What Is Split Tunneling and How Does it Work?
There are many compelling reasons to use a virtual private network (VPN). You can access all sorts of location-specific content such as Netflix, retail shopping, or watch boxing shows through free overseas broadcasts. Anonymity and data encryption are two additional benefits of using a virtual private network (VPN). Additionally, you can download several torrent files. Certain websites are inaccessible when using a VPN to view them. Some good examples are PayPal and Craigslist. It is not uncommon for certain applications to fail. You may also have trouble connecting to your local printer. Split tunneling, however, can address all these concerns.
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So, What Is Split Tunneling, and Is It Worth It?
Split tunneling is a VPN technique that divides your internet connection into two. Your VPN provider generates two connections for you to use online. One encrypts your data via a protected VPN tunnel, and another provides a direct internet connection. Should you decide to go by the recommended VPNs that allow for split tunneling, here, you can find VPN for Windows that will enable you to browse at optimum speeds and still send crucial data or browse anonymously. For various needs, you may disable or enable apps or websites where you need to use a VPN. Find below some instances where split-tunneling is required.
Printing or Communicating Within Your Local Area Network
When using a VPN, you realize that your data circumvents all networks and goes to the VPN server before communicating with the site you visit. Anonymous browsing shuts you out of the network of computers at your workplace, which is not ideal for data sharing, communication, and printing.
Split tunneling solves this issue by enabling invisibility settings for sensitive data navigation and visibility settings for LAN devices or printers.
Simultaneous Access to Foreign and Local Internet Apps and Services
It is impossible to access local and international content and services with a VPN. Split tunneling solves this issue by allowing you to stream American Netflix when you are in Kenya and, at the same time, access local content.
Increased Speed and Anonymous Online Activity
Using a VPN slows down your connection since your data goes to a remote VPN server. Encrypted tunnels in VPNs allow you to use more of your internet connection for various purposes while still protecting your privacy.
Bear in mind that speeds vary according to VPN provider. You may not experience any downtime, or it may be minor if you do. Nonetheless, split tunneling might assist you in encrypting what is necessary.
Types of Split Tunneling
Different VPN providers give clients two split-tunneling options: a URL switch off or an App switch off.
Tunneling with an Inverse Split
This method is suitable because, by default, your provider routes everything through your VPN. Like safe listing, inverse split tunneling is a type that lets you choose the applications and URLs you want to browse the web directly. Therefore, if a site does not operate through your VPN, you can reach the URL via split tunneling.
Alternatively, if a social networking app is not functioning correctly, you can connect directly using split tunneling.
Tunneling in Two Directions for Applications
This feature enables you to specify which applications you will access through the VPN. Suppose you’re not interested in using your VPN for everything. In that case, you can use split-tunneling to access individual torrent downloaders, retail, travel, online banking apps, anything that may contain private personal data. All other web traffic goes through your existing network.
Tunneling on a per-URL Basis
This one is similar to the preceding, except you indicate which URLs the VPN should encrypt before passing through the protected network. Should you be using a VPN browser extension, you may configure which URLs should be routed through your VPN directly from your browser. The remainder of the internet traffic goes through your existing network.
Final Submission
Split tunneling is your go-to solution for sites that block VPNs. Instead of uninstalling the VPN or disabling it completely, you would rather have two connections: a protected one and a direct web connection for your privacy, data protection, and sanity.
