Don't use VPN for some downloads

gregg_a_g

Hi, I am very new to using VPN. I am in the process of setting up OpenVPN AS on a VPS. A lot of this if for learning,
but I do want to garner more privacy. An Asus RT-AC68P is on the way, and I plan to set it up with OpenVPN client so all my
devices will go through the router and thus my VPN on my VPS.

If I understand it correctly, if I were to use the VPN for all traffic, then when I update one of my local Debian machines, all that
traffic will (somewhat needlessly) go through the VPN. How would I set it up so that I could have certain downloads not go through
the VPN, and thus not incur traffic on the VPS server needlessly?

My specific intention is to do Debian upgrades and other large downloads directly without going through the VPN, but have all
other web browsing (at home and through unsecured WiFi spots like Lowe's or Starbucks) go through the VPN.

Sorry if this is answered in a "sticky" or elsewhere in the forum. I have started to search for this answer but have not seen a
specific solution.

Kind regards,
Gregg G.

TinCanTech

gregg_a_g wrote I am very new to using VPN

gregg_a_g wrote My specific intention is to do Debian upgrades and other large downloads directly without going through the VPN, but have all other web browsing (at home and through unsecured WiFi spots like Lowe's or Starbucks) go through the VPN.

There is no easy way to do this .. the easiest way is to turn off the VPN at times that you don't want it.

JNehru

gregg_a_g wrote

If I understand it correctly, if I were to use the VPN for all traffic, then when I update one of my local Debian machines, all that
traffic will (somewhat needlessly) go through the VPN. How would I set it up so that I could have certain downloads not go through
the VPN, and thus not incur traffic on the VPS server needlessly?

Kind regards,
Gregg G.

There is a feature in VPN called Split Tunneling. You can use it to channel your traffic. search the term split tunneling on google and you will find a dozen of informative blogs online/