TheTest.com

VPN Basics

How to connect to a VPN, what it actually does, and how to fix common issues

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and a remote server. If your IT department told you to "connect to the VPN," they want your traffic routed through the company's network so you can access internal resources like file servers, intranets, and internal tools. This guide covers connecting, disconnecting, and fixing the most common VPN headaches.

A VPN does not make you anonymous, and it does not speed up your connection – it typically slows it down slightly because your traffic takes a longer path. It's a security and access tool, not a magic bullet.

Using a VPN app (most common)

Most work VPNs use a dedicated app like GlobalProtect, Cisco AnyConnect (now called Cisco Secure Client), or similar. The flow is almost always:

  1. Open the VPN app from Applications or the menu bar icon
  2. Enter the server address your IT team gave you (e.g. vpn.company.com) if it's not already filled in
  3. Click Connect
  4. Enter your username and password, then complete any MFA prompt (push notification, code, etc.)
  5. The menu bar icon will change to show you're connected – a small globe or shield usually appears
  6. To disconnect, click the menu bar icon and choose Disconnect

Using built-in macOS VPN

If your admin gave you a VPN configuration file or manual settings instead of an app:

  1. Open System Settings > VPN in the sidebar
  2. If you have a config file (.mobileconfig), double-click it to install the profile, then it shows up here
  3. To add manually, go to System Settings > Network, click the ... menu, and select Add VPN Configuration
  4. Choose the VPN type (IKEv2, L2TP, etc.), fill in the server address and credentials
  5. Toggle the VPN on from System Settings > VPN or the menu bar VPN icon

If VPN connects but nothing works

  • Check if your company uses split tunneling (see FAQ below). If they do, only internal company traffic goes through the VPN – regular internet should still work normally
  • If all internet dies after connecting, the VPN might be routing everything and hitting a DNS issue. Try opening a terminal and running nslookup company-intranet.com to see if DNS resolves through the tunnel
  • Disconnect the VPN, confirm regular internet works, then reconnect. If the problem repeats, contact your IT team – it's likely a routing or DNS configuration on their end

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a VPN slow down my internet?▾

Yes, usually a little. Your traffic goes through an extra server, which adds latency. The effect depends on how far away the VPN server is and how loaded it is. For typical work VPN use (accessing internal tools, email), the slowdown is barely noticeable. If your VPN is making everything painfully slow, ask IT if they can enable split tunneling so only work traffic goes through the VPN.

What is split tunneling?▾

Split tunneling means only some of your traffic goes through the VPN (usually just traffic destined for your company's internal network), while the rest goes directly to the internet as normal. Without split tunneling, everything goes through the VPN – including YouTube, Spotify, and your personal browsing. IT controls this setting, not you, but it's worth asking about if your VPN makes everything slow.

Why can't I access printers or local devices when connected to VPN?▾

When the VPN is active, your device joins a different network (your company's). Local network devices like printers, NAS drives, and smart home gadgets are on your home network, which the VPN tunnel can't see. Split tunneling (if enabled) usually fixes this by keeping local traffic on your home network. Otherwise, disconnect from the VPN when you need local devices.

Do I need a VPN on public Wi-Fi?▾

For work resources, yes – that's exactly what a work VPN is for. For general browsing on public Wi-Fi, the risk is lower than people think because most websites already use HTTPS encryption. A personal VPN adds a layer of privacy from the Wi-Fi operator, but it's not strictly necessary for security on modern websites.

My VPN keeps disconnecting. What can I do?▾

Start with the basics: make sure your regular internet connection is stable (a flaky Wi-Fi connection will make the VPN flaky too). Check that your VPN client is up to date – older versions sometimes have compatibility issues with newer OS updates. If you're on Wi-Fi, try switching to a wired connection to rule out signal issues. If the VPN drops at regular intervals, it might be a session timeout setting on the server side that your IT team can adjust.

VPN says "connected" but I can't reach anything internal.▾

This usually means the VPN tunnel is up but DNS isn't resolving internal hostnames. Try accessing an internal resource by IP address instead of name. If that works, it's a DNS issue – your VPN client isn't setting the right DNS servers. Reconnecting the VPN or restarting the client usually fixes it. If it doesn't, let IT know – it's a server-side DNS configuration problem.