Only Transmission traffic through VPN

[genius7]

Hello,

I would like to use my favourite torrent client, Transmission, over a VPN service but at the same time I do not want to direct any other traffic therethrough. That is, I want to use my VPN service only for torrenting with the Transmission client.

I intend to use NordVPN service and I am coming across 2 problems:

1. NordVPN offers IKEv2 and OpenVPN protocols on Mac and I'm not sure whether and how I can connect to this VPN so that NOT all traffic is directed therethrough. As for the IKEv2 settings in Mac's Network Preferences, there is no "Send all traffic over VPN connection" option to keep unchecked, like it is for L2TP VPN protocol on Mac. As for the OpenVPN protocol, I'm not sure if this is possible with Tunnelblick for example or other client.
2. Let's say I solve the first problem and I'm connected to the VPN service without sending all the traffic therethrough. How can I now make the Transmission to use that specific network interface whereon I'm connected to the VPN?

I searched Google and I have found some procedures/methods but I am none the wiser thereon.

• E.g.:
  1. Transmission Interface Binder - this one seems outdated
  2. docker-transmission-openvpn - could be working but I am totally lost hereon.
  3. For Ubunute, but perhaps could be employed on Mac too but I have no idea on what they talk about there
  4. Ditto

I should appreciate some advice from the more experienced or knowledgeable hereabout.

 

[BrianBaughn]

Have you checked to see if the NordVPN app can do this? The Private Internet Access (PIA) service's app can.

 

[genius7]

NordVPN cannot do this. What's Private Internet Access?

 

[BrianBaughn]

I think their application does but just for Windows and Android:

What is VPN split tunneling, and how does it work?

VPN split tunneling lets you tailor your VPN protection to your needs. Secure your traffic while letting some apps bypass encryption. Learn more.

nordvpn.com

PIA is another VPN service.

Private Internet Access: The Best VPN Service For 10+ Years

PIA VPN is 2024's top-rated VPN service – with ultra-fast speeds, worldwide streaming servers, and 100% open-source software. Try PIA risk free for 30 days.

www.privateinternetaccess.com

 

[genius7]

too bad I use a Mac

 

[BrianBaughn]

Too bad you use NordVPN!

 

[Paulejonesy]

Sorry to dig up an old fossil, but did you ever come up with a solution to this?

 

[genius7]

Not really. I solved it a different way. Instead of letting my MacBook ON constantly, I now use a NAS to download torrents and on my NAS I can configure the VPN connection to be only used by the torrenting application.

 

[Marco Klobas]

It's not NordVPN: anyway, Astrill offers per app/website VPN filtering: https://www.astrill.com/features/website-and-app-filter