Using VPN on WiFi

qwerty · 14 Oct 2008 at 11:42

I am connected at the moment to a WiFi network, but as soon as I connect to a VPN, the WiFi connection stops working? Why would this be? Is there a way to get around it?

I'm not sure what details would be useful to solve the problem, so if anyone wants to know any more information, please ask.

howler · 14 Oct 2008 at 11:45

what is creating the vpn? software?

also when you say your wifi stops working, do you lose internet access or does it disconnect the wireless connection

bledd · 14 Oct 2008 at 11:48

that's standard windows VPN behaviour, knocks out other access..

qwerty · 14 Oct 2008 at 11:48

I am using a Cisco VPN client.

The wifi connection doesn't disconnect (i.e. if I disconnect the VPN, the Wifi works fine again without having to reconnect to it), it just stops sending and receiving so I effectively lose internet access.

howler · 14 Oct 2008 at 11:53

sounds like the Cisco VPN client is preventing access to any other networks except the VPN you are using

qwerty · 14 Oct 2008 at 11:55

Unlikely. It works when I use my 3 mobile broadband but not with the WiFi I am now using.

howler · 14 Oct 2008 at 12:06

3 mobile broadband? That a plug in card?

qwerty · 14 Oct 2008 at 18:40

Its a USB plug in modem and VPN works fine with that, but not when I connect to my university's WiFi.

Mel_P · 14 Oct 2008 at 19:50

When I use (Cisco) VPN to the office network - it knocks everything else off - then when its all conected and stable other devices can connect again.

Jay · 14 Oct 2008 at 21:51

You loose your local IP and get a new Ip from the VPN concentrator. So when your opening a webpage, unless the vpn concentrator does not require a proxy setting and has routed access to DNS servers you wont be able to access webpages.