7 ms·

Can someone explain to me why they need port forwarding functionality through a VPN?

input_sh 3y ago
Torrents. As in you don't want your whole traffic to go through a VPN, but you may be in one of those places where a torrent client is a must.
- wkat4242 3y ago
  Routing your whole traffic doesn't help. The IP on the other side isn't just used by you. The problem is inbound connections. If both peers are behind NAT they can't connect.
- michaelmrose 3y ago
  You don't need port forwarded to use bittorrent. Clients connected to the network exchange information with each other. Magnet links or torrent files provide the information needed to get in touch with peers to make the initial connection.
  - deleted 3y ago
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  - deleted 3y ago
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  - gersg 3y ago
    If neither side has their ports open there is no way to make the initial connection.
seized 3y ago
Torrents need a port open and forwarded.
- michaelmrose 3y ago
  You don't need port forwarded to use bittorrent. Clients connected to the network exchange information with each other. Magnet links or torrent files provide the information needed to get in touch with peers to make the initial connection.
  - wkat4242 3y ago
    They do, but you will only be able to connect to peers that do have a public port open on their IP, unless you have one open yourself, then everyone can connect to you. But this latter option is now going away. Which is not a lot because in most countries exposing your IP on the torrent leads to legal threats.
    - michaelmrose 3y ago
      Actually you have no problem initiating the connection with port forwarding. Brief reading suggests it would work better/faster with it enabled as some peers may not be able to initiate with you.
      - wkat4242 3y ago
        Initiating no, but if your chosen peer is also behind NAT, you will not be able to connect to them. For this reason, your selection of peers will be limited. As all other peers behind NAT without port forward will be disregarded. If you do have a port forward, other peers can connect to you, thus having all peers available.
michaelcampbell 3y ago
I want a VPN for privacy. And I run services through it that I want access to from outside my subnet.
joffspkfjeueebo 3y ago
[dead]

Torrents. As in you don't want your whole traffic to go through a VPN, but you may be in one of those places where a torrent client is a must.

wkat4242 3y ago
Routing your whole traffic doesn't help. The IP on the other side isn't just used by you. The problem is inbound connections. If both peers are behind NAT they can't connect.
michaelmrose 3y ago
You don't need port forwarded to use bittorrent. Clients connected to the network exchange information with each other. Magnet links or torrent files provide the information needed to get in touch with peers to make the initial connection.
- deleted 3y ago
  [deleted]
- deleted 3y ago
  [deleted]
- gersg 3y ago
  If neither side has their ports open there is no way to make the initial connection.

seized 3y ago

Torrents need a port open and forwarded.

michaelmrose 3y ago
You don't need port forwarded to use bittorrent. Clients connected to the network exchange information with each other. Magnet links or torrent files provide the information needed to get in touch with peers to make the initial connection.
- wkat4242 3y ago
  They do, but you will only be able to connect to peers that do have a public port open on their IP, unless you have one open yourself, then everyone can connect to you. But this latter option is now going away. Which is not a lot because in most countries exposing your IP on the torrent leads to legal threats.
  - michaelmrose 3y ago
    Actually you have no problem initiating the connection with port forwarding. Brief reading suggests it would work better/faster with it enabled as some peers may not be able to initiate with you.
    - wkat4242 3y ago
      Initiating no, but if your chosen peer is also behind NAT, you will not be able to connect to them. For this reason, your selection of peers will be limited. As all other peers behind NAT without port forward will be disregarded. If you do have a port forward, other peers can connect to you, thus having all peers available.

michaelcampbell 3y ago

I want a VPN for privacy. And I run services through it that I want access to from outside my subnet.

joffspkfjeueebo 3y ago

[dead]