VPN Architecture Decoded: Site-to-Site vs. Remote Access & Split Tunneling

Knowledge Base

Before you configure your network, you must understand the architecture.
Are you connecting two office buildings (Site-to-Site)? Or are you a digital nomad connecting to a secure network from a coffee shop (Remote Access)? This guide, based on the CertBros analysis, explains the core technologies powering your privacy.

Visual Guide: Understanding VPN Tunnels

🏗️ The Two Pillars of VPN

Not all VPNs are created equal. The video highlights two distinct categories used in the industry:

1. Site-to-Site VPN (The "Bridge")

Imagine a permanent, invisible cable connecting your New York Head Office to your London Branch.

Protocol: Typically uses IPsec (Internet Protocol Security).
Device: Configured on Routers or Firewalls (not individual laptops).
Behavior: Always on. Devices in London can access servers in New York seamlessly.
WananTech Use Case: Connecting your dedicated server farm to our global IP backbone.

2. Remote Access VPN (The "Road Warrior")

This is what 99% of individual users and digital marketers need.

Scenario: You are at a coffee shop (public WiFi) and need to access secure resources.
Protocol: Typically uses SSL/TLS (like OpenVPN) or modern protocols like WireGuard.
Device: Requires a Client App on your laptop or phone.
WananTech Use Case: Operating your TikTok/Amazon accounts securely from home.

⚔️ Protocol Battle: IPsec vs. SSL/TLS

Which encryption standard is right for you?

Feature	IPsec (Site-to-Site)	SSL/TLS (Remote Access)
Configuration	Complex (Router level)	Simple (Install App & Login)
Firewall Traversal	Difficult (Fixed Ports)	Excellent (Uses Port 443, looks like HTTPS)
Best For	Connecting Offices	Sellers, Marketers, Individuals

🚦 Full Tunnel vs. Split Tunneling

This is a crucial concept for optimizing your network speed.

Full Tunnel

Maximum Security

Everything goes through the VPN. Even if you are just browsing local news or watching YouTube, traffic travels to the VPN server first.

Encrypts ALL traffic
Slower local browsing

Split Tunneling

Optimized Speed

Only specific traffic (e.g., TikTok app, Amazon shop) goes through the VPN. Regular traffic (like local news) stays on your local ISP.

No speed loss for local apps
WananTech Recommended

🚀 How WananTech Applies These Technologies

We don't just sell IPs; we provide an intelligent network architecture.

The "Smart Routing" Advantage

Using the Split Tunneling logic explained in the video, WananTech's client configuration (for Shadowrocket/v2rayNG) automatically distinguishes your traffic:

Business Traffic

Amazon, TikTok, Facebook

Routed via Static Residential IP

Local Traffic

WeChat, Baidu, Local News

Direct connection (Fastest)

Ready to optimize your workflow?

Get the security of a VPN with the speed of a local connection.

Get Smart Split Tunneling Config