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    Preventing torrents

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by v_c, Aug 7, 2008.

  1. v_c

    v_c Notebook Evangelist

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    Can I block a user from doing torrents on my wireless network?

    Its my network, so I have access to the router config page. I know the MAC address of the user I want to restict, and can set up a static IP if needed. I also know the port they're using for the torrent program.

    My router is a Netopia 3347W. I don't think I can 'block' a port, but can I use port forwarding to do the same. i.e. just forward that port to a different computer, or non-exisitant IP address ? Will that work?

    Thanks
     
    v_c, Aug 7, 2008
    #1
  2. Greg

    Greg Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    You are better off just blocking the port. If you forward the port, then some traffic will probably still hog network bandwidth.

    Regardless of what port he/she is using, that is very easy to change. You are better of using a static IP, and QoS to restrict that user's bandwidth to something reasonable.

    I am not aware of a way to discriminate against certain type of traffic. ISPs do it (illegally no less), but I don't know how users do it.

    Why don't you talk to that PC owner and explain the situation? I'm not sure what is going on here. Why do you want to block it? Who pays the internet bill? Has there been a problem in the past, or is there a problem now?
     
    Greg, Aug 7, 2008
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  3. lixuelai

    lixuelai Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    If I remember right with DD-WRT you can block torrent. Not sure if your router is compatible though.
     
    lixuelai, Aug 7, 2008
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  4. darkeros

    darkeros Notebook Enthusiast

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    Look in your QoS settings on your router and set the desired setting for the desired port, interface, or IP. If you do port, you can restrict just that app. Any of the others will restrict all of their traffic.
     
    darkeros, Aug 7, 2008
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  5. v_c

    v_c Notebook Evangelist

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    Thanks for replies.

    I don't think I have any QoS options on my router. All's I have is this:
    [​IMG]

    I don't think I can even 'block' a port. Or can I?

    Also, I don't want to get into the why/who etc, just the technical side of things thanks.
     
    v_c, Aug 7, 2008
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  6. Wirelessman

    Wirelessman Monkeymod

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    I second Greg, the best solution is to block the port. Another solution would be to change the torrent port, is this possible?
     
    Wirelessman, Aug 7, 2008
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  7. v_c

    v_c Notebook Evangelist

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    I don't believe I can block a port using my router. The firewall feature is not enabled, nor is the IPsec feature.
     
    v_c, Aug 7, 2008
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  8. Wirelessman

    Wirelessman Monkeymod

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    You must be able to open the ports and associate them with a service, you must therefore be able to block them as well. If not, I guess is time for you to get a new router :D
     
    Wirelessman, Aug 7, 2008
    #8