Are you using FortiClient VPN and losing access to your local LAN and servers once connected? You’re not alone! Many users face this frustrating issue. After spending hours researching and testing solutions, I finally found a simple fix that works like magic.
In this blog post, I’ll share my journey and the step-by-step solution to access your local LAN while staying connected to FortiClient VPN
The Problem: Losing Local LAN Access
When you connect to FortiClient VPN, it typically redirects all your network traffic through the VPN tunnel. While this ensures secure browsing and remote access, it also disconnects you from your local LAN resources, such as printers, NAS, or local servers.
Like many others, I searched online for solutions, skimmed through Reddit threads, and even tried setting up a VPN split tunnel. However, these efforts didn’t provide the desired outcome. While I could connect to the remote network, I couldn’t use the remote IP for browsing.
The Solution: Hidden in FortiClient VPN Settings
After days of research, I stumbled upon the solution within the FortiClient VPN settings. Here’s how you can fix this issue and access your local LAN while connected to the VPN.
- Open FortiClient VPN: Launch the FortiClient application on your device.
- Go to Settings: Locate the settings or configuration tab for your VPN profile.
3. Click on Advance Settings and then expand Phase 1
4. Enable Local LAN
Save and Apply: Save the changes and reconnect to your VPN.
Test the Connection: Verify that you can now access both the remote network and your local LAN resources simultaneously.
Why This Hack Works
The setting ensures that traffic destined for your local LAN doesn’t get routed through the VPN tunnel. Instead, it bypasses the VPN and accesses local resources directly. This way, you can enjoy the benefits of secure VPN access while maintaining connectivity to local devices.
