Knowledge Base

FileMaker performance depends heavily on how quickly each request can travel between your workstation and FileMaker Server. A VPN adds distance, encryption, and additional network equipment, so the same solution may respond more slowly than it does on the office network.

When FileMaker Server is located in the office or connected through a high-speed business network, workstation traffic travels a short and stable path. A VPN adds encryption and sends the same traffic through the public internet, increasing both distance and processing overhead. 

FileMaker often exchanges many small requests with the server while loading layouts, related records, value lists, and calculations. A connection with high bandwidth can still feel slow if each request takes longer to travel to the server and back.

Some VPNs route all internet traffic through the company network, while others route only business traffic. Encryption settings, firewall inspection, overloaded VPN equipment, and the location of the VPN gateway can all influence FileMaker performance. 

Data-intensive layouts and scripts may perform well on a local network but become noticeably slower when every step crosses the VPN. This does not necessarily mean the VPN is defective; the workflow may need to be adjusted to reduce the amount of data transferred.

Portage Bay Solutions can help determine whether the primary cause is network latency, VPN configuration, or a FileMaker process that sends too much data between the workstation and server. Your IT provider may also need to review the VPN and internet connection, particularly if other business applications are slow remotely.