Model Railway Forum

I have been using a VPN on an ad hoc basis for several months now, just switching it on when I wished to hide my activity when using on-line banking sites etc. but switching it off for general surfing, forums etc. I recently ditched my BT Home Hub 5 as I was fed up with the stability of it and bought myself an ASUS router and second hand Openreach modem. The difference between the Asus and the HH5 has been like night and day, no drop outs, no rebooting, no internet lag, improved wi-fi etc etc. One of the many extra functions the Asus affords is the ability to run VPN client software on the modem itself rather than the device you are using such as PC, laptop, tablet, smartphone etc. This means it is switched on permanently and ALL devices connected through it via lan or wi-fi are connecting to the outside world through the VPN and sharing the benefits. And so yesterday I set it up.

When is he getting to the point I hear you say

Well the point is this. Since installing it every one of my bookmarked sites including banks, on-line stores, other model rail forums etc shows no difference in the new arrangement and connects just as quickly as before to the desired site. Every one that is except................this site! It just refuses to "see" or connect and eventually times out.

Before I continue, I should point out that I have switched it off temporarily to enable me to post this message. The problem shows itself up using both Firefox and MS Edge browsers. I did manage to get through yesterday after installing Opera Mini on my android phone so that may be a clue to what's going on? But otherwise nothing.

So before I disappear again under my cloak of invisibility (Harry Potter fans will know what I mean) by switching VPN back on again I want to ask if anyone else has experienced this strange anomaly.

Do you use VPN client software (I'm using ipVanish by the way), and if so are you experiencing the same problem?

If you are using a VPN and having no problem, what browser(s) are you using that work with this site?

I'll log back in after Crimble and see if there are any sensible replies . In the mean time may I wish you and your families a very Happy Christmas and hope Santa has something railway related in his sack for you. Cheers all.

Terry

I have no idea what VPN is. I have BT broadband and it works faultlessly and can honestly say that it has never dropped out. Sorry, apart from that I can’t help.

VPN = Virtual Private Network. I have to say I've never found the use for this - I'd never heard of it until I looked it up. I never have any problems with my BT broadband connection, whether it's looking at a forum or personal banking. Another gimmick as far as I'm concerned.

Sounds as though it might cause problems rather than ( or maybe as well as ) solve some. Never used VPN. and never had any issues with BT Hubs 3, 4 or 5. R-

Just had a read about it. Can’t see any advantage to what I have.

I think it hides your online activity WTD. R-

Does it. Must admit that could change my life.

RogerB wrote: ↑Mon Dec 24, 2018 7:23 pm I think it hides your online activity WTD. R-

It's far more than that. Read up properly and you will see how it protects you from all sorts. I was hoping for some positive useful information, perhaps I should gave known better. Disappointed in responses so far.

you can do that now by browsing Incognito, and whats more, its free. Why would you want to hide your browsing. Only do that, when buying Heathers chrissie pressie.

Teed, hi, surely your anti virus, etc, protects you. Have never needed owt else. What am i missing.