Common VPN problems and their solutions

By César Barreto

VPN services are recognized as one of the technologies most used by users,
thanks to all the cyberthreats that exist and the need to protect information.
Therefore, it is common to see how VPN services are present in all types of
devices and operating systems. But since VPNS services and the rest of the
computer systems are made by us; Human beings, and we are not perfect, as it
is logical to occasionally find operating problems that prevent users from
browsing correctly, which results in the privacy and security of users being
affected. For this reason, in this article we present to our distinguished readers
the main problems when a VPN service fails, as well as their respective
solutions.

Common VPN problems at the connection level and its solutions

1. Poor server selection: When the user finds that they cannot surf the web
properly when using a VPN service, it is commonly because they have selected
a server that is not working properly because it is saturated at the moment, it is
down for some reason or just not working regularly. Since the VPNS services
have different servers, the solution to this problem, the user has the option of
selecting another server, which allows him to improve the browsing speed.

2. Slow connection and navigation: in this case, the geographical point where
the user is located influences. The more distant the server is from the endpoint
of the user, the chances of latency are high. In the event that it occurs, to solve
this problem it is convenient for the user to use a server close to its location.

3. Weak connection: it is one of the most common problems and can occur both
when connecting from mobile networks and broadband. If our connection is
weak, the signal quality will be low and it will be impossible for the user to
connect to a VPN. It is important to keep in mind that when connecting to a VPN
the connection speed decreases and if the connection is weak, the latency will
be higher, since Internet speed is essential for a stable and fast connection,
therefore, it is a critical factor in the proper functioning of a VPN. Also, when the
Internet speed is low, the connection to the VPN can be slow and unreliable,
because it will have a hard time encrypting the data and protecting the user's
privacy. To fix such problem, it is recommended that the user should not use
wireless connection, and instead use wired connection.

4. Unstable internet connection: If the internet connection is unstable, the VPN

can unexpectedly disconnect, exposing user data to online cyber threats.
Therefore, for a VPN to work properly and reliably, it is essential to have a high-
speed Internet connection, this ensures that the VPN connection is fast, secure,
and reliable. To improve Internet speed, you can take measures such as
switching to a high-speed Internet connection or closing applications that
consume bandwidth. Therefore, it is important that the user ensures that they
have a high-speed Internet connection to ensure a safe and efficient
experience. Some VPN services have a system to block Internet access when
we are not connected to the VPN. In this case, it is important to have the Kill
Switch active, which will prevent access to the Internet for security purposes, in
order to protect the user and their device against different cyberthreats.

5. Router problem: This problem is basically because the Router does not
support VPN software. It is important to note that there are some devices that
do not support connection through a VPN service. In this sense, it is important
that the user makes sure that the Router he is using is compatible with the VPN
service software.

6. Poor operation of the VPN service Software: in this case, it is basically due to
the software not being configured correctly, or it being an outdated version, or
conflicting with some other software in the operating system of the device that
prevents its normal operation functioning. For this reason, it is considered
pertinent to explain each detail, since it corresponds to a type of problem in
VPN services. To solve any of the reasons mentioned, it is recommended to
restore the default configuration parameters of the VPN service software.

Software-level configuration problems and their solutions

1. VPN connection blocked by Firewall: This configuration problem is caused by

Firewall blocking VPN connection; this is usually a common problem and can
prevent the user from connecting normally. The Firewall and Antivirus are
important programs to protect the security of the device since it prevents the
entry of Malware, and therefore it is common for them to always be installed.
This problem can be solved if the user creates an exception or a rule in the
program so that it does not block the VPN and thus it will not have to be
uninstalled or turned off. If a compatibility error occurs, it is when we have more
than one antivirus installed.

2. Blocking of the VPN connection by Antivirus: this situation occurs if you have
two antiviruses installed, which will prevent the user from connecting to your
VPN service. Therefore, it is recommended to only configure an antivirus with
the exception rule allowing the VPN connection.

