What are the most common VPN connection issues and how can you troubleshoot them?

1 Authentication errors

If you encounter an authentication error when trying to establish a VPN connection, it means that the VPN server cannot verify your identity or grant you access. This could be due to entering the wrong username or password, your password having expired or changed, your certificate being invalid or expired, or your VPN protocol or encryption settings being incompatible with the VPN server. To fix this, check your spelling and case sensitivity, reset your password or contact IT support for assistance, renew your certificate or install a new one from a trusted source, and make sure your VPN client settings match the VPN server requirements.

2 Connection drops

Unexpected or frequent drops in VPN connection can be inconvenient and even lead to data loss or security risks. Possible causes and solutions include an unstable or slow internet connection, which can be tested and switched if necessary. Your VPN server may also be overloaded or down, so you should check its status and availability and connect to a different server if possible. Additionally, your VPN client may need to be updated or reinstalled if it is outdated or corrupted. Lastly, your firewall or antivirus software may be blocking or interfering with the VPN connection, so you should adjust the settings to allow the connection or temporarily disable them if needed.

3 Performance issues

Sometimes, you may experience performance issues with your VPN connection, such as slow speed, high latency, or poor quality. This can affect your ability to work efficiently and collaborate with your virtual team. Possible causes and solutions include selecting a VPN server that is closer to your location or region to reduce the distance and improve the speed and quality of the connection, lowering your VPN protocol or encryption level to a suitable level that balances security and performance, closing any unnecessary programs or background processes that may be consuming your CPU, memory, or disk space, and updating your network adapter or driver to the latest version or replacing it with a compatible one. All of these steps can help ensure that you have an optimal VPN connection.

4 Configuration errors

Sometimes, your VPN connection may experience configuration errors, such as IP address conflicts, DNS issues, or routing problems. These can prevent you from accessing websites, services, or resources on your company’s network or the internet. To resolve this, you could manually change your IP address or use a different VPN client that supports dynamic IP address allocation. Additionally, configure your VPN client to use the DNS servers of your company’s network or a public DNS service. You could also configure your VPN client to use split tunneling or full tunneling depending on your needs and preferences. By following these troubleshooting tips, you can resolve some of the most common VPN connection issues and enjoy a smooth and secure remote work experience with your virtual team.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?