Problems with modem/router connections.
 

First the preliminaries
1. OS version? Win XP Admin account
2. What firewalls you have? None in software, but see 14 below.
3. How much ram? 2Gig
4. Hard Disk space available? 45 Gig
5. Connection type? DSL
6. Modem & router brand name & model numbers? Smart RG Model SR350N
7. Where are you trying to connect from: house
8. What version of LimeWire WireShare 5.6.4.1
9. Who is your ISP (Internet Service Provider)? Dobson Telephone Company
11. Are you sharing the connection with other computers or p2p sharing programs? Other computers are on router. No other p2p active processes on them.
12. This a new problem with an experienced user.
13. I am …”behind a firewall and support firewall transfers” as shown on the Advanced Tools page.
14. For those using a modem/router, how is your modem/router set up...are you port forwarding or is UPnP enabled? I have no access to the router settings. They are controlled by the ISP and they will not give me the password.
15. What security programs are you using (antivirus etc)? AVG 2014
16. What country are you living in? USA
17. Has anything in your setup changed recently? The ISP installed a new modem/router. See 14.

Now for the PROBLEM.
The ISP recently installed the new router from Item 6. As per Item 14 I do not have access to the controls of this modem/router. I have asked them to turn off any firewalls in the modem/router and they have said they have done so but, I have the following problems;

1. Connections are slow (never higher than 10KB/s) with only 1 to 3 sources available for each file.
2. System only operates in leaf node mode. I no longer become an ultrapeer no matter how long I am connected.
3. It takes 30 to 60 minutes of connection time before I will get some host connections. It takes up to 5 hours to fill the 5 ultrapeer host slots, if I can stay connected that long. See next item.
4. Usually (50% of the time) within 1 to 6 hours, all the hosts will disappear and ‘NO INTERNET CONNECTION’ will be displayed at the bottom of the page. (Other internet activity is not affected i.e. web browser still working) At this point, only torrents are transferring (at an even slower rate) and all other files become stalled. Soon, the Advanced Tools page will quit polling for new hosts. The only way to recover from this is to restart WireShare.

Of course, I think the problem stems from the new router and the ISP locking down the modem. So, my questions are:

1. Anyone else having these problems?
2. Anyone know a way around this problem? (tunnels, proxy servers, black magic?)
3. Would any other p2p program work better?
4. I have seen a message saying that Gnutella is not connected, but file transfers are available. Does WireShare operate on another network (ed2k?) when the Gnutella portion is not working? :sos:

Thanks in advance for any help.

Hi deadlyhead

Unfortunately, it seems to me that your ISP is "Bandwidth Shaping" your internet connection, this technique was introduced some time ago throughout the US and Europe to stop users using P2P software.

I'm guessing from what you have revealed that your "normal" internet connection, such as email, browsing, etc., remains unaffected. If so then this is a definite sign of "Bandwidth Shaping" and, as far as I remember, there is no way around it other than to change ISPs and, in your case, use another modem/router.

May be someone else can come up with a more positive solution because I personally have not used any P2P software for more than 8 or so years and so my knowledge is somewhat out of date.

Good luck.


UK Bob

YouTube how to for SmartRG SR350N as I guessed as is the case with a lot of routers about the default log-in details. Or SmartRG SR350N Access Control Passwords Router Screenshot - PortForward.com
You most likely do not want to fiddle with the security settings, however this should at least show you how to log in. (If there is any port forward or UPnP option then it will probably be within the Advanced menu section.)
According to this Router Screenshots for the SmartRG SR350N - PortForward.com there is a UPnP section. Check it to be sure it is enabled. If it's not then that is probably at least part of your problem solved. If it was already enabled, then (there does not appear to be port forwarding option from what I can see) see the port triggering section which is comparable to port forwarding but only opens a port(s) when the application opens (WireShare will use one port for Gnutella and a different port or range of ports for Torrents.) If you use 'Port Triggering' you will also need to change WireShare's settings for listening port from UPnP to port forward and add the equivalent port number(s).

Keep in mind Windows XP has its own software firewall. You should check your Control Panel -> Firewall to see if WireShare has an exception rule. If not, use the Add program exception option and find the WireShare program in the option it gives you.

