Hi, When I use the search function of this forum with a VPN connection I get something like "Used too many times try again later". I do understand why this happens. Is this by design or a side effect of securing the website? The search function does work when not using a VPN connection.

this is probably due to you not being the only person using the exit nodes IP address when searching the forum. the forum treats this as hammering or similar. install PBR on your router, set openwrt site(s) to bypass the tunnel.

[image] frollic: the forum treats this as hammering or similar. That's what I thought. Did what you suggest (bypass VPN) for a seach on another topic.

Already existing thread discussing the topic: [image] OpenWrt Forum Search Site Feedback and Other Questions So the openwrt forum search function only works if someone is logged into the website? I tried a search when logged out and I received an error messag…

switching between VPN and non-VPN shouldn't log you off though ?

Agreed. Perhaps I misunderstand why the OP would remain logged in when switching VPN, or vice versa (I assumeed a logout). Interestingly for me, I can search when logged out. Therefore, I didn't make any assumptions regarding the OP's login status (and the OP didn't mention).

Didn't pay attention to logged in status before. Tested just now: Logged out, no VPN = "... too many times ..." As far as I noticed switching VPN/no VPN keeps me logged in.

[image] Arno: Didn't pay attention to logged in status before. OK. [image] Arno: Tested just now: Logged out, no VPN = "... too many times ..." That's expected behavior.

[image] lleachii: Interestingly for me, I can search when logged out But this is your quote. That's the opposite.

Yes. The behavior I experienced is opposite. I have also experienced the error message at other times, locations, etc. There is indeed an official posting from OpenWrt regarding the anonymous search throttling. I attempted to link it, but it exists in the Level 3 subforum. I would advise ensuring …

My intention was to ask if the "no search using VPN" is expected behavior. And it is. So I marked this topic solved. After that the logged in/out case came up. I don't mind being logged in or out to search.

There is no specific test for "VPN" traffic. If you are not logged in then all queries from a single IP (such as a VPN gateway) are considered the same session. Currently, we are still experimenting with rate-limiting search queries by un-authenticated users. For a while last month, we disallowed al…

Search function 'fails' when using VPN connection

Site Feedback and Other Questions

lleachii July 8, 2026, 8:36am 4

Already existing thread discussing the topic: