VPN/local sharing question

[opuscroakus]

I have 2 Mac Mini's, both running Sonoma, on the same local network and I want them to both access a folder on a USB HDD that is shared through File Sharing. One mini is a 2018 i3 that has PrivateVPN running on it. The other mini is a M2 Pro. I don't care which mini the USB drive is physically attached to though it would be preferable if it was on the non VPN mini. When the VPN is running and I try to connect either way or screen share either way I get the below error messages. No issues when the VPN is off, so obviously I think, a VPN/IP problem for which I have scant networking knowledge? Is what I want to do possible or a I missing a step? Or is there a different/easier/better way to accomplish this?

 

[Bigwaff]

The VPN is is a different network than local network. This is why when the one Mac is connected to the VPN, your Macs can’t see each other.

 

[Marco Klobas]

It's true that VPN takes your Mac on a different network (it's the purpose of a VPN). It shouldn't prevent a local access, though.

I connect locally to my Mac (screen sharing) from an iPad even if the Mac is connected to a VPN and even if my iPad is simultaneously connected to another VPN. I don't have 2 Mac to test and don't use PrivateVPN.

Try with Finder -> Connect to Server... -> vnc://x.x.x.x (where x.x.x.x is the local IP address of the machine you want to connect to).

 

[Bigwaff]

It's true that VPN takes your Mac on a different network (it's the purpose of a VPN). It shouldn't prevent a local access, though.

That depends on whether the vpn is a full tunnel or split tunnel vpn. Full tunnel routes all network traffic over the vpn.

 

[Marco Klobas]

That depends on whether the vpn is a full tunnel or split tunnel vpn. Full tunnel routes all network traffic over the vpn.

Thanks for clarifying.

 

[opuscroakus]

Thank you for the replies, I tried Marco's suggestion about connecting through the finder and it was a no go. That method appeared to be just a different avenue to connect via screen sharing. I sent an email to the PrivateVPN support but I think I'm probably SOL... What VPN do you use Marco?

 

[Marco Klobas]

I use Proton VPN. I've used previously Astrill. Both let me connect locally.

 

[opuscroakus]

Update: I emailed PrivateVPN’s support and they suggested I turn off their KillSwitch feature which blocks all internet traffic if the vpn disconnects for some reason. With that turned off I can now file & screen share.

 

[Marco Klobas]

Good.