I would tend to confir with ukbob's response about possible ISP bandwidth shaping aimed at p2p file-sharing. Looks like your torrents are also affected for speed, so if the ISP is targetting file-sharing, they might be targetting multiple file-sharing protocols.
But also check your upload settings in WireShare.

It is possible to transfer files on gnutella network without being connected. Connection is definitely required for searching. Over the years I've seen uploads & downloads occur whilst disconnected. Torrent transfers can occur because torrents use a different file-sharing protocol for connecting. Connection to torrent trackers (and seeders) is all that's required for torrents.

Note: if you also installed the Hostiles with WireShare (this is recommended), it would be a good idea to switch to standard 'Light', not the total Japanese block.
You can force WireShare to use a fresh connection file simply by deleting the gnutella.net file from the Application Data\WireShare folder but WireShare must be closed whilst you do this. You can easily access it via using the "Run..." tool from Start menu & copy-paste in
%appdata%\WireShare

As far as hosts co-sharing a particular file, WireShare does not necessarily list all the hosts. This is something rather strange in the LimeWire-5 re-coding of how the search results are displayed.

I'd be curious if you could connect using Phex. (Note: Phex does not have UPnP support.)

Update
 

When my old modem started to act flakey, that is when I installed the SmartRG modem/router. The Service tech "updated" the router when it was installed and told me that the speed would double. I should have known that they have a lock on the router and the password; and were going to throttle down the bandwidth.:shoot:

So,with all the problems that ensued, I took the SmartRG modem/router off and replaced it with the old XAVI Tech modem that I had repaired. I Put my old routers in the system and then WireShare and eMule magically started working again. But, there was a big problem with getting DNS addresses through their server. :bangh: I had to disable both p2p programs and reset the modem in order to be able to use the internet for anything else. THEN I noticed that the rat basturds :eek: had gotten into my router(s) and remapped the IP addresses. WHY? They even managed to change the passwords on MY Routers. I reset everything and then had to re-program the routers. (BACKUP, BACKUP,BACKUP) Now three hours later, I am back up to speed (with more intense passwords):rofl:
If they mess with me again, I'll change Providers.

Anybody know if the Satellite ISP vendors are throttling down p2p bandwidth?

Hi again deadlyhead

You know the trouble with some ISPs is they like messing with your modem/router, whether they have supplied it or not, and changing your settings to something they like.

I had an ISP, which no longer exist, that without warning changed my IP addresses around and so cutting off my NAS from my network. I first thought that my NAS was not working until I did a comprehensive check and found that my IP addresses were messed up. I then had to do a lot of work remapping my windows explorer onto the shares (directories) on my NAS.

I also found that changes were made to my windows O/S settings, more network features were enabled than I would normally like, in other words I believe it made my PC less secure.

I am now with a new ISP that can do their network updates without screwing with my IP addresses or trying to hack my PC.


UK Bob

Saga continues
 

Called the ISP help desk in the middle of the night and talked to the tech. (these guys are lonelier than a Maytag repairman:shoot:) After a few minutes talking to him he confirmed that the newer router has had a software upgrade that will block most normal p2p ports. He gave me a couple to try to use with the old modem. The first set of ports worked for a couple of months, then red lights again. Tried the next one on the list and back up. They now block me about one every 6 to 10 weeks. I just move on to other ports and then back in service. If my list ever goes bad, another midnight call should get me more. :super:

Bypassing Telstra's P2P crackdown is child's play
 

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Bypassing Telstra's P2P crackdown is child's play

Date February 6, 2013
Comments 124



Researchers have identified 1139 IP addresses linked to the BitTorrent network that they believe were monitoring users around the world.

Does Telstra really think it can thwart P2P file-sharing, or does it just want to drive data hogs to other ISPs?

Telstra's threat to detect and throttle BitTorrent traffic is back in the headlines this week -- Telstra to clamp down on peer-to-peer -- after the telco confirmed a trial which could become permanent policy. It aims to detect P2P traffic using "deep packet inspection" to see exactly what its customers are uploading and downloading. It's roughly the equivalent of opening your mail to see if you're up to something dodgy -- a practice which naturally doesn't sit well with privacy advocates.

