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Issue abstract:
Detailed description: VPN is very slow
Product & version number: Norton 360 with Lifelock Select, Version 25.9.0
My internet speed without VPN is 285 Down/197 Up with VPN it is reduced to 10 Down/99 Up the ping goes from 4ms to 61 ms. How can I reduce the impact on speed from the VPN?
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When you use Norton 360 VPN, it routes your internet traffic through a secure, encrypted server before sending it to its final destination. This extra step, while crucial for privacy and security, is the primary reason for a slowdown in internet speed. The following factors contribute to the performance impact:
Latency and server distance
Increased travel distance: Your data has to travel from your device to the VPN server and then to the website or service you are using, adding extra distance and time to the journey.
Physical distance matters: The farther the server is from your physical location, the more time it takes for data to make the round trip. Connecting to a server across the country or on a different continent can significantly increase latency.
Encryption overhead
Processing power: The VPN encrypts all your data before it leaves your device and decrypts it when it arrives at the VPN server. This encryption and decryption process requires processing power and bandwidth, which can add a slight overhead and slow down your connection.
Encryption strength: Stronger encryption protocols offer better security but can demand more processing power, potentially causing a larger slowdown.
Server load
Crowded servers: Just like a traffic jam, a VPN server can become congested if too many users connect to it at once. High server load can cause slow speeds and a less reliable connection for everyone on that server.
Insufficient resources: VPN providers with limited server infrastructure, especially free VPNs, often have fewer servers to distribute traffic, leading to overcrowding and slower speeds.
Other potential factors
Local internet speed: A VPN cannot increase your baseline internet speed. If your connection is slow to begin with, the VPN’s added steps will make it even more sluggish.
Interfering software: Other security applications, like your antivirus or firewall, can sometimes conflict with your VPN, causing interference that slows down your connection.
Wi-Fi connection: If your device is connected via an unstable or weak Wi-Fi signal, the VPN can exacerbate the connectivity issues. A wired Ethernet connection is typically more stable.
How to improve Norton VPN speed
To minimize the impact on your speed, you can try the following:
Choose a closer server: Connect to a VPN server that is geographically closer to your physical location. Norton VPN often has an “Automatic” or “Fastest” server option that can select an optimal server for you.
Switch VPN protocols: If Norton 360 allows you to change protocols, try switching to a different one. Newer protocols like WireGuard are often faster and more efficient than older ones.
Use a wired connection: Connect your computer directly to your router with an Ethernet cable to eliminate potential Wi-Fi instability.
Clear your browser and restart: Closing unnecessary background applications and restarting your device can free up system resources. You can also clear your browser’s cache and cookies to improve browsing speed.
For your Mac’s Norton 360 VPN, you can boost speed by switching to a closer server, trying a faster VPN protocol like WireGuard, and ensuring your software and macOS are up-to-date. A wired Ethernet connection is also superior to Wi-Fi for speed and stability.
