Thread border router doesn't work if VPN is on

[frozenwind]

My Google TV Streamer is the only device with thread border router in my home and there are a few Nanoleaf thread network light bulbs connecting to it.

Then I just found out whenever I enable my VPN app in the Streamer, all my thread light bulbs become offline. As there is no setting menu to check the thread border router directly, my best guess is that the function of the thread border router is broken when VPN is on. 

My VPN app is designed for streaming Chinese content so that it automatically uses tunnel mode for certain apps not a global VPN. All my YouTube, system  functions and Google Home features works well. Seems only the thread border router is affected by the VPN. This is strange and should not happen. Thread border router should always work on local network and not be affected by VPN.

[kcruzgonzalez]

Hello, frozenwind.

Thank you for posting in the community. I'm sorry to learn that the Thread boundary router does not work while the VPN is enabled. Don't worry, I'm here to help.

To ensure optimal performance and interoperability with other devices, Google generally discourages the use of VPNs on the device or its network. Given that your Google TV Streamer 4K works properly while connected to a VPN, the problem is most likely with one of the other devices on your network.

Please let me know if you have any further queries.

Regards,

Kevin

[frozenwind]

No. Clearly it should be a bug that the thread border router network fails when VPN is on. The thread border router is designed for local smart home and works independently from the other part of the system (we don't even have setting options for it except for an on/off). Thus, it should always bypass the VPN in the firmware design, which clearly it does not, while other Google TV system parts bypass the VPN successfully (it's easy to verify. my VPN works on tunnelling mode only affects a few Apps. Other Google service would fail if also use the VPN, as the VPN connects to China).

Please report this to the development team. Or I need to submit feedback myself?

[kcruzgonzalez]

Hi frozenwind,

Thank you for your response. We understand your point of view in your situation. Let's work together for a solution.

Please consider sharing your thoughts directly with our development team through this feedback form. Your input will help us prioritize features and ensure that we're meeting the needs of our diverse user base.

Feel free to keep us posted if you have more questions.

Regards,

Kevin