It's not the first time we've heard of such a plan from Telstra. ISPs around the world, including Australia, have deployed various hurdles over the years to thwart peer-to-peer traffic -- even though P2P itself isn't illegal and has many legitimate uses. Telstra's latest plan might sound like the death knell for file-sharing on Bigpond but, just as with the proposed Great Australian Firewall, encryption offers a simple workaround to bypass deep packet inspection.

Popular BitTorrent clients such as uTorrent already feature built-in encryption protocols and enabling them is as simple as ticking a box. Enabling encryption might reduce your download speeds if you only accept connections from other people using encryption. But the trade-off is that Telstra can't open your packets to see if they're P2P traffic. Modern BitTorrent clients are also designed to work around ISP tricks such as port throttling.

As more people start encrypting their P2P traffic, encrypted file-sharing will become faster and perhaps even the norm. Of course you could run a standalone VPN client to encrypt all your internet traffic, which would bypass deep packet inspection but really be overkill and perhaps hamper your internet speeds for other applications and services.

It's not unheard of for ISPs to go the extra step of throttling all VPN encrypted traffic, but Telstra is unlikely to go down this path as it would punish legitimate users, such as people using a VPN to log into work from home. Some ISPs deploy anti-P2P measures which recognise P2P traffic patterns even when it's encrypted, and they're in a cat and mouse battle with those looking to bypass it. Australians will look to the experience of US and Canadian users in their efforts to combat Telstra's anti-P2P plans.

So why would Telstra threaten a crackdown which is so easily bypassed, or else will drive away paying customers? Because it sounds scary, perhaps scary enough to encourage some file-sharers to switch to another ISP. What Telstra really wants is to drive away customers who actually push their broadband connection to the limit. Telstra only wants those juicy customers who pay for bandwidth which they never use, not customers who hammer their connection because they expect to get what they paid for.

Are you concerned about threats to throttle P2P traffic? What's your workaround?



124 comments so far

Does anybody doing heaps of P2P downloads actually use Telstra? They don't even have unlimited download quotas.
CommenterYoshiDate and timeFebruary 06, 2013, 3:04PM

This is plain hacking.
CommenterBest commentDate and timeFebruary 06, 2013, 4:12PM

I think Telecom is still stuck in the 80's, sorry I mean "Telstra".
CommenterDougLocationSydney CBDDate and timeFebruary 06, 2013, 4:24PM

Hacking of what?!
CommenterAngantyrDate and timeFebruary 06, 2013, 4:29PM

I like the strength and geo block removal of VPN and prepared to cop the speed hit.

A VPN can be used by your mobile phone to encrypt data over the mobile network or over an open free wifi (say at cafe or mcdonalds). This means snooping people on free wifi that sit near you cant grab your unencrypted (plaintext) data such as facebook or any other non https:// sites.

A VPN also gets around Julia Gillard's planned 2 years of internet data usage storage because the only information passing out of australia from your phone or pc is encrypted.

A VPN allows you to be seen as if you are in a completely different country - say the UK so you can watch the BBC iview player, or the USA for Netflix or HULU etc etc.

Some VPNs dont keep logs of your activity and some give you an ip address that you share with other random people when you come out of the vpn. So if anyone does try to track you back - they can only go as far as the VPN exit point (which is shared with others so they cant determine that it is exactly you).

There is a big speed hit though due to encryption and due to what the VPN company will let you have access to.

Lifehacker had a great article on vpns - Why You Need A VPN (And How To Choose One) | Lifehacker Australia
CommenterquarterpipeDate and timeFebruary 06, 2013, 4:49PM

Are you concerned about threats to throttle P2P traffic? Yes

What's your workaround? Why. does the overpaid Telstra Network Engineer need some fresh ideas?
CommenterNicolasDate and timeFebruary 06, 2013, 5:01PM

People that are limited to use Telstra to get ADSL2. Unfortunately I am in an area where only Telstra offer ADSL2. but 200g is fine with me
CommenterJustincrdableLocationSYDDate and timeFebruary 06, 2013, 5:18PM

Deep inspection of data packets is hacking.
CommenterBest commentDate and timeFebruary 06, 2013, 5:18PM

Some of us have no choice with only Telstra DSLAMS in our exchanges. :(
CommenterFromthebushDate and timeFebruary 06, 2013, 6:06PM

Publicity stunt.
CommenterThe OracleLocationOberonDate and timeFebruary 06, 2013, 7:19PM

The editors can delete the last message if it is too long or not relevant ;

sorry about the mess it ended up as ;

Firstly , yes in answer to question one of message one of this thread , i am having exactly the same problems as deadlyhead .

