At Scispot, we understand that many of our customers operate within high-security environments, requiring robust VPN configurations to protect their lab data. However, we’ve noticed that some VPN setups can negatively impact performance when accessing Scispot’s web-based platform.
If your team is experiencing slow loading times, lag, or other access issues, here are a few IT best practices to ensure a seamless experience without compromising security.
1. Allowlist Scispot’s Domains and Services
Certain security policies may block or throttle traffic to Scispot, causing delays. To prevent this, your IT team should allowlist the following domain:
Any additional endpoints for integrations (we can provide specifics if needed).
This ensures that Scispot’s core services are accessible without unnecessary filtering or inspection.
2. Enable Split Tunneling for Scispot
If your VPN forces all traffic through an encrypted tunnel, it can introduce latency, especially for web applications. A recommended approach is split tunneling, which allows non-sensitive traffic—like Scispot—to bypass the VPN while keeping critical internal traffic secure.
Ask your IT team to configure split tunneling so that Scispot-related traffic goes directly to the internet, reducing lag and improving performance.
3. Adjust Firewall and Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) Policies
Some organizations use deep packet inspection (DPI) or strict firewall rules that slow down interactive web applications. Consider adjusting policies to:
Exempt Scispot traffic from SSL inspection.
Allow WebSockets and HTTP/2 for real-time data sync.
Ensure security appliances (like Zscaler, Palo Alto, or Fortinet) don’t aggressively scan Scispot traffic.
These changes help maintain security while ensuring smooth access to the platform.
4. Optimize Virtual Machine (VM) Performance
If your team accesses Scispot via virtual desktops or cloud-based PCs, ensure they are:
Located in a region close to your VPN exit point to reduce latency.
Using high-performance instances with sufficient RAM and processing power.
Running updated browsers like Chrome or Edge with WebRTC optimizations enabled.
Virtual machines add an extra network layer, so optimizing their configuration can significantly improve user experience.
5. Test Direct Connection vs. VPN Performance
A quick way to diagnose VPN-related issues is to compare performance with and without the VPN:
Connect to Scispot without the VPN and note the loading speed.
Connect with the VPN enabled and compare response times.
If performance drops significantly, consider creating a dedicated VPN exit node near Scispot’s hosting region or revising routing rules.
6. Use a Secure Cloud Proxy or Zero Trust Gateway
If split tunneling isn’t an option, solutions like Cloudflare Access, Zscaler Private Access, or a cloud proxy can securely route Scispot traffic while maintaining compliance.
These services help maintain security while reducing VPN-related slowdowns.
Next Steps
If your IT team needs additional details, Scispot’s support team is happy to provide:
Specific network endpoints for allowlisting.
Latency tests to identify bottlenecks.
Technical recommendations based on your infrastructure.
By optimizing VPN settings, your team can enjoy secure, fast, and uninterrupted access to Scispot, ensuring lab workflows run efficiently without delays.
Need help troubleshooting your setup? Reach out to us at Scispot Support.