When using a VPN, all your internet traffic typically gets encrypted and routed through a secure server. Yes, it’s pretty simple to understand and many people continue to use VPNs for better online security. This is great for privacy but sometimes it can slow down your connection. Split tunneling can make a difference – it has a feature that gives you more flexibility.
While you are using it, you can decide which data gets encrypted and which goes directly to the internet. This way, you can enjoy both security and speed at the same time.
What Is Split Tunneling?
Normally, when a VPN is active, all your online activity is funneled through a secure, encrypted tunnel. Split tunneling is like a switch, which directs the data where it needs to go. For example, when using a VPN, not all your data needs to be encrypted. Some data is ‘top secret,’ while other normal data can safely pass through your Wi-Fi server directly. So, we can say that the main purpose of using split tunneling is for smoother playback.
Split Tunneling Type
Not all split tunneling works the same way. VPNs often provide different methods to customize how your traffic is routed. Here are the main types:
1. App-Based Split Tunneling
This method allows users to choose specific applications that will use the VPN while others bypass it. For instance, you might want your banking app to connect directly to the internet while routing your web browser through the VPN.
2. URL/IP-Based Split Tunneling
Some VPNs let you include or exclude specific websites or IP addresses from the encrypted tunnel. This is helpful if you need to access geo-restricted content in one browser while using another for local services.
3. Inverse Split Tunneling
Instead of selecting what traffic bypasses the VPN, you can do the opposite – only specific traffic is routed through the VPN, while everything else stays outside the tunnel. This approach is ideal when you want most of your internet traffic to remain fast and direct while securing only a few critical services.
4. Policy-based Split Tunneling
This one lets admins create rules that decide which traffic goes through the VPN and which doesn’t. These rules can depend on things like the app, destination, or user role. It’s often used in businesses, where IT teams want to keep things secure while making sure employees can still access local and public resources without a hitch.
5. Route-based Split Tunneling
Instead of manually picking apps or websites, this method sets routes in the VPN’s settings. Certain IPs ( “private IP address” and “public IP address”)go through the tunnel, and everything else just takes the regular internet route. It’s a network-level solution, usually seen in companies where employees need quick access to both internal resources and external sites without slowing down the connection.
Why Use VPN Split Tunneling?
VPN split tunneling is really handy when you don’t want to route all of your internet traffic through the VPN tunnel. Sometimes, not everything needs the extra security of a VPN. For example, when you’re streaming a show or playing a game, the extra encryption can slow things down.
With split tunneling, you can choose to let the traffic for those activities go straight through your regular internet connection, while sensitive stuff like online banking or working with company files still gets the protection of the VPN. It’s all about keeping the balance between security and speed.
Another reason to use split tunneling is flexibility. Think about the times when you want to access both local and international content at the same time. With split tunneling, you can access websites from your home country without any restrictions while still using the VPN to unlock geo-blocked content.
This gives you a way to avoid the hassles of disconnecting your VPN just to check local stuff. It’s pretty much like having the best of both worlds – security when you need it and speed when you don’t.
A good VPN service like LightningX VPN can keep your connection stable and fast while encrypting all your data. You don’t have to worry about the leaking of your privacy. It has 2000+ servers all over the world, helping you access global content. And it supports Android/iOS/macOS/Windows/tvOS/Android TV/Linux.
How Does Split Tunneling Work?
The way split tunneling works depends on the VPN provider and the configuration options available. But the basic principle is simple:
- You choose which traffic should go through the VPN and which should bypass it.
- The VPN client applies routing rules, sending selected traffic through the encrypted VPN tunnel while allowing the rest to connect directly.
- The system ensures that VPN-protected traffic remains anonymous, while non-VPN traffic maintains its regular speed and access.
Most VPN providers offer user-friendly interfaces where you can toggle split tunneling on and off, selecting apps or websites that should (or shouldn’t) use the VPN. Some VPNs even allow custom configurations, giving more control over how traffic is split.
Is VPN Split Tunneling Safe to Use?
VPN split tunneling can be safe to use, but it really depends on how you set it up. The idea behind it is to keep certain traffic encrypted while letting other traffic bypass the VPN. This makes sense if you’re trying to balance speed and security.
As long as you’re careful about what data is exposed, it can be quite safe. For example, making sure sensitive information like banking or work-related traffic still goes through the VPN, while non-sensitive traffic like browsing doesn’t, can reduce the risk.
However, there are some risks involved. Since split tunneling allows some data to bypass the VPN, it can expose that traffic to potential threats. If you don’t keep a close eye on which apps or sites are going through the tunnel, you might be unknowingly leaving your data vulnerable.
For the most part, if you know exactly what you’re doing, split tunneling can be a good tool for improving your online experience. Just make sure to use it wisely and don’t let any sensitive data slip through the cracks.
Final Words
VPN split tunneling offers a great way to balance security and speed. Not only that, but you also have great flexibility to control your streaming experience. Concerned about safety? That’s still in your control. Just pay attention to sending sensitive data the right way (protected by VPN). If you do the whole job well, it’s really a good idea to use split tunneling.
