Not connected but connected

[#1]

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

[#2]

@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?

[#3]

I have internet access but VPN isn't working.

[#4]

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.

[#5]

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

[#6]

@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.

[#7]

@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

[#8]

@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.

[#9]

@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. 

[#10]

---

@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.

[#11]

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

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

[#12]

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

[#13]

Thanks @MisterW I'll try that

[#14]

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.

[#15]

@Monsoft success putting the laptop into the DMZ.

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