VPN on Wifi = No local access - Cabled works


PureLoneWolf

Active member
Local time
3:37 PM
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6
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Windows 11 Pro
Hi all

I'm having an issue that I can't seem to figure out, and I am probably missing something basic.

On my Desktop (cabled to router), when I connect to a VPN everything works as expected and I am still able to use all LAN resources (my server, printer, cast to TV etc etc) however, on my laptop when I make a connection to a VPN, it blocks all local access.

The desktop is cabled to the same router that the laptop connects to Wirelessly and I am running the same windows version on both. Neither are running a firewall, both were recently rebuilt and I didn't make any changes to the network settings on either, just to test...so they are both on defaults.

It happens regardless of VPN client (Wireguard, OpenVPN or Surfsharks own app)

Would anyone have any suggestions?

Many thanks
Dave
 
Windows Build/Version
Windows 11 21H2 (22000.918)

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Hi all

I'm having an issue that I can't seem to figure out, and I am probably missing something basic.

On my Desktop (cabled to router), when I connect to a VPN everything works as expected and I am still able to use all LAN resources (my server, printer, cast to TV etc etc) however, on my laptop when I make a connection to a VPN, it blocks all local access.

The desktop is cabled to the same router that the laptop connects to Wirelessly and I am running the same windows version on both. Neither are running a firewall, both were recently rebuilt and I didn't make any changes to the network settings on either, just to test...so they are both on defaults.

It happens regardless of VPN client (Wireguard, OpenVPN or Surfsharks own app)

Would anyone have any suggestions?

Many thanks
Dave

Hi there

@PureLoneWolf

Usually to enable LAN access or other items to be "Exempt" or not under VPN control you need a feature called Split Tunnelling. With Nordvpn you can enable / disable it at will. I'm not sure what the setup is for wifi but your vpn provider should have info .

To get Split tunnelling to work depends on the protocols the vpn uses --and it may be that these aren't available for wifi

-- I can't help you there but this feature is used so you can partially use ISP for things like browsers and LAN while using VPN services for the things you want the VPN for. Surfshark I believe has it as does some of the others you mentioned - but you'll probably need to look at their setup options.

I find Nordvpn cheap, very fast, and this feature works brilliantly although I don't use wifi but I'm sure it works --I'll test it out on a laptop later this weekend just to "give it a go".

Anyway a lot more info here and example shown. Written in "English" rather than "GeekSpeak" too so quite understandable.


cheers
jimbo
 
Last edited:

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System One

  • OS
    Windows XP,7,10,11 Linux Arch Linux
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    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    2 X Intel i7
Thanks for the response, but my understanding of split tunnelling has always been referring to what goes via the VPN externally and what goes via my normal internet gateway externally - I didn't think that Local LAN resources were affected by that.

That all said, unfortunately that wouldn't explain why it works when wired and doesn't when wireless. Surfsharks app has a "Route via VPN" and "Bypass VPN" option in its settings for the Split Tunnel - but that also doesn't allow local LAN access when connected wirelessly.

*EDIT* having re-read that I realise that using the local gateway should absolutely retain local lan config/access without issue, but that isn't happening on my laptop and I haven't explicitly setup split tunnelling on the desktop where it is working.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built
    CPU
    i7 8700k
    Motherboard
    Asus ROG Strix Z370 E Gaming
    Memory
    64gb DDR4 3000 Hyper X Predator
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia RTX 3080TI
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    3x Dell G3223D (165hz)
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1440 (x3)
    Hard Drives
    2x Samsung 970 Evo Plus 2tb NvME
    2x Samsung 860 Pro 2tb
    1x WD Gold 10tb
    PSU
    Corsair HX1000
    Case
    Fractal Design Define R5
    Cooling
    Fractal Design Celcius S24
    Keyboard
    Corsair K95 RGB Platinum
    Mouse
    Logitech G502 Lightspeed (Hero / Wireless)
    Internet Speed
    1gb / 100mb
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Avast
Thanks for the response, but my understanding of split tunnelling has always been referring to what goes via the VPN externally and what goes via my normal internet gateway externally - I didn't think that Local LAN resources were affected by that.

That all said, unfortunately that wouldn't explain why it works when wired and doesn't when wireless. Surfsharks app has a "Route via VPN" and "Bypass VPN" option in its settings for the Split Tunnel - but that also doesn't allow local LAN access when connected wirelessly.

@PureLoneWolf

Works on Nordvpn via wifi -- could be say a problem with older wifi nics or perhaps you need the 5ghz rather than 2.4 ghz wifi.

Just tested with an HP envy laptop. --Perfect.

Try the android app switching off wifi on phone. If that works, then select wifi on phone and have another test. If that works then problem is not in router but with your wifi nic card in the computer. Then there's things like app based split tunelling vs browser based split tunnelling. Too many options to consider here but try the android tests first as those should be quick and easy -- if you have an iPhone then see if there's equivalent too.

Cheers
jimbo
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows XP,7,10,11 Linux Arch Linux
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    2 X Intel i7

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