public URL, and bandwidth before inviting other users.
Watch the COMA quick start video, open the full walkthrough guide, compare licence plans, download the server, or read the technical docs.