3. Failure to establish the VPN tunnel: this problem is due to three causes: 1)
due to the possibility that one or more Routers involved in our network may be
filtering IP packets, this filtering could be causing that the traffic of said packets
is blocked. What is recommended to fix this problem is to check, the VPN client,
the VPN server and any intermediate devices for these IP packet filters. 2) the
existence of a Proxy server between the VPN client and the VPN server, which
implies that the Proxy server performs the NAT translation of all the traffic that
flows between the VPN client and the Internet, preventing a connection from
being established correctly tunnel between the VPN Client and the VPN server
waiting for the specified IP address. 3) When old proxy servers do not support
L2TP or IPSec protocols using VPN connections, causing Firewall security
services to block the formation of the VPN tunnel that the user wants to
configure. Therefore, it is recommended to review the settings within those
services or devices in order to ensure that VPN traffic is supported and properly
enabled.
1. Blocking the UDP connection through port 1194: VPN services that do not
use the OpenVPN protocol by default use port 1194 instead to send data, which
can be blocked by the configured Router or network to not accept that port and
block it. To solve such connection blocking, it is recommended to change the
protocol and not use the UDP connection through port 1194.

2. Lack of connection to the VPN service due to domain use: in this case the
user must verify if the VPN service is using a domain name to connect to the
server, or is using a public IP address directly. In the case of using a public IP
address directly, it is not necessary to check the DNS settings, while the VPN
service connects through a domain name, it is recommended to check the DNS
servers it uses and change the settings of the servers. DNS in the IPv4 TCP/IP
option and place the preferred DNS configuration. In general, it is
recommended to use those of Google ([Link] and [Link]) or those of
Cloudflare ([Link] and [Link]) or to use those provided by the Internet
Company itself. Once the problem is resolved, it is noticeable that the
connection speed and signal improve.

3. Presence of Malware on the connection device: the presence of Malware on

the device can affect the operation of the VPN service, since it causes a
reduction in connection speed, its quality and the operation of the system. To
avoid this problem we must not download suspicious files, have cybersecurity
tools and of course keep the equipment updated, which helps keep any
Malware away. Part of the solution is to use an antivirus; only one antivirus and
not two since it would cause problems for the operation of the VPN, to do a
complete analysis of the system. This will notify us in case there is a malicious
file that may be preventing a program or even the VPN service from working
properly.

4. Unstable connection to the VPN: in this case, you must verify that you have
an Internet connection; and if it is ok, the next step is to try to use a different
VPN server, because sometimes, servers go offline for maintenance and the
VPN app does not update on time.

5. Unable to send email when VPN is enabled: In this case the problem is due
to port 25, as some VPN clients block TCP port 25, which is used by some
applications and email services to send messages. Check your VPN provider's
online support to find out which ports they don't block and then configure your
email app accordingly.

6. Uncertainty of VPN service connection problem: Sometimes, after doing all

the tests, the VPN service connection problem is still present, in that case, it is
recommended to reinstall the VPN, this usually solves the problems, for which
is a good option since the installation may not have been successful. In
addition, it is highly recommended to keep your VPN software updated, in order
to have the latest security, stability and performance news.
Conclusion

Common problems with a VPN service include the VPN service not connecting,
the IP address still visible even though the VPN says it is connected, the VPN
service constantly disconnecting. It is usually possible to overcome these
problems by restarting the Internet, restarting the VPN software, or changing
the server/protocol of the VPN service. To do this, the user must consult the
VPN configuration page, locate and activate the "Restore default values" button,
if not, another option would be to change the connection protocol to automatic
and if it is not available, then it is recommended to select TCP or UDP. Also,
add the VPN service to an exception list to ensure that it is not blocked by the
Firewall; keep in mind that each operating system has its own process. Taking
these details into account will allow the user to be a user aware of the use of the
VPN service.