What is Split Tunneling in VPNs and How Does it Work?

 

Split Tunneling

In the world of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), security, privacy, and performance are key concerns for both individuals and businesses. While VPNs encrypt your internet traffic to protect sensitive information, they also tend to route all data through their secure servers, which can sometimes slow down your internet connection. This is where the concept of split tunneling comes into play.

Split tunneling allows you to selectively route certain internet traffic through your VPN while sending other traffic directly to the internet without encryption. This functionality gives users the flexibility to protect sensitive data without compromising on performance for everyday activities that don't require encryption.

In this article, we will explore the concept of split tunneling, how it works, the benefits it offers, and the potential security risks to consider.

How Does Split Tunneling Work?

At its core, split tunneling divides your internet traffic into two separate paths:

  1. VPN Path: Data that is sent through this path is encrypted and routed through the VPN server. This is typically used for sensitive activities like accessing confidential work files, managing online banking, or using apps that require high security and privacy.

  2. Direct Internet Path: Data that is sent through this path bypasses the VPN and is sent directly to the internet without encryption. This is used for activities that don't require high security, such as streaming video content, browsing non-sensitive websites, or using local network resources like printers.

Split tunneling is particularly useful in situations where you need both privacy protection and optimized internet performance. By routing only your sensitive data through the VPN, you can ensure that activities requiring encryption are secured, while other non-critical activities enjoy the full speed of your internet connection.

Types of Split Tunneling

There are several types of split tunneling that cater to different user needs:

  1. App-Based Split Tunneling
    App-based split tunneling allows you to choose specific applications that should use the VPN connection while letting others connect directly to the internet. For example, you might configure your email and banking apps to always use the VPN, while allowing your streaming apps to bypass it.

  2. URL-Based Split Tunneling
    URL-based split tunneling enables you to specify which websites or domains should be accessed through the VPN. For example, you could configure your browser to use the VPN only when accessing work-related websites, while other web traffic goes directly through your internet connection.

  3. IP-Based Split Tunneling
    This method lets you specify which IP addresses should be routed through the VPN and which ones should not. This is often used for local network devices such as printers or file servers, where you may not need or want to use the VPN.

Benefits of Split Tunneling

Split tunneling offers several benefits for both personal and professional use:

  1. Improved Internet Speeds
    Since not all your internet traffic is routed through the VPN, split tunneling allows you to enjoy faster connection speeds for non-sensitive activities like streaming, gaming, or general browsing. By bypassing the VPN for these activities, you reduce the amount of data the VPN has to process, resulting in improved performance.

  2. Reduced Bandwidth Usage
    VPN servers process large volumes of data, which can sometimes lead to bandwidth throttling or slowdowns. Split tunneling reduces the amount of data sent through the VPN, optimizing bandwidth for activities that truly require encryption.

  3. Access to Local Network Resources
    When you're connected to a VPN, you may not be able to access local network devices like printers, file servers, or IoT devices because all traffic is routed through the VPN server. With split tunneling, you can bypass the VPN for local network traffic while still protecting sensitive online activities.

  4. Customizable Security
    Split tunneling allows you to customize which traffic is encrypted, giving you more control over your security and privacy. For example, you can choose to route only work-related data through the VPN while keeping your personal browsing separate.

  5. Bypassing Geo-Restrictions for Specific Apps
    Some users employ split tunneling to access geo-restricted content on specific apps or services. For example, you might use the VPN to access a streaming service that's available only in a certain country, while leaving your other apps to connect directly to your local network.

Potential Risks of Split Tunneling

While split tunneling provides convenience and performance benefits, it also introduces certain risks that users should be aware of:

  1. Security Vulnerabilities
    The primary concern with split tunneling is that it exposes part of your internet traffic to potential security threats. Any data that bypasses the VPN and goes directly to the internet is vulnerable to hacking, phishing, or other types of attacks. If sensitive data is accidentally sent through the unprotected path, it could be compromised.

  2. Lack of Privacy
    When using split tunneling, traffic that bypasses the VPN is visible to your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and other third parties. This means that your online activities could be tracked, monitored, or logged by external entities, reducing the overall level of privacy that a VPN typically provides.

  3. Inconsistent IP Addressing
    Split tunneling can sometimes cause inconsistencies in your IP address, especially when different apps are using different network routes. This can lead to issues with services that rely on consistent IP addresses for authentication or verification, such as banking apps or secure work portals.

  4. Potential for Misconfiguration
    Split tunneling requires careful configuration to ensure that only the desired traffic is routed through the VPN. Incorrectly setting up split tunneling can result in sensitive data being exposed to the internet without encryption, defeating the purpose of using a VPN in the first place.

How to Set Up Split Tunneling

Setting up split tunneling depends on the VPN provider you're using, as different services offer varying levels of customization. Most reputable VPN providers, such as NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark, offer built-in split tunneling options that are easy to configure.

Here’s a general guide on how to enable split tunneling on most VPN platforms:

  1. Open the VPN Client
    Launch your VPN application and navigate to the settings or options menu.

  2. Locate the Split Tunneling Feature
    Look for a split tunneling option in the settings menu. This feature is usually labeled as "Split Tunneling," "Bypass VPN," or "Selective Routing."

  3. Select the Traffic to Bypass the VPN
    Depending on your VPN provider, you can choose which apps, websites, or IP addresses should bypass the VPN. Configure the settings to route only sensitive traffic through the VPN and allow non-sensitive traffic to bypass it.

  4. Save Your Settings
    After selecting the apps or websites for split tunneling, save your settings and start using the VPN. The VPN will now encrypt only the specified traffic, while the rest of your internet activity will bypass the VPN.

Best VPNs for Split Tunneling

Not all VPNs offer split tunneling, so it's important to choose a provider that supports this feature if it's important to your workflow. Here are some of the best VPNs that offer reliable split tunneling:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN offers app-based split tunneling on its desktop and mobile apps, allowing you to choose which apps or services to route through the VPN. NordVPN is known for its strong security features and wide server network.

2. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN provides split tunneling on its desktop apps and routers, enabling you to choose which apps can bypass the VPN. With servers in over 90 countries, it offers fast speeds and strong encryption.

3. Surfshark

Surfshark offers split tunneling under its "Bypasser" feature, allowing users to exclude certain apps or websites from the VPN. Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN with robust security features and unlimited device support.

Conclusion

Split tunneling is a powerful feature that gives VPN users more control over their internet traffic. It allows for greater flexibility, improved performance, and the ability to balance security with speed. However, it also introduces certain security risks that must be managed carefully. By understanding how split tunneling works and configuring it correctly, you can optimize your VPN experience while staying safe and secure online.