Yes — VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) and firewalls can definitely affect your Mahek Broadband internet performance.
While they help with privacy, security, and restricted content access, they can sometimes cause slow speed, connection drops, or blocked websites if not configured properly.
Let’s understand why this happens and how to fix it.
🧩 1️⃣ What a VPN or Firewall Does
| Feature | Function |
|---|---|
| VPN (Virtual Private Network) | Routes your internet traffic through an encrypted remote server for privacy and location masking. |
| Firewall | Monitors and blocks suspicious traffic or connections to keep your system secure. |
While both are useful, they can interfere with your normal internet connection — especially when using real-time or region-specific services.
⚙️ 2️⃣ Common VPN/Firewall Effects on Internet Connection
🔹 A) Reduced Speed or High Latency
VPNs reroute your traffic through external servers — often in another country — which can:
- Increase ping/latency, affecting gaming and video calls.
- Cause slower speeds since encryption adds overhead.
- Make some websites load slower or timeout.
💡 Example: A 100 Mbps plan may drop to 40–60 Mbps on VPN due to encryption and distance.
🔹 B) Blocked or Inaccessible Websites
- Some websites or banking portals block VPN traffic for security reasons.
- OTT apps (like Hotstar, SonyLIV, Zee5) may deny access if the VPN masks your region.
- Firewalls can mistakenly block legitimate sites if security settings are too strict.
🔹 C) Frequent Disconnections
If your VPN server is unstable or overloaded, it can cause:
- Wi-Fi dropouts every few minutes.
- “No Internet Access” despite full signal.
- Difficulty reconnecting until VPN is turned off.
🔹 D) Login or Authentication Errors
Some routers or ONTs fail to verify your Mahek PPPoE credentials when a VPN or firewall blocks certain ports (e.g., 1723, 80, 443).
This may cause partial browsing or inability to reach specific services.
🧩 3️⃣ How to Fix VPN-Related Internet Issues
✅ Step 1: Turn Off VPN Temporarily
- Disconnect your VPN and reconnect to Wi-Fi normally.
- Try browsing or running a speed test at speedtest.mahekbroadband.in.
If speed or browsing improves → VPN is the cause.
✅ Step 2: Change VPN Server Location
- Switch to a server closer to India (e.g., Mumbai, Singapore).
- Avoid distant regions (US, UK, Canada) for general browsing.
- Choose a “split tunneling” option if available — it lets you use VPN for selected apps only.
✅ Step 3: Use a Trusted VPN
Free or unknown VPN apps often:
- Sell or throttle your bandwidth.
- Inject ads or malware.
- Cause random disconnects.
Use only reliable providers like NordVPN, ProtonVPN, or ExpressVPN if you truly need one.
✅ Step 4: Check Firewall Settings
If using a computer firewall or antivirus (like Windows Defender, Avast, or Kaspersky):
- Open its Network or Firewall Settings.
- Temporarily disable network filtering or set it to “Allow all outgoing traffic.”
- Avoid setting “Public Network” mode for home Wi-Fi — it blocks many safe services.
✅ Step 5: Restart Devices
After disabling VPN/firewall, restart your router and device to clear cached network routes.
⚙️ 4️⃣ When to Use VPN Safely
✅ Safe Uses:
- Accessing office networks securely (corporate VPN).
- Using public Wi-Fi (cafés, airports).
- Protecting privacy when browsing sensitive sites.
🚫 Avoid Using VPN For:
- Banking, OTT, or gaming — may cause login or lag issues.
- Everyday browsing if not required — reduces speed and reliability.
🧰 5️⃣ Mahek Broadband Recommendation
Mahek Broadband works on open, high-speed networks optimized for direct PPPoE connections.
To ensure best performance:
- Keep VPN off unless needed for work or privacy.
- Whitelist Mahek’s network in your firewall settings if applicable.
- If you must use VPN, prefer local or low-latency servers.
🧾 6️⃣ Still Facing Issues?
If your connection works fine when VPN/firewall is off but slows or drops when it’s on — the issue is software-related, not with your Mahek network.
📞 022 697 18061
✉ support@mahekbroadband.in
📍 Shop No. 02, Balkrishna Apt, Musaji Galli Road, Vasai West – 401201
Our support team can help confirm your line health and suggest the best network configuration.
💡 Quick Tips
✅ Turn off VPN when using OTT apps, banking, or gaming.
✅ Keep firewall mode to Private Network at home.
✅ Avoid free VPNs — they often slow down or leak data.
✅ Restart router after uninstalling VPNs to refresh connection.
✅ Use Google DNS (8.8.8.8) if some sites remain blocked after disabling VPN.
