How to Boost VPN Speed on Linux

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There is widespread agreement that VPNs are now indispensable. For many, they are a must since certain nations have banned access to certain websites and mobile applications. With a virtual private network, though, you may avoid this issue. 

Regular users may have experienced a noticeable decrease in connection speed while using a VPN. A VPN may cause a 30% slowdown on Linux operational system, but this is to be expected unless you’re using the fast VPN service for Linux by Namecheap.

But even with Namecheap’s VPN, you still need to learn how to speed up Linux. Since Linux is known to be safer than its counterpart operating systems, do we need a VPN for Linux at all?

Speed up VPN

VPN for Linux

Is it really necessary to use a virtual private network? The answer also is conditional on the context of the question. Depending on your situation and how you use your device(s), a virtual private network can be extremely useful or even essential.

Using a virtual private network has nothing to do with the OS you’re running. The functionality of a VPN is identical across platforms, including mobile ones. Even though your Linux distribution is more secure than Windows, you still need a VPN for Linux to ensure further protection.

Further advantages include:

  • Security
  • Privacy
  • Access to foreign websites
  • Ability to bypass censorship

Besides the advantages mentioned above, these days gamers also use VPNs to connect to different servers located outside their region. We can use VPN gaming that create a stable connection with the gaming servers.

Now, to the brass stacks. Optimizing VPN for Linux. 

Check the VPN’s Manual Connection Settings

By connecting manually, you will have access to a minimal VPN service. All the features that could potentially slow down your connection will be disabled.

We will begin by outlining the benefits of using a manual configuration or OpenVPN.

  • You will have a greater say over which programs are installed.
  • The OS backend is quite helpful.
  • Easy control with no hassle of adjusting parameters.
  • Excellent connectivity and performance, even on underpowered hardware.
Man typing

Test It Out on Several Servers

Even if your VPN provider has the fastest connection, try connecting to other servers. This is a simple speed test to make sure there won’t be any lag when the time comes to use these servers. 

The Network Settings Might Require a Reset

You can also try resetting your Linux device’s network connection to see if this helps speed the VPN up. 

The first step is to launch the terminal and input the commands. 

  1. sudo iptables -F INPUT
  2. sudo iptables -F OUTPUT
  3. sudo iptables -P INPUT ACCEPT
  4. sudo iptables -P OUTPUT ACCEPT
  5. sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager

This clears up the firewall and DNS rules.

You may also try restarting your device to see if it helps your connection.

DNS Update

If your ISP has configured your network’s default DNS settings, you may have issues when attempting to connect to a VPN service for Linux.

  1. To begin, let’s launch the terminal. Pressing Ctrl+Alt+T accomplishes this in a flash.
  2. Simply type sudo rm -r /etc/ resolv.conf and then press Enter.
  3. Then, type sudo nano /etc/ resolv.conf
  4. After entering the second command, the system will ask for your password; type it in and hit Enter.
  5. The new DNS addresses, which will take up two lines from now on, are ready to be entered. Nameserver 208.67.220.220 and Nameserver 208.67.222.222 are the first and second entries, respectively.
  6. Press Ctrl + X to save and close the file.
  7. There is one more command to enter, and we’re almost done. Type sudo chattr +i /etc/resolv.conf on your terminal.
  8. If that doesn’t work, we’ll need to input the following command into the terminal: sudo chattr -f +i /etc/resolv.conf 

Try restarting your computer to see if this process helped the speed.

Turn Off Any Interfering Programs

Antivirus software, file-sharing applications, and even other VPN services can all compete for the same system resources, slowing down your internet access. Your device’s hardware and software might also have a significant impact on the speed of your internet connection. 

Take the following measures.

  • Your internet service provider may have upgraded their routers, and this could be slowing things down. 
  • The root cause may lie in outdated software or subpar construction. It’s a major contributor to laggy connections. 

Pro-tip: It’s vital that you have a high-quality router.

Inactivate IPv6

If you’re having trouble connecting to your VPN, disabling IPV6 may help. You shouldn’t worry about your network or your connection breaking if you turn off ipv6.

Conclusion

Granted, choosing to use a virtual private network will slow down your internet connection, but it’s barely noticeable! The advantages of using one definitely outrank the issues. And if speed is the only issue, use the above tricks and strategies to work around the lag. It’s not rocket science; if you’ve learned to use the Linux system, this will be a piece of cake!