A split-tunnel VPN allows some traffic to be routed through the VPN while other traffic goes directly to the internet. This setup offers several advantages, with a primary one being cost-effectiveness due to cloud-based traffic not consuming company bandwidth. * Bandwidth Utilization: Split-tunnel VPNs reduce the amount of traffic passing through the company's network, freeing up bandwidth for other uses. * Performance: By allowing internet-bound traffic to bypass the VPN, it can reduce latency and improve the performance for users accessing cloud services directly. * Cost Savings: Reduced load on the company's VPN infrastructure can lead to lower costs in terms of both hardware and bandwidth. Network References: * CompTIA Network+ N10-007 Official Certification Guide: Covers VPN types, including split-tunnel configurations and their advantages. * Cisco Networking Academy: Discusses VPN technologies and the benefits of split-tunneling. * Network+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide: Provides detailed information on VPN setups, including the cost-effectiveness of split-tunnel VPNs. By allowing cloud-based traffic to flow outside the company's network, a split-tunnel VPN optimizes resource usage and enhances the overall network performance without incurring extra costs for bandwidth.