If you're seeing the error "Could not connect to server http://localhost:8087" when trying to log into Wowza Streaming Engine Manager, this guide will help you troubleshoot the issue and get back online quickly.
1. What does the "Could Not Connect to Server" error mean?
This error means that your browser or device cannot establish a connection to the Wowza Streaming Engine Manager on the specified address (http://localhost:8087). The server may not be running, or there could be a problem with the network or firewall configuration.
2. What are the most common causes of this error?
Here are the main reasons why this error might occur:
- Wowza Streaming Engine Manager is not running: The service may not be started on the server.
- Incorrect URL or port: You may be using the wrong address or port to access the manager.
- Firewall blocking the connection: A firewall or security software could be preventing access.
- Service startup failure: The Wowza Streaming Engine or the Manager service may have failed to start properly.
- Network issues: Localhost connections can fail due to network configurations or issues with the server.
3. How can I resolve this error?
Follow these steps to troubleshoot the problem:
- Verify that Wowza Streaming Engine is running: Check that both the Wowza Streaming Engine and the Engine Manager services are running. You can restart the services if needed.
- Check the URL and port: Ensure you’re accessing the correct URL. By default, the Manager is accessible at
http://localhost:8087. If you’ve configured a different port, use that instead. - Disable firewall temporarily: If your firewall or antivirus software is blocking the connection, try disabling it temporarily to see if the problem is resolved. Be sure to enable it again after testing.
- Check server logs: Review the Wowza Streaming Engine logs to identify any startup errors or issues preventing the Manager from running.
- Restart the server: Sometimes a full server reboot can clear up issues with services not starting or connecting properly.
4. How do I verify if the Wowza Streaming Engine services are running?
You can verify if the Wowza Streaming Engine and Manager are running by using the following methods:
To verify that the Wowza Streaming Engine software is running, open a browser and enter the following URL: http://[wowza-ip-address]:1935
Where [wowza-ip-address] is the IP address or domain name of the local or remote Wowza media server. It should return the Wowza Streaming Engine version number. If not, make sure that the server is running and that TCP port 1935 is open on your router, firewall, and/or software firewall (iptables on Linux).
5. Could the port configuration cause this issue?
Yes, if the default port 8087 is being used by another application or has been changed in the configuration files, you might encounter this error. Make sure that no other service is using port 8087 and that it is open for communication.
6. Can firewall or antivirus software block access to the Manager?
Yes, firewall settings or antivirus software can block connections to localhost:8087. Temporarily disable the firewall or add an exception for the port to ensure it’s not being blocked.
7. What if I can’t access Wowza Streaming Engine Manager from a remote machine?
By default, localhost only allows connections from the local machine. If you want to access Wowza Streaming Engine Manager from a remote computer, you will need to configure your server to listen on all IP addresses or a specific remote IP. Here’s how to do it.
8. What should I do if the issue persists?
If none of the above steps resolve the issue:
- Check Wowza Streaming Engine logs: Review the logs for any errors or warnings during startup that might help diagnose the problem.
- Reinstall Wowza: As a last resort, you may need to reinstall Wowza Streaming Engine to restore default settings.
- Contact Wowza Support: If you still experience issues, reach out to Wowza Support for assistance.