If your torrents are not uploading or downloading...
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I've had a recent problem where my torrents were neither uploading nor downloading. I found the problem. My DNS servers were blocking this site.
The solution was to use the utility DNSBENCH (which is free). That utility scans and tests all DNS servers availabe to you, and shows you the best ones.
Choose the two best and assign it to your ethernet adapter's IP4 properties under DNS
Choose the next two best and assign it to your wifi's IP4 properties.
That way, you have 4 shots at getting a server that works. Don't use the same servers for your ethernet and wifi.
When I did this.. the 30 torrents that have been at 0% for the past 4 days.. all completed within 20 minutes. -
ISPs are starting to use this tactic more and more - when they discover torrenting sites, they don't block them on your IP - instead, they stop resolving them in DNS (which, presumably, blocks them for all!)
As noted, one easy solution is to use alternate DNS solutions.
I, personally, use the CloudFlare DNS services at IP addresses 1.1.1.1 & 1.0.0.1. CloudFlare is a major Internet provider - just not in the "last mile" delivery of services. Their DNS servers are non-logging and if you want REAL protection, they offer DNS services over encrypted channels!
Of course, if you use a VPN, the DNS servers you use will usually be those assigned by your VPN provider - which can ALSO be overridden to use the CloudFlare (or other) DNS services!
