Understand VPN and DIRECT
VPN sends a connection through the VPN tunnel. DIRECT uses the network you had before connecting, so that traffic does not receive protection from the Zlex VPN tunnel. SmartRoute provides service and destination rules, rather than a universal switch for every application.
On a fresh setup, SmartRoute and the Steam module are enabled. China services is optional and starts off, with its categories initially selected.
Choose your rules
Open the SmartRoute menu in the consumer client.
- Select Steam services, China services, IP whitelist or Domain whitelist.
- Choose VPN or DIRECT for supported Steam groups; select the China categories you want sent directly.
- For a custom domain, enter a hostname without a URL or port. Subdomains are included. Select System DNS to send its lookups through your original DNS as well.
- Wait for confirmation when changing rules while connected. Offline changes apply to your next connection.
A practical Steam setup
You can keep the Steam Store and Community on VPN while known downloads and shared content use DIRECT. Downloads remain DIRECT while the Steam module is enabled. This covers supported service groups, not every game server: third-party servers and unidentified peers are outside the Steam networking switch.
Check DNS and existing connections
Domain rules need ordinary system DNS to recognize names. An application's own encrypted DNS, cached addresses or hardcoded IPs can prevent a domain match. If a rule seems ineffective, review the application's DNS setting and reconnect that application. Existing connections do not necessarily move when a rule changes.
Automatic server selection happens when you connect; it is separate from these split-routing rules.