What are NordLayer VPN split tunneling options?

VPN split tunneling is a feature that allows users to selectively route some of their network traffic through an encrypted VPN tunnel, while other data is sent directly through the public internet. NordLayer provides two types of VPN split tunneling: IP-based and URL-based.

What is IP-based split tunneling?

IP-based split tunneling lets you choose specific IP addresses or subnets whose traffic will be encrypted and routed through NordLayer's secure servers. This setup lets users select which traffic should be encrypted and which can connect directly, enhancing security where it's needed but also optimizing your network's bandwidth and performance.

You can set up IP-based split tunneling on a specific server by completing the self-service request form.

How does IP-based split tunneling work?

In IP-based split tunneling, IT administrators can designate certain IP addresses or subnets to be included in the VPN tunnel. All other traffic will access the internet directly, without encryption. The feature is driven by an Include split tunneling approach, meaning only selected traffic is encrypted and securely directed.

What is URL-based split tunneling?

URL-based split tunneling involves routing traffic from specific domain names through different network paths. It allows administrators to specify which websites can bypass the VPN tunnel, directing their traffic straight to the internet unencrypted. This feature is particularly useful for accessing sites that don't allow VPN connections or for reducing latency on web-based applications like video conferencing tools.

NordLayer users can enable URL-based split tunneling using Browser Extension.

How does URL-based split tunneling work?

When using URL-based split tunneling, all traffic is typically encrypted and routed through the VPN tunnel except for those domains listed by administrators. These listed domains will have direct internet access without encryption, ensuring faster access and reduced load on the corporate VPN network.

How do I choose between IP-based and URL-based split tunneling?

The choice between IP-based and URL-based split tunneling depends on your specific needs. If your focus is on securing traffic to certain IP addresses or networks, IP-based is preferable. If your priority is to manage how specific domains are accessed to optimize performance and compatibility, URL-based split tunneling will be more suitable.

Note: In case you have any questions or are experiencing any issues, please feel free to contact our 24/7 customer support team.