A VPN is a fantastic technology when it works. Although numerous VPN vendors in the market claim to provide an authentic user experience, they may not be able to escape from the jarring experience of bugs and errors. These errors are not exclusive to providers but common amongst different VPNs. One can conclude them to be the underlying issues a VPN tends to face in any event. We have already dealt with a few such errors in our articles. Today, we attempt to unearth the reasons behind a VPN failure due to the “Authentication attempt timeout” error.
We also did a piece on the “Authentication information failure” error, but the two don’t share the same root problem. That one was more of a bug on a select few platforms and clients. The “Authentication attempt timeout” error, however, is a heavyweight that plagues the annals of decent VPN services.
Understanding Authentication and what it signifies
When we use the term authentication, we mean the act of proving assertion. It is a process that makes any digital activity secure. While many confuse this process as identifying a valid entry point to grant someone the necessary authority, the act of authentication does not identify an agent. Instead, it validates or verifies the produced identity. Take the fingerprint lock of your smartphones for example. When you touch the fingerprint panel, neither the sensor nor the device “identify” you as the user. Instead, the device authenticates your previously established identity by cross-referencing the database you created when you added a fingerprint to the system.
Authentication proves a user’s or entity’s legitimate authority/access and provides a form of control. Technology is getting smarter with every passing day, and there are already those capable of identification. However, this form of identification still requires authentication to legitimize a mode or degree of control. As such, authentication remains the core of any activity where there is a transfer of command, more so for any digital scenario. The system can’t be responsible for every singular user and has no specific method to differentiate between them.
We use authentication to separate legitimate users from unauthorized ones. It also helps in initiating a process. Most importantly, it aids in security. Without proper authentication, someone/something can’t access a system, network, product, account, and similar products or services. Thus, in case of an accident, the process ensures that problems can’t originate from the service end. Instead, it protects the well-being of both the service provider and consumer.
Common VPN errors
While VPNs are true lifesavers, they do a poor job at presenting an error. Most of the time, a user won’t even know why an error happens. Although these issues are easy to resolve, it doesn’t change the fact they can be irritating. We will detail the few frequent errors a user may face while using a VPN and how to resolve them.
- VPN connection too slow — It is a common issue for a VPN to be sluggish. Depending on your provider, real-time location, and the server you are connecting to, a VPN can display varying speeds. As such, you can either change the server or use the auto-connect feature for a quick VPN speed boost.
- VPN won’t connect — It is related to the various authentication errors a user faces. We will cover it further down the article.
- VPN connection drops/disconnects — Sometimes, an authentication error can also result in a dropped connection. However, other reasons may be faulty internet, protocol issues, or VPN blocking.
- Client keeps crashing — The VPN client is software that exists for the end-user to access VPN services. Thus, they may be prone to problems with platforms, software/hardware requirements, or out-of-date products. An easy fix is to reinstall or update your VPN client.
Issues with a VPN connection
Now you have the knowledge of authentication and a handle on regular VPN errors. It’s time to examine several connection issues before we try to solve the “authentication attempt timeout” error, since the two are closely related. Here they are:
- VPN connection rejected
- Unauthorized connection
- Unable to reach locations beyond the VPN server
- Tunnel establishment denied
VPN connection rejected
One of the most frequent issues with many potential reasons behind it, from a network timeout to ISP throttling. However, If your VPN server is rejecting client connections, the first thing you need to do is to check to make sure the “Routing and Remote Access” service is running. You can check this by opening the server’s Control Panel and clicking on the Administrative Tools icon, followed by the Services icon.
To solve this:
- First, confirm a valid TCP/IP connection between the VPN client and server.
- Then, cross-check your authentication process.
- Easily doable on Windows by entering the “mmc” command at the Run prompt.
- Now you need to add a Routing and Remote Access to your client, otherwise your VPN will never connect. To add it:
- Open an empty Microsoft Management Console session by using the Run prompt.
- Now, select the Add/Remove Snap-in command from the “Console” menu.
- It will reveal a list of the available snap-ins.
