Changing MTU Size
 

Hi Guys, im wondering if anyone can answer a question for me.

Im using Private Internet Access as a VPN and sometimes the speed can be dire even on different servers around the globe. Now looking at the manual for my Netgear Nighthawk X6 R8000 it states that if u have slow VPN speed to change the MTU size but it doesnt give a clear indication as to what size to try.

I know default is 1500 but can anyone point me in the right direction.

BTW... all ports are routed correctly for the VPN in port forwarding so that isnt the issue.

Thanks.

Re: Changing MTU Size
 

Issue could be your route to the vpn is congested ? Has it always been bad or is this a recent thing.. Possibly your route from VM -> their carrier is congested or on a poor link.


1500 is max unless you enable Jumbo framing then it can go to 9k most likely not supported by the vpn

in terms of lower values you could try 1492,1432,1488

Re: Changing MTU Size
 

You can use ping to test values ;

if the ping succeeds, you have a good MTU.

If it fails with "Packet needs to be fragmented but DF set.", then the MTU is too big.

FYI, 1472 works ok on my PC.

Re: Changing MTU Size
 

It is unfortunately and that is why I stopped using PIA a couple of years ago. I can't remember the exact option because I haven't got the client anymore but there were two fields, one for specifying a port number and one for something else. If I left both of those empty (which you can) the vpn would be fine and most people would probably be non the wiser. The problem I had was that when I used torrents they would start off at 1-2MB/sec and after a minute or so my vpn connection would drop and I would have to reconnect again, the torrent would start going again and then a minute later the connection would drop again. The only way I could get round it was to force port forwarding (which connects you to a more limited pool of servers) and whatever the other option is which maintained a stable connection but it would never go above 70k/sec. Once my 1 year subscription was up I left it because it was useless. I don't know what the technical ins and outs are but your speed issues are down to the fact that you are using port forwarding and whatever they are doing their end.

Re: Changing MTU Size
 

What VPN do u use now? My year is up in June.

---------- Post added at 12:13 ---------- Previous post was at 12:12 ----------

I will try this thanks.

Re: Changing MTU Size
 

I don't. I wanted a vpn at the time because I was using 2 public trackers but I have switched to a strict private tracker now which is invite only. I am reluctant to try other vpns because PIA was supposed to be the best and if "the best" can't provide a stable connection or reliable speed over the alleged multiple gigabit links then there is not much hope.

Re: Changing MTU Size
 

I Hear tunnelbear VPN supposed to be good.

Re: Changing MTU Size
 

I use VPNArea

https://www.bestvpn.com/vpnarea-review/

Re: Changing MTU Size
 

Have they removed the traffic shaping? They used to allocate a fixed chunk of bandwidth to torrents and VPN from memory. I know that used to impact me in the evenings when I was using our company VPN.

Re: Changing MTU Size
 

A little off topic but I now see that PIA no longer allows you to view IPlayer when you are outside the Uk.

Re: Changing MTU Size
 

IIRC traffic management is only on upstream now.


VPNArea still has a BBC iPlayer server.

Re: Changing MTU Size
 

I was told that although the VPN providers rotate there IP addresses the BBC soon recognises them and blocks access!!!

Re: Changing MTU Size
 

Then you continue to believe whoever told you. I have no problem with that.

I do know others that can continue access elsewhere.

THB I have no interest in any BBC content.

Re: Changing MTU Size
 

I can only relate what I was told by someone who is usually a good source, the explanation appears to be reasonable but I have no way to verify its accuracy or validity so neither believe or disbelieve it. I do know that my PIA VPN no longer allows access to BBC Iplayer when I am overseas.

Re: Changing MTU Size
 

Then try a VPN that allows it. VPNArea will refund a one month payment ( as a new customer) if it doesn't deliver what it says on the tin.

OK you have to pay 1 month in advance but if after 7 days it doesn't do what they say and you are unhappy they will happily refund you the (about £8.00) you paid.

If you end up happy you can get a yearly sub at about half the price. What have you got to lose?