topic Re: Not connected but connected in Full Fibre

Not connected but connected

s1mps — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 06:04:26 GMT

Connected to wifi.. laptop says not connected but it is. Problem being I need to connect to work VPN but the service won't start because it thinks there's no working connection.
How do I fix this please?

PlusNet hub 1
Dell Latitude 5490
MagicVPN

Re: Not connected but connected

Baldrick1 — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 07:16:26 GMT

@s1mps

Are you saying that you get no Internet access if you do not use the VPN?

In other words, is it the Plusnet connection or your VPN that is not working?

Re: Not connected but connected

s1mps — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 07:22:16 GMT

I have internet access but VPN isn't working.

Re: Not connected but connected

s1mps — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 07:48:39 GMT

I tried turning off 5Ghz to force 2.4

It works fine everywhere else just not to this PlusNet Router.

I also tried tethering to my phone which was connected to the router as well.

Re: Not connected but connected

RichardB — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 08:14:11 GMT

Hi
Can you provide more details about MagicVPN?
Is it this one: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=mobi.appsellvpn.magicvpn&hl=en&gl=US
If so it does not look like a VPN that would be deployed by an employer.
More like one of those dubious VPNs that come with adverts or worse.
Regards
Richard

Re: Not connected but connected

Baldrick1 — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 08:15:01 GMT

@s1mps

So there is nothing wrong wih your fibre connection but you need technical help with your VPN?

If so a Mod might transfer this topic to the more appropriate board.

Re: Not connected but connected

s1mps — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 08:24:04 GMT

@Baldrick1 well it's a problem with the PlusNet Hub 1 router and this particular VPN

@RichardB this is corporately configured Direct Access called MagicVPN

Re: Not connected but connected

Baldrick1 — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 08:57:02 GMT

@s1mps

I’m not being defensive of Plusnet but trying to suggest that the problem that you are experiencing is unconnected with your residential fibre connection. Consequently it might pick up more attention from knowledgeable fellow customers on a more appropriate board. If you think it’s a problem due to the hub’s limited features then Plusnet are perfectly happy for you to supply your own. However. I suspect that it’s more a problem with hub settings or the Plusnet firewall settings rather than the hub per se.

Re: Not connected but connected

Monsoft — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 08:57:16 GMT

@s1mps

Do you have ethernet card in your laptop ?

If yes, just switch off wifi in your laptop and use cat5/6 cable to connect directly between laptop and router and then try your vpn app.

@Baldrick1

It's all depends what protocol MagicVPN really use to setup vpn connection.

Re: Not connected but connected

Baldrick1 — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 09:11:58 GMT

@Monsoft wrote:
@Baldrick1

It's all depends what protocol MagicVPN really use to setup vpn connection.

I must confess that I have limited knowledge of the Internal workings of a router but in my simple mind it sounds illogical whether the two different peripheral LAN connections, that is direct wired Ethernet or via a Wireless link, would care about such things. All these links are doing I understand is transferring data to the router’s processor where such things become important.

Re: Not connected but connected

s1mps — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 09:19:29 GMT

@Monsoft Good call I'll try that (connecting directly with a cable)

@Baldrick1 apologies.. do whatever you think. I appreciate your help.

Re: Not connected but connected

MisterW — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 09:53:07 GMT

As @Baldrick1 said above, its worth checking your Broadband firewall settings here https://www.plus.net/member-centre/broadband/firewall ( you will need to login to the member centre first) The firewall needs to be OFF or LOW for VPN to work. If you have to change the setting then you will need to disconnect/reconnect the PPPoE session ( or restart the router ) for it to take effect

Re: Not connected but connected

s1mps — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 09:57:31 GMT

Thanks @MisterW I'll try that

Re: Not connected but connected

Monsoft — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 10:40:46 GMT

With VPN's is "all depends".

I had situation that I had to allow GRE protocol on my router for my wife VPN connection to her office.

@s1mps

For testing purpose and for short time period, you may try as well to move your laptop to DMZ zone. This will makes your laptop fully expose to internet but can help your checking VPN connectivity.

Re: Not connected but connected

s1mps — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 18:08:34 GMT

@Monsoft success putting the laptop into the DMZ.

(Apologies.. forgot to bring my laptop home in Friday)

Re: Not connected but connected

s1mps — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 18:11:00 GMT

Immediately took the laptop out of the DMZ, rebooted the laptop and VPN is still working.

Re: Not connected but connected

s1mps — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 21:43:49 GMT

Not working today.

Not many options to configure the firewall.

Re: Not connected but connected

Monsoft — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 12:29:04 GMT

I guess, that this vpn needs some specific ports & protocols to be allow on router.

You will have to talk to your IT department and ask them what you need to allow on your router.