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Bypass VPN for Specific traffic: Split Tunneling Explained
Table of Contents
By Amelia Hernandez | LOS ANGELES – 2025/09/05 08:43:14
Encountering issues where a website blocks you due to VPN usage? The solution might be split tunneling, a technique that allows you to route only specific traffic through your VPN while the rest uses your regular internet connection.
Understanding Split Tunneling
This is commonly known as split routing, where the VPN tunnel will be used for resources that is inside the corporate network, whilst default gateway will be used for the rest.
Split tunneling offers a way to access resources on a private network via a VPN while simultaneously using your local internet connection for other online activities. This can be particularly useful when certain websites or services block VPN traffic, or when you only need the VPN for specific purposes like accessing work resources.
How to Implement Split Tunneling
There are several ways to configure split tunneling, depending on your operating system and VPN software:
- Operating System Settings: Some operating systems, like Ubuntu, offer built-in split tunneling options.in Ubuntu 18.04, you can find this setting under Settings -> Network -> Gear Icon -> IPv4 tab. Look for a checkbox labeled “Use this connection only for resources on its network” [[1]].
- VPN software Configuration: Some VPN clients offer split tunneling features within their settings. Consult your VPN provider’s documentation for specific instructions.
- Manual Configuration: Advanced users can configure split tunneling manually by adjusting routing tables. This method requires a deeper understanding of networking concepts.
Split Tunneling by Application
Another approach is to configure split tunneling on a per-application basis. This allows you to specify which applications should use the VPN connection and which should use your regular internet connection [[3]].
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the main benefit of split tunneling?
- Split tunneling allows you to access local network resources and the internet simultaneously, improving speed and efficiency.
- Is split tunneling secure?
- While convenient, split tunneling can introduce security risks if not configured carefully. Traffic outside the VPN is not encrypted.
- How do I know if I need split tunneling?
- If you experience slow internet speeds while connected to a VPN or need to access resources that block VPN traffic, split tunneling might be a good solution.
Sources
- Ask Ubuntu: How NOT to route all traffic through the VPN?
- Ask Ubuntu: How to whitelist / blacklist certain urls not to use VPN connection?
- Ask Ubuntu: Simplest split tunneling solution (per application) for OpenVPN
- Cloudflare: What is Split Tunneling?
- Perimeter 81: Split Tunneling
- Cisco: What is VPN?
- Comparitech: What is a VPN?
- Cloudflare: What is a Gateway?
- IBM: Gateway
- TechTarget: Routing Table
- Cloudflare: What is Routing?
- Fortune Business Insights: VPN market
- GlobeNewswire: VPN Market Size Worth USD 77.09 Billion by 2029
- Statista: Reasons for using VPN worldwide
