VPN disrupts local network?

Question

VPN disrupts local network?

I installed Mullvad VPN on my Mac mini, running Catalina, and got it all configured. I was happy with it, so I logged into my home server on my home network (A Mac mini running Mojave) using screen sharing, and installed the Mullvad there too.

After the app on the server connected to the VPN, the local connection was lost, and now I cannot reconnect to the server either through file share or screen share. The server isn't appearing in the sidebar under network. I cannot connect through the go menu using the server's local IP address either. The same is true when I try to connect to the server from my MacBook. (I can connect the macbook to the desktop, and vice-versa)

Nor can I connect to it using the VNC viewer on my iPad. But when I use the Net Analyzer app, I can see the server's IP address connected to the network.

I wouldn't think the VPN would disrupt the local network, but is it possible that's what happened?

Do I need to dig the server out and plug in a screen and keyboard to troubleshoot?

Posted on Mar 29, 2021 2:36 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

steve626

Level 6

9,977 points

Mar 29, 2021 8:51 PM in response to Tesserax

Tesserax wrote:

Just to be sure, are you running VPN clients or servers on both of these Macs? Does this VPN offer both "split tunnel" & "full tunnel" modes?

Tesserax has posed the key question. My employer requires a specific VPN with a specific configuration to access certain company secure sites. We used to be able to use either "split" or "full" tunnel. With "split," all local network points (printers, servers etc.) can be accessed. With "full" tunnel, I can't even print to printers on my local network and cannot access local network servers. My employer now no longer is allowing "split tunnel" as it is more vulnerable, apparently.

If your VPN allows "split tunnel," you might try that as it may allow better access to your local network but it is less secure.

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Answer 2

Mar 29, 2021 2:41 PM in response to dylanfromdurham

dylanfromdurham wrote:

I wouldn't think the VPN would disrupt the local network, but is it possible that's what happened?

Of course it does. This is how a VPN works and its purpose. A VPN creates a tunnel to a private network at the other end of the tunnel. Routing traffic to another network, like your local network, is not possible while using the VPN.

Why are you using a VPN? Are you connecting to your place of business network?

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Answer 3

Mar 29, 2021 3:28 PM in response to BobTheFisherman

Of course it does. This is how a VPN works and its purpose. A VPN creates a tunnel to a private network at the other end of the tunnel. Routing traffic to another network, like your local network, is not possible while using the VPN.

Except I wouldn’t expect the traffic on the LAN to go through the VPN; it never leaves the house. Plus, I’m running the VPN on my desktop and laptop and they have no problem seeing each other on the LAN. It’s just the server.

To be clear, we’re talking about all devices connected to my router inside my house. I’m not trying to connect to something remote.

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Answer 4

BobHarris

Level 9

53,003 points

Mar 29, 2021 3:57 PM in response to dylanfromdurham

If your vpn client and server do not allow local network traffic, then get a different vpn.

Make sure the vpn service is not logging and selling your traffic.

Note: I have to use a vpn for work, and work tells the vpn server, no local LAN traffic, and the vpn server tells the vpn client, so I cannot access any local devices when I’m on the company vpn network.

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Answer 5

Mar 30, 2021 3:05 AM in response to steve626

Ah, this is likely the problem. The app has a setting to allow wireless printing, etc. Probably i failed to set it open.

So I’ll restart the server and see if I can’t access it. If the VPN is running from startup, I guess I’ll have to plug in a monitor and mouse to sort it out.

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Answer 6

Mar 29, 2021 3:09 PM in response to BobTheFisherman

You should NOT use a VPN on a mac.

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Answer 7

Mar 29, 2021 3:22 PM in response to Cappiedog11

Cappiedog11 wrote:

You should NOT use a VPN on a mac.

Why not? A VPN provides a secure connection to a private workplace network or to another institution such as a school network.

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Answer 8

Mar 29, 2021 3:27 PM in response to Cappiedog11

Cappiedog11 wrote:

You should NOT use a VPN on a mac.

That’s silly. I don’t want my ISP logging all my internet traffic, whether I use a mac or anything else. A VPN will prevent that.

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Answer 9

Mar 29, 2021 3:28 PM in response to dylanfromdurham

A VPN provides a secure tunnel to a network at the other end of the tunnel. Public VPNs and other than point-to-point VPNs provide no security and expose your traffic to the Internet.

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Answer 10

Mar 29, 2021 3:44 PM in response to BobTheFisherman

I'm sorry, I was mistaken for something else.

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Answer 11

Tesserax

Level 10

148,339 points

Mar 29, 2021 8:06 PM in response to dylanfromdurham

Just to be sure, are you running VPN clients or servers on both of these Macs? Does this VPN offer both "split tunnel" & "full tunnel" modes?

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VPN disrupts local network?

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