Split tunneling is a VPN configuration where only some traffic goes through the VPN while other traffic goes directly to the internet or another local path. It matters because routing choices shape both user performance and the security visibility available to the organization.
What is Split Tunneling?
Split tunneling can reduce bandwidth strain and improve user experience, but it also means some traffic may bypass corporate inspection, logging, or policy enforcement. It is a classic tradeoff between control and convenience.
What Split Tunneling Commonly Supports
Common uses include remote work optimization, bandwidth management, selective app routing, and user-experience tuning for VPN deployments.
Split Tunneling vs. Full Tunnel VPN
Split tunneling routes only selected traffic through the VPN. Full tunneling sends substantially more or all traffic through the protected network path.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do teams use split tunneling?
Because routing everything through the VPN can be costly, slow, or operationally unnecessary for some traffic.
What is the main risk?
Traffic that bypasses the VPN may also bypass organizational monitoring or policy controls.
