Three blocking vpn's?

Hi all,

Today I noticed that my vpn connects but passes no traffic when I am using 3 data (mobile) so I checked 2 other vpn's to find they are all doing similar things except 1 vpn which doesn't connect at all.

I have tried this on my home network and also a different mobile network which leads me to think that its a 3uk issue.

Is anyone having a similar issue on 3?

Thanks

I tried a VPN a couple of weeks ago, but no problem except that the VPN provider only single-streamed. Which rather wrecked my basic reason for ditching the landline as I lost the speed gain.

In reply to a post by RobertoS:

I tried a VPN a couple of weeks ago, but no problem except that the VPN provider only single-streamed. Which rather wrecked my basic reason for ditching the landline as I lost the speed gain.

It can depend on the protocol, some connection oriented VPN protocols over TCP) essentially create a single lane that all traffic has to travel down. UDP orientated VPN protocols can run in parallel. Many corporate VPNs use TCP as they are operating over HTTPS to ensure they work over ISPs and some firewalls.

I'm using NordVPN with no issues here.

Thanks for the replies.

Ive tried nord and it's the same issue. Starting to wonder if it's an issue with my device or not.

In reply to a post by Hothead17:

Starting to wonder if it's an issue with my device or not.

Maybe a conflict with a security product?

Edited by jchamier (Mon 14-Dec-20 14:21:45)

I had this problem when I used 3 with AnyConnect - it turned out to be a MTU issue. Reducing the MTU to 1280 worked for me. Different VPNs will add a different overhead on the packet size, so you may need to experiment a bit.

Thanks for the replys.

Yea the work around I've found is use openvpn over tcp instead of wireguard or openvpn over udp

In reply to a post by Hothead17:

Yea the work around I've found is use openvpn over tcp instead of wireguard or openvpn over udp

I have no issues with UDP wireguard (Private Internet Access etc) with Smarty. It could also be your local network - double natting and/or MTU issues.

I am using Surfshark, Nord and Anyconnect over Three 5G without issues.

I use the 3internet APN and have my DNS queries forwarded from my modem to a local Cloudflare DNS over HTTPS server as I don't trust Three's way of monitoring traffic and prioritising stuff like Netflix.

Do optimise the MTU if you are having issues and try the 3internet APN if you are on three.co.uk APN. Try disabling IPV6 APN incase that might be causing issues - I know on my ZTE it is not a issue but on some Huawei routers the IPV6 is enabled on some Three masts and it doesn't have a public internet connection.

Edited by deleted (Wed 16-Dec-20 10:32:31)

Thanks for the replys.

Ive tried a few things but I prefer wireguard but the app I'm using doesn't allow any modifications to the wireguard setup like MTU change.

No problem for me either Surfshark over Smarty (Part of the Three network)

Wow 2 years old post but worked.

I’ve been having major issues using VPN and Voip apps like Horizon, basically SIP soft phones.

Changed the APN to 3internet and everything is working.

Would like to know what the technical differences are between the APN’s though

Cheerw
Shaun

3internet APN gives you your own public IP address.
three.co.uk puts you behind carrier grade NAT so it may be that causing the previous issues.

Thanks
Dan

No. I have home broadband and I am using a VPN daily. No problems

Posting this via 3 and a VPN. No problems.

In reply to a post by Username26:

No. I have home broadband and I am using a VPN daily. No problems

There are lots of different technical ways VPNs can be implemented. Most consumer VPNs use either OpenVPN or Wireguard, but many corporate VPNs may use HTTPS, or IPsec.

I use IPsec for my business and Stealth for home - again no problems

I had a similar problem.

Changed APN to 3internet, but VPN still blocked.

I solved the problem by removing web browsing restrictions which seem to be on new account by default.

To do this dial 0333 338 1001 ...Option 1 [Enter mobile number when prompted] then it is option 5 then option 3 .... you will need credit card to verify t hat you are over 18

premitel.uk

The menu has changed. It's now 4, 5, 5, 4.

In reply to a post by premitel:

I had a similar problem.

Changed APN to 3internet, but VPN still blocked.

I solved the problem by removing web browsing restrictions which seem to be on new account by default.

To do this dial 0333 338 1001 ...Option 1 [Enter mobile number when prompted] then it is option 5 then option 3 .... you will need credit card to verify t hat you are over 18

premitel.uk

This number is safe to call, as it seems to be a valid Three support number, but according to several checkers for who is calling or texting from it that person could be spoofing the number. Bank detail requests being common claiming your d/d has expired.

So be wary if you get an unexpected incoming call or message from it.