IN THIS ARTICLE
What is a Split Tunneling VPN?
Split tunneling is a VPN feature that allows you to decide which parts of your internet traffic are sent through the VPN and which parts go directly to the internet without extra encryption. This can be particularly useful in scenarios where you need to access both local and international resources simultaneously.
For example, imagine you are working remotely and need to access resources securely through the VPN while streaming a video from a local service. With split tunneling, you can direct your work-related traffic through the VPN for security, while your streaming traffic bypasses the VPN for faster speeds
VPN Traffic Optimizer vs. Split Tunneling
Split tunneling is often compared to VPN traffic optimizers, like the one featured in Bitdefender’s VPN app. While both features aim to optimize your internet experience, they operate differently. A VPN traffic optimizer typically works by automatically selecting the best server or connection settings to minimize latency and improve speed across all your internet traffic. In contrast, split tunneling gives you direct control over which traffic uses the VPN and which does not.
For users who need fine-tuned control over their network traffic, split tunneling offers a more granular approach. You can customize your online experience based on your specific needs, ensuring that you have the right balance between security and speed.
The Benefits of Split Tunneling
- Split tunneling provides several key benefits for VPN users, offering a balance between security and performance, including:
- Enhanced Performance: By directing only the necessary traffic through the VPN, split tunneling can improve your internet speeds, especially for bandwidth-intensive activities like streaming or gaming.
- Increased Security: You can still protect sensitive data by routing it through the VPN, while allowing less critical traffic to bypass the encrypted tunnel.
- Flexibility: Split tunneling offers the flexibility to access both local network resources and international websites without having to constantly toggle the VPN on and off.
When Should You Use Split Tunneling?
While split tunneling offers many advantages, it’s important to use it wisely. For instance, if you’re working with highly sensitive information, it’s safer to route all traffic through the VPN to ensure maximum encryption. On the other hand, if speed and performance are your top priorities for non-sensitive tasks, split tunneling can be a great option.
Split Tunneling in Netgear VPN
If you’re a Netgear user, you might be interested to know that Netgear’s VPN offering, powered by Bitdefender, includes split tunneling as part of its advanced features. This allows you to tailor your VPN experience to your exact needs, ensuring that your network remains secure without sacrificing performance.
Whether you’re a small business owner managing multiple devices or a home user looking for the best way to balance security with usability, Netgear’s VPN with split tunneling could be the perfect solution. Consider exploring Netgear’s VPN solutions to find the one that best suits your needs.
In conclusion, split tunneling is an important feature that offers users the flexibility to manage their internet traffic efficiently. By understanding how it works and when to use it, you can make the most of your VPN and enjoy a more optimized online experience. And with other security tools in the NETGEAR Armor toolkit, securing your internet connection has never been easier.
