Today we’re explaining one of the features most top VPN providers have – split tunneling. But before we go into how it works in a “VPN setting,” let us first define the technology in general terms.
What is split tunneling?
Generally speaking, split tunneling is a computer networking concept that allows users to access dissimilar security domains like a public network (e.g., the Internet) and a local network at the same time, using the same or different network connections.
In a VPN setting, the user will rely on its VPN app to connect to a corporate network using a hotel wireless network. At the same time, with split tunneling enabled, he/she is able to connect to other websites without a VPN — using the gateway provided by the hotel network.
Split tunneling is sometimes categorized based on how it is configured: if it’s configured to only tunnel traffic destined to a specific set of destinations, it is called a split-include tunnel. On the other hand, when configured to accept all traffic except traffic destined to a specific set of destinations, it is called a split-exclude tunnel.
Why use split tunneling?
Security is the number one reason users turn on this capability.
Let’s imagine that you’re connected to a slow network but you need to access your online banking account or to connect to the company’s server. You know this must be conducted through a secure channel no matter how slow the connection is.
With split tunneling enabled, you can securely connect to some websites (or services) while browsing the web using the regular / local connection, be it a hotel hotspot or a Wi-Fi network at your friend’s house.
Also, with split tunneling, you get to protect the traffic you choose – without losing access to local network devices.
On the network side, split tunneling helps alleviate bottlenecks and conserve bandwidth as not all Internet traffic passes through the VPN server.
Do you need split tunneling?
A basic VPN routes all your internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel to protect your data from third-party snoops. Nothing wrong with that except if you need to access foreign and local internet services at the same time. This includes access to devices connected in the same (local) network as you are — when you’re connected to a VPN that doesn’t support split-tunneling, you can’t access them.
On the other hand, if you do have a VPN with split tunneling capability, you get to stream foreign movies while using web services from local IP addresses. While doing this — or something else, like downloading files — your connection won’t slow down and you will still be able to access the local network printer (for example).
Are there some security risks of split tunneling?
Since split tunneling will make your connection partly open that open part could be the source of malware. In that sense, you should make sure to only access proven, secure websites and services through that “open” part.
In other words, torrenting and accessing secure websites should exclusively go through the VPN tunnel.
The best VPN services let you define which apps and websites should go through the VPN connection and which don’t have that requirement. Or the other way round, you can protect everything with VPN and only define exceptions for select apps and websites.
Which VPN should I get to benefit from split tunneling?
As we have noted above, all of the best VPNs support split tunneling so you could hardly go wrong by getting any one of them. All of them will also let you anonymously browse the web, download files and do just about anything else without worrying that governments and corporations are watching every step you make.
You also get to conduct your business in a secure manner, connecting from previously defined IP addresses to your office wherever it happens to be. Plus, connecting to public Wi-Fi hotspots is no longer a risky endeavor, with VPN encrypting all communication between your device and the server you’re visiting. Which, again, is the same capability that prevents even your ISP from knowing what you’re doing online. And that’s rather important, with some ISPs throttling internet speeds for activities such as video streaming and torrenting.
All in all, with a VPN you get more freedom. So yes, you need a VPN and you need it now. Check out our list of Best of the Best VPNs, and take it from there…