- After that, select Routing And Remote Access from the list.
- And click the Add button.
- Then click on the Close and OK buttons.
- Now right-click on the listing for your VPN server and select the Properties command.
- Lastly, switch to the “Security” tab and click the Authentication Methods button.
- It will cause Windows to display a dialog box with the available authentication methods.
- You can enable or disable authentication methods by selecting or deselecting the checkboxes.
NOTE — The rest of the errors are not covered here as they are unrelated to authentication attempts. We have an article going over the most common VPN errors and a fix for Certificate Validation failure errors.
Identifying the various issues behind an Authentication attempt timeout
The root cause behind the various “Authentication attempt timeout” errors can easily remain hidden in plain sight. Thus, to troubleshoot it, we must first isolate the system, user, and provider. To do so, one has to identify and assess the various possible reasons behind a timeout error, such as:
- Poor internet connectivity — More often than not, poor internet is all the reason behind a failed VPN connection. Before doing anything else, ensure you maintain a stable internet connection with decent speeds.
- Authorized VPN blocking — Some countries do not support the use of VPNs. If your government has banned VPNs, it will not connect no matter what you do.
- Unresponsive VPN servers — Some servers are subject to crowding and thus privy to bandwidth limitation. They will not be able to respond.
- Unresponsive DNS server — A DNS failure can result in a terminated VPN connection.
- Possible Firewall/Antivirus/Router settings — Maybe your Antivirus/Firewall is super effective and prevents a VPN connection from establishing. You can also check your router settings for IP packet filtering.
- VPN client software needs an update — Outdated software is often unresponsive.
- Rekey process failure — The IKE phase may be suffering from a timeout due to poorly defined SA (Security Association) policies. Also, the protocol in use might be unable to rekey the tunneling process.
Troubleshooting the VPN Authentication timeout error
You can troubleshoot the “Authentication attempt timeout” error in three phases — by inspecting the user, VPN vendor, and the device itself. Advance step by step, and you can likely find out the root cause. We will also provide a few pointers that can help you resolve the issue.
Assess the user
First, you need to examine the user. Maybe the problem lies in the geographical location. Due to unavailability of a nearby server, the VPN connection may be unable to hold on, resulting in a timeout error. You can also check your laws regarding VPNs. Some countries ban the use of VPNs. Intrinsically, what you can heed is your connection infrastructure. If you are using a router, maybe try to upgrade the hardware? Or, perhaps, try changing to the wired connection. Lastly, you require cross-checking with your provider regarding the authentication information. The wrong information would be an obvious cause and an insurmountable obstacle.
- The geographical location of the user
- Is VPN illegal under the law?
- Use a better router or a wired connection
- Cross-check your authentication information
Assess the vendor
Next, you can investigate the vendor. Simultaneously, try changing the VPN or the DNS server and see if it works. While you are at it, try changing the VPN protocols, too, as some may be unresponsive. You can also try to change the connectivity port if you think you are subject to a Firewall. For the same reasons, try changing IP protocols — if TCP/IP is unsuccessful, use UDP. Lastly, check, and if needed, update your VPN client.
- Try changing VPN servers
- Try an alternate DNS server
- Change ports
- Use different VPN protocols
- Update client software
- Switch IP protocols
Examine your device
The last step is ensuring the device is working properly. To do so, always try to reboot the device first. It may solve the problem. If not, contact the administration and ask them to check the VPN timeout settings. Sometimes for SSL VPNs, the timeout settings limit the time to as low as 10 minutes, resulting in frequent timeouts. Do the same with your Firewall settings if you think your VPN is prone to IP packet filtering. If so, change router and Firewall settings immediately. Manually update your network drivers and ensure you have up-to-date software/hardware as required.
- Reboot device
- Check VPN timeout settings
- Cross-check your Phase1 and Phase2 Rekey policies
- Change Firewall settings/temporarily disable Firewall
- Change Antivirus settings/temporarily disable Antivirus
- Update your network drivers
- Update your hardware/platform software