Many websites employ bot detection mechanisms that can block users accessing their content while connected to a Virtual Private Network (VPN).This is often indicated by a “403 Blocked” error or similar messages suggesting the user disable the VPN. Though, there’s a solution that allows you to use a VPN for specific traffic while bypassing these blocks for other online activities: split tunneling.

What is Split Tunneling?

Split tunneling is a VPN feature that allows you to route some of your device’s internet traffic through the VPN while other traffic accesses the internet directly. This means you can use the VPN for sensitive activities, such as accessing work resources or secure websites, while bypassing it for general browsing or streaming services that might block VPN connections.

“If you are using a VPN, please disable it or configure split tunnelling”

How to Configure Split Tunneling

The configuration process varies depending on the VPN provider and operating system. Here’s a general overview and some specific examples:

• VPN Software Settings: Most VPN applications have built-in split tunneling settings. Look for options to exclude specific applications or IP addresses from the VPN tunnel.
• Command Line (Linux): On Linux-based systems like ubuntu, split tunneling can be configured manually. This often involves modifying routing tables to direct specific traffic through the VPN interface.
• Provider-Specific Tools: Some VPN providers offer command-line tools or configuration options to manage split tunneling. For example, [1] mentions that NordVPN has a `nordvpn whitelist` command. it’s recommended to consult your VPN provider’s documentation or support for specific instructions.

Split Tunneling with L2TP/IPsec VPN on Ubuntu

For users connecting to an L2TP/IPsec VPN on Ubuntu, split tunneling can help resolve speed issues by only routing on-site resources through the VPN tunnel [2]. Configuration involves modifying the routing table to specify which traffic should use the VPN.

Using OpenVPN for Specific Applications

It’s also possible to configure OpenVPN to only be used by specific applications or services. This involves setting up a split tunneling credential and ensuring proper DNS restriction to prevent leaks [3].