Split Tunneling VPN: A Smart Solution for Slow Connections
VPN usage is becoming increasingly popular among internet users, and one feature that is gaining more attention is split tunneling. This feature is very useful for those experiencing slow connections when using banking apps, playing online games, or even streaming high-quality videos. With split tunneling, you no longer need to turn off your VPN every time you want to access certain services.
What Is Split Tunneling?
Split tunneling is a feature that allows users to choose which applications or websites use the encrypted VPN connection and which can access the internet directly. This way, you can still protect your privacy while browsing online without disrupting access to apps like banking or local printers that may require an unencrypted connection.
According to several sources, "split tunneling gives you greater control over your digital footprint while prioritizing convenience without sacrificing security."
How Does Split Tunneling Work?
Technically, there are two methods to operate split tunneling. The first is the whitelist method, where users add specific apps or sites as exceptions from the VPN connection. The second is the blocklist method, where users configure a list of apps that must go through the encrypted tunnel.
Some VPN providers, such as Surfshark and IPVanish, use the whitelist approach, while ExpressVPN applies the blocklist method. On the other hand, NordVPN and CyberGhost offer both options, allowing users to choose the method that best suits their needs. Some VPN providers even offer router-level configuration options, enabling split tunneling settings directly from the WiFi network if the router supports this feature.
When Should You Enable Split Tunneling?
This feature is very useful in certain situations. Here are some scenarios where you might want to enable split tunneling:
- Accessing Devices on the Local Network: When connecting to local devices like printers or smart speakers that do not require an encrypted connection.
- High-Security Applications: When using banking apps or digital work systems that often block IP addresses from VPN providers.
- Tasks That Require High Bandwidth: For activities like gaming, video calls, or streaming, where a fast connection is essential.
- Services Relying on Geolocation Data: For weather apps or ride-sharing services that require accurate location information.
Risks of Using Split Tunneling
Although split tunneling is very useful, there are some risks to consider. When bypassing the VPN, your original IP address, geolocation data, and identity can be visible to unencrypted apps or websites. Additionally, online tracker or ad-blocking protections usually provided by VPNs will be disabled.
As stated in some references, "Creating a split tunnel is essentially the same as automatically turning off your VPN when accessing certain apps or services." Therefore, it is highly discouraged to use split tunneling when connected to public WiFi networks or when using unreliable internet service providers. Although some VPN providers offer DNS protection, DNS leaks can still occur.
To ensure everything runs smoothly, it is recommended to use DNS leak testing tools such as BrowserLeaks, IPLeak, or free tools from ExpressVPN and Surfshark.
VPN Providers That Support Split Tunneling
Split tunneling is still relatively new, and not all VPN providers offer it. Here are some major VPN providers that support this feature:
- Surfshark: Features a tool called Bypasser, which allows unlimited access to home devices for specific apps.
- ProtonVPN: Supports split tunneling on all operating systems, including Linux.
- Norton VPN: Has long supported split tunneling on Windows and Android, and it is now also available for Mac and iOS devices.
- NordVPN: Although it does not support split tunneling on Apple devices, its functionality on Windows and Android is quite good.
- ExpressVPN: Offers effective split tunneling for Windows, Android, and Linux users, and can also operate directly at the router level.
With the presence of split tunneling, VPN users now have greater control over their network traffic. You no longer have to choose between security and convenience, as both can run simultaneously.
Source: https://telset.id/how-to/split-tunneling-vpn-solusi-atasi-lemot-saat-banking-dan-gaming
