VPN access problems

[gddeluca]

Forum URL: spflite.freeforums.net/
I've been having problems accessing my forum. I use NordVPN and have been exploring this problem with them for several weeks. They have been quite helpful, but we've now reached the point where NordVPN have basically given up and asked me to contact you for assistance.

The problem is this:

• Most times, everything is just fine, no problems.
• But periodically (2 - 3 times a week) I get 406 connect errors.
• I can usually get around it by switching NordVPN servers, till I find one that works.
• OR, I can just turn VPN off.
• But curiously, I can connect to a new server that works, but it will only work for a small number of interactions before failing again.
• So I switch VPN servers again to find a working one.
• And IT works for a few interactions.
• Repeat this process repeatedly, and sometimes I end up BACK on what was previously a failing server; but now it works!
• This will typically last for 2-4 hours, then with NO configuration changes, we're back to normal again.

I can well see why NordVPN support is baffled. Everything from their side checks out, settings, DNS servers etc. and it all works well 90+% of the time. I have no problems with any other internet connections, just ProBoards.

Can you offer any suggestions?

George

[Willow]

Hey George!

I am not a PB employee but in the past I have had the same issues with NordVPN and PB. Some of the IP addresses they use may be banned by PB for previous bad actions. In addition, I know some PB forum admins will block IP addressed that originate from VPNs for a myriad of reasons which might explain why your connection works for a while and then stops once the forum admins catch it and ban it.

But as your are receiving "406 connect errors" there may be a more complicated issue at work for example issues with CloudFlare or your own ISP connection errors.

Also are you using a mobile or PC to access PB? I ask because I found that Nord VPN for mobiles was especially buggy for some reason.

Anyway, PB employees work M-F 9-5 PT and may not get back to you until then. However, they do often stop by on the weekend so stay tuned!

[gddeluca]

This only happens on my desktop, which is the only system using NordVPN. I'm the administrator of the forum, so I have not done any IP blocking myself.

What's infuriating is that I can fail on a particular VPN server, switch to another, fail, and switch again and end up back on a previously failing server - now working! There's no way this can be caused by blocked IP addresses, they would not be blocked/unblocked so dynamically.

There is definitely something else nasty going on.

George

[Scott]

gddeluca -

As Willow pointed out we have blocked some IPs due to an inordinate amount of malicious activity, and in some rare cases specific data centers. The block will not necessarily exhibit it self as an IP ban, but rather the inability to connect. This is most likely what you are experiencing. The issue of a VPN server working/not working for you may be due to the VPN's routing.