Though virtual private networks might be useful for preserving your privacy and eliminating geo-restricted streaming sites, there is an inescapable drawback: VPNs reduce internet speeds by 50% or more.
When using a fast VPN, the speed loss might be barely apparent for regular internet use, but you’ll want the fastest speed possible for data-intensive activities like streaming, video calls, and competitive gaming. A few milliseconds of latency can spell the difference between success and failure in an online game.
Slow VPN speeds may hinder your video viewing experience, causing continuous buffering and a poor viewing experience. If you’re utilizing a VPN during an online meeting, you should do everything you can to increase your VPN speeds so that the call runs smoothly and consistently.
If your VPN isn’t as quick as you’d like, here’s something you can do to improve its performance.
How to increase the speed of your VPN?
Link to A Server that is Nearer to Where You are Physically Located
In general, your speeds should increase with the closeness of the VPN server to where you are physically. When your traffic is routed through a nearby VPN server instead of one that is halfway across the globe, it will travel a shorter physical distance. This will not always be practicable, for example, if you wish to stream material from a particular nation or connect to a game server from a specific area. However, if you’re in need of a quicker connection, try connecting to some different VPN servers near your place of residence to check which ones provide the fastest connections. This can make a noticeable difference, especially when using a free VPN for Windows, where server speeds can vary quite a bit.
Connect to A Non-Overloaded Server
When too many users use the same VPN server, it can become overcrowded, reducing your connection speed. Certain VPN companies provide an indication of the load on their servers right now, either on their site or in the application itself. When you choose one with a lesser burden, you’ll typically reach higher speeds.
Consider Using A Different VPN Protocol
A VPN protocol is a set of guidelines that your device’s VPN program and the VPN server follow to establish a secure connection. There are several VPN protocols, and most providers allow you to select from a few different alternatives based on the platform you are using. Different protocols offer various benefits and drawbacks in terms of speed and security; therefore, connecting through one VPN protocol rather than another may increase the speed of your VPN.
Use Split Tunneling if Provided
If your VPN provider provides split-tunneling, enable it to test if it improves your VPN speeds. With split tunneling, you can use your VPN to send only the desired traffic while using your standard internet connection to send the remainder unencrypted. For example, if you are employing your VPN to view content, you can direct only your streaming traffic via the VPN, which won’t hinder or slow down your gaming sessions.
Employ A Wired Connection
Typically, a cable connection is quicker than Wi-Fi. You probably have multiple devices connected to the Wi-Fi network in your house at the same time, all of which are sharing and fighting for bandwidth on the same wifi channel. This may lead to decreased speeds and an unreliable internet connection. If you have the required tools, try setting up a wired connection by connecting your computer straight to your router using an ethernet cable, then connecting to your VPN.
Read Also: Hybrid Cloud Networking with VPN and Direct Connect
Close Unneeded Apps that are Operating in the Background
If you have unneeded apps operating in the background, they may be consuming system resources and hindering your connection. Take a moment to see if there are any background programs that you are not utilizing and to terminate them. Clearing potential obstacles like these may result in a speedier connection.
Conclusion
Although VPNs are amazing tools to protect yourself while online surfing, watch restricted content, and benefit from gaming rewards available in other regions, they come with a drawback of speed. However, this inescapable problem can be countered with some tweaks. We hope that by following these ways, your overall internet experience will improve.
