Does using a VPN affect data loading?
How to resolve VPN-related loading issues
Yes, using a VPN can sometimes affect how the Economic Wellbeing Explorer loads and functions.
Why does this occur?
The Explorer is delivered via ShinyProxy, which relies on:
- A stable, uninterrupted connection to our servers
- WebSocket technology to maintain real-time interaction
Certain VPNs, particularly those used within public sector organisations, can:
- Block or restrict WebSocket connections
- Rotate or mask your IP address during a session
- Apply network filtering policies that prevent secure data loading
As a result, you may experience:
- The dashboard failing to load
- Session timeouts or unexpected disconnections
- Errors such as “Server not reachable”
How can I resolve this?
If you encounter these issues:
- Temporarily disconnect your VPN and try reloading the dashboard
- If VPN use is required, ask your IT team to ensure access to:
- services.smartdatafoundry.com
- WebSocket connections over port 443 (HTTPS)
If problems persist, please contact our support team and share any details about your network environment. We’re happy to assist further.