In this article, you will learn what might cause connectivity issues on your Linux machine and how to fix them.
Many factors are involved in a VPN connection — your VPN app settings, network settings, other software, the type of network (home, public, mobile data), and so on. Something on your system might not be compatible with NordLayer's default settings and cause connectivity issues.
If the connection is unstable on your Linux machine after connecting to NordLayer, here is what to try first.
Run the diagnostic tool
Running the Linux Diagnostic Tool (`nordlayer-diagtool run`) right after you notice the issue collects the logs and configuration our support team needs, which speeds up troubleshooting.
Restart your device
Even though it sounds simple, restarting your device gives you a fresh start.
Try a different protocol
There are four protocol options on the NordLayer client for Linux — Automatic, NordLynx, OpenVPN TCP, and OpenVPN UDP. If you notice stability issues, try changing the VPN protocol and see if it helps.
Try other server locations
For various reasons — such as server load or technical issues — one location may provide a more stable connection than another. Connect to a different country to see if it makes a difference.
Disable potentially interfering apps
Some apps take over network controls on your device and can interfere with the NordLayer connection. This applies to anti-virus software, other VPNs, firewalls, and file-sharing apps. Try disabling them, then reboot and check whether the connection improves.
Switch to a different network
Connectivity issues can be network-specific, often when an Internet Service Provider applies restrictions. Check whether the issue persists on a different network — for example, share a hotspot from your mobile device or try another Wi-Fi connection.
Remove parental/security controls on your router
Some providers enable network security features (parental controls or a "Safe DNS" function) by default. Setting a custom DNS on your router usually resolves this. In your router's network settings, change the DNS to, for example, OpenDNS:
- DNS 1: `208.67.222.222`
- DNS 2: `208.67.220.220`
Change the default DNS on your Linux device
If your device uses a DNS from your Internet Service Provider, that can cause connectivity issues. Changing your DNS — see How to change DNS on Linux — is worth trying:
- DNS 1: `208.67.222.222`
- DNS 2: `208.67.220.220`
IPv6
The NordLayer application automatically blocks IPv6 traffic while connected, to prevent IPv6 leaks, so IPv6 on your network should not normally cause problems. If you suspect an IPv6-related issue, you can also disable IPv6 system-wide for testing.
Reset network settings
As a last resort, reset your device's network settings. This clears cached routing, cached DNS records, saved Wi-Fi connections, and settings made by networking programs. See How to reset network settings on Linux.
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Note: In case you have any questions or are experiencing any issues, please feel free to contact our 24/7 customer support team.