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Nobody enjoys the sight of the buffering symbol on their screen, even though it occasionally occurs while utilizing a VPN for safeguarding against eavesdroppers.

When employing a VPN, your connection tends to be marginally slower since your data needs to first reach a VPN server. However, considering that reputable VPN providers typically only reduce your connection speed by 10-20%, it’s a minor compromise for online privacy. In many instances, the impact of a VPN on connection speed is hardly noticeable.

Having said that, if your VPN connection is sluggish, there are several measures you can take to enhance its speed. This article presents eight helpful tips and techniques for improving VPN performance.

Is the VPN truly responsible for the issue?

If you suspect that the VPN is responsible for the slow internet speed, it is important to verify this before applying any of the suggested tips to improve VPN performance. You can do this by following these steps:

• Disable or turn off your VPN.
• Access the internet without an active VPN connection.
• Conduct a speed test to determine if your internet speed improves. If you notice that your internet speed remains slow even without the VPN, then the issue is unrelated to the VPN itself. It could be attributed to factors such as ISP throttling or limitations imposed by your internet plan.

However, if you still believe that the VPN connection is causing the problem, here are some steps you can take to enhance its speed:

1. Switch to a different VPN server location.

It is advisable to begin by switching your VPN server as it can have a significant impact on your internet speed. The location of the server you connect to affects your connection speed, with a greater distance resulting in slower speeds.

When you connect to a VPN server that is far away, there is increased latency, which refers to the time taken for a request to be sent to the server and a response to be received. This latency is a physical limitation that cannot be overcome to improve VPN speed, regardless of your efforts.

For this reason, it is recommended to choose a VPN server location that is closer to your physical location if your primary goal is online protection and not specific geographic appearances.

Additionally, it is important to consider the server load when selecting a server to connect to. A heavily congested server with numerous users will be slower compared to one with fewer users. Thus, opting for a less busy server can contribute to improved VPN performance.

2. Modify your protocol settings

VPN protocols utilize distinct encryption standards to secure the data transmitted between your device and a VPN server. Certain protocols prioritize top-notch security at the expense of performance, while others prioritize speed.

Consider switching to WireGuard, the most advanced and fastest protocol available, if you haven’t already done so. Alternatively, IKEv2 and OpenVPN are reliable options, although they may not offer the same level of speed as WireGuard.

3. Switch between TCP/UDP with OpenVPN

When using OpenVPN, you have the option to switch between transmission protocols, namely TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and UDP (User Datagram Protocol), which can potentially enhance your VPN speed.

UDP is generally faster but less reliable in terms of delivering data packets, making it commonly used for live video streaming. To increase your VPN connection speed, consider switching from TCP to UDP.

4. Turn on MultiHop

While it may seem counter-intuitive, enabling MultiHop (also known as Double VPN) can sometimes improve VPN speeds. This feature, if supported by your VPN provider, routes your internet traffic through multiple VPN servers consecutively.

In certain cases, the network connection between the first MultiHop server and the second may provide better performance compared to a direct connection to a single server. This can lead to improved VPN connection speeds, depending on your country and the quality of the network infrastructure.

Although not guaranteed, it’s worth considering the activation of MultiHop if your VPN supports this feature, as it may result in faster speeds due to potential network optimizations between the MultiHop servers.

5. Restart your device

Indeed, the classic “turn it off and on again” method can surprisingly help with a slow VPN connection as well.

VPN services employ intricate encryption techniques to ensure the security of your data. However, sometimes this encryption can cause minor conflicts with your device and operating system. Rebooting your device can provide a fresh programming instruction set to your overwhelmed operating system, potentially resolving any issues causing the slow VPN connection.

Another option to consider is using a different device with the VPN. Both rebooting your device and testing with an alternative device can help troubleshoot and potentially improve your VPN connection speed by addressing any device-specific conflicts or settings-related interferences.

6. Restart your router

The solution to your issue might be as straightforward as closing the current program or application you’re using and restarting your router. Over time, systems can accumulate unnecessary data or processes that can impact performance. Although this occurrence is less common nowadays, restarting the connection can provide a fresh start for your application and help improve performance by initiating with a clean data set.

7. Turn off security software

Firewall and antivirus software play an important role in filtering the outgoing data from your device, but they can sometimes contribute to a slow VPN connection.

To troubleshoot this issue, you can temporarily disable your security software and check if it improves the connection speed. However, it’s important to note that disabling your antivirus and firewall makes your device more susceptible to malware and other online threats. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to keep your antivirus and firewall enabled even if they slightly impact the VPN connection speed.

By leaving your security software active, you maintain the necessary protection against potential risks while using a VPN. It’s a trade-off between security and speed, and it’s generally advisable to prioritize your online safety by keeping your antivirus and firewall turned on.

8. Ditch your wireless connections

Wireless connections offer convenience and flexibility but often come at the cost of speed and stability. This can be attributed, in part, to the use of shared channels by multiple devices.

In contrast, a wired connection typically offers lower latency. Wireless connections are prone to interference from physical obstacles such as walls, furniture, and other electronic devices that lie between your device and the router. Wired connections bypass these obstacles by physically connecting your device to the router, resulting in a faster and more reliable internet connection.

Download AoxVPN now!

Having a fast internet connection is crucial for various online activities beyond simply browsing Wikipedia. By following the tips mentioned above, you can ensure maximum VPN security and accessibility while minimizing the impact on your connection speed. Implementing these recommendations will help you maintain a balance between a secure VPN connection and an efficient online experience for a wide range of tasks.