Introduction To Using A Proxy On BitTorrent

BitTorrent is an internet transfer protocol that allows users to download files from the internet. It is one of the most common peer-to-peer protocols for sharing data in a decentralized manner. This protocol works by reducing the impact of distributing large files on a network or server. Therefore, rather than downloading a file from a single source, BitTorrent allows users to join a group of hosts to upload or download from each other at the same time.

What Is BitTorrent?

BitTorrent is a peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing protocol used to distribute large files across the internet. Instead of downloading files from a single server, BitTorrent allows users to download pieces of a file from multiple sources (peers) simultaneously. This decentralized approach speeds up download times and reduces server load by distributing the demand across many users.

Benefits of BitTorrent

BitTorrent is highly efficient for sharing large files, as it reduces bandwidth strain by using multiple peers. It speeds up downloads and eliminates reliance on a central server, making it a robust system for file distribution. Below are some of the popular benefits of using BitTorrent:

  • High traffic leads to a more efficient file-sharing system
  • Distributing large files like Linux iSO images
  • Distributing popular files that have high traffic within a short period
  •  Distributing software patches and updates

Limitations of BitTorrent

One limitation of BitTorrent is its lack of privacy; user IP addresses are visible to all peers. It’s also susceptible to legal risks if used to share copyrighted material. Additionally, without a proxy or VPN, users can be exposed to potential security vulnerabilities. Below are a few additional limitations of BitTorrent:

  • It can serve as a distribution for pirated or illegal content
  • BitTorrent cannot modify the file to newer versions once the Torrent has been distributed
  • The IP of all peers is visible, and the information on the file you are downloading is visible. 
  • Since the tracker is a critical component, if it fails, it can affect the distribution of all the files it has been tracking.

Understanding NetNut Proxy Configuration With BitTorrent

With over 85 million rotating IPs, NetNut stands out as an industry-leading proxy provider with one of the highest proxy pools, which contains residential, data center, mobile, and unblocker proxies.  

Subsequently if you want to experience privacy, security, and anonymity during torrenting, then you should consider NetNut proxies. In addition, NetNut provides unmatched global coverage as well as city geo targeting which eliminates any worries about geo-restrictions.

There are various proxy types so when integrating NetNut proxies, choose HTTP or SOCKS5 protocol.

This is an example of a proxy string for a browser: 

USERNAME-stc-uk-sid-123456789:PASSWORD@gw-am.ntnt.io:5959

Step 1: Hostname Configuration

Copy the hostname/server address provided by NetNut

Example: Type gw-am.ntnt.io into the host field if you are using HTTP protocol. Alternatively, type gw-socks-am.ntnt.io for SOCKS5 protocol

Step 2: Port number Configuration

The Port number for NetNut HTTP proxies is 5959 and 9595 for SOCKS5

Step 3: Username Configuration

Username is your login, which you can find in your NetNut account in Settings -> Billing.

Proxy-type is the proxy type that you use. NetNut provides three different proxy types depending on your subscription plan. Your username should have three components including your user ID, type of proxy( residential, datacenter, static) and target country.

  •         dc — datacenter;
  •         res — rotating residential proxy;
  •         stc — static residential proxy.

Country is the country whose IP addresses will be used for connection. You can choose “Any,” in which case any available country will be used, or you can provide the ISO code of a specific country from the list of NetNut Available Countries: e.g., jp(Japan), fr(France).

Example: ticketing123-res-us 

 

This is where you get the proxy username and password from the customer portal. You can also get in touch with your account manager if you’d like additional assistance.

customer portal

Step 4: Consistent IP session

While NetNut provides rotating IP addresses, you may want a static IP address. This can be useful when you want to maintain your  session via the same IPs. Then you need to incorporate a session id (SID) with your username.

How do you choose a SID?

  •         Choose a number between 4 to 8 digits
  •         Ensure the numbers are random and non-sequential to protect your IP address

For example: ticketing123-stc-us-SID-435765

Step 5: Proxy password

Insert the confidential NetNut proxy password

How To Set Up Proxies on BitTorrent

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to configure proxies on BitTorrent:

Step 1: Go to BitTorrent official page and download the app. However, bear in mind that there are three other paid plans.

BitTorrent official page

Step 2: Go to Options and select Preferences

Preferences

 Step 3:  Go to Connection and navigate to the Proxy Server section. Enter the proxy Type (you can choose between HTTP, HTTPS, or SOCKS5). Enter the proxy server IP address and the port number in the fields provided.

Since NetNut is a premium proxy, you need to select authentication so you can enter your username and password.

Then click on OK at the bottom of the screen to save your settings.

save your settings

Step 4: Go to ipmagnet.services.cbcdn.com and click on Magnet link

Magnet link

Step 5: A new window will pop up. Choose Open BitTorrent.

Open BitTorrentStep 6: BitTorrent will open automatically and you can save the torrent file to your computer and click on OK.

save the torrent file

Step 7: The file ipMagnet Tracking Link begins synchronization.

ipMagnet Tracking Link

Step 8: At this stage, you need to return to the ipMagnet to confirm the proxy is connected. Subsequently, you should see your proxy IP in the ipMagnet IP Address column. This tells you that BitTorrent is downloading files through NetNut proxy

confirm the proxy is connected

Conclusion

This guide has examined BitTorrent, how it works, the benefits, limitations and how to set up a proxy. Using a proxy with BitTorrent is crucial since your IP address is visible and this puts you at risk of several cyber threats.

We hope you can effectively set up a proxy on BitTorrent. Be sure to check out other NetNut integrations if you want to learn how to integrate other tools with suitable proxies. Feel free to contact us if you need to speak to an expert regarding the best proxy solution.

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