Secondly , i have double checked my firewall exceptions and wireshare is ticked so my firewall is not guilty .

I have been using windows for 15 years and to the best of my memory i have never seen that icon before in my taskbar ;
is that proof that bigpond is interfering in some way with wireshare ???

Check your Windows firewall, check the Exceptions list. Is WireShare on the list?
WireShare should be on the exceptions list.
If not, you can manually add WireShare to the list. This would also suggest the problem is firewall software related and not ISP related.
I've never heard of BigPond blocking P2P before, but of course that might have changed.

Attachment 6852

I checked my firewall ;

please note my message 12 .

I just realised the blocking appears to be related to computer boot startup items.
What shows when you choose the 'Show or remove blocked startup programs' as shown in the image of post #10?

If WireShare is open, go to the menu bar & choose Tools -> Advanced Tools ...
Does it say WireShare is firewalled top-left beside the connections?

Yes , i should have made it clear that the icon only appears after a reboot ;

Do you use port forwarding? If not, perhaps you can try it for WireShare. It needs to be a port no other program is using.
I recall you have had firewall issues when using the LW4 Clones.
I personally use port forwarding because I found it more reliable than UPnP for my router. UPnP seemed to fail after 2 to 5 days after which I'd become a firewalled ultrapeer. I think Bigjx also uses port forwarding instead of UPnP.

as REQUESTED , THE ABOVE APPEARS WHEN I CLICK ON '' SHOW OR REMOVE BLOCKED STARTUP PROGRAMS "

WireShare installer has the 'Open at System Startup' option unchecked, unlike the original LW. So you must have checked the option when you installed it.

I still suspect your firewall issue is due to your router. ;)

Yes , that appears to have confused my security system .

There is obviously a fierce fiery debate over bigpond throttling p2p music sharing applications ;
but anyway , i am also having exactly the same problems with wireshare as stated in message one of this thread .

No worse actually , ; web browsing is very slow and even when wireshare is totally closed down , web browsing becomes very very very slow .
A reboot fixes the problem immediately .

Thanks. :) Interesting articles about Telstra's bandwidth throttling & packet inspection.

Maximising the Customer Experience - Trialling New Ways of Managing Our Network

Customer comments; example quote: "Very disappointed to hear that you are thinking of slowing my connection when I’m using P2P."

Telstra to clamp down on peer-to-peer

So perhaps it is true after all.


In regards to the recent Dallas Buyers Club court case:

There is the question of why were Telstra and Optus not targeted by Dallas Buyers Club when it's highly unlikely none of their customers were guilty of downloading the movie. There appeared to be huge secrecy surrounding this and with Dallas Buyers Club giving a petty excuse why it did not target them despite Telstra and Optus represented the two largest telecommunications companies in Australia.

I worked with them twice on contract many, many years ago. The second period finding out how poor their attitude is to various things, including outer area customers. They've held a similar aggressive attitude right throughout the years.

Have you considered changing ISP's?

My partner wants to change isp when we move house ; she is so sick of telstra ; but if we change to optus or iinet or wanet or tpg or iprimus or aapt ;they may also block p2p music sharing ;

Unlikely.
TPG is great for the amount GB you can download for the price (or the 'Unlimited' plan) but their customer support is probably bottom of the ladder in quality.
iiNet has the best customer support but are more expensive. AAPT I don't know much about. I had heard complaints about iPrimus many years ago, but not sure how they are now. I believe their regular top speeds are lower than some other ISPs (reported to me by my brother & someone else.)
The http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/ forums would be a good place to check out reports of other ISPs.

My thoughts are somewhat biased about Telstra. I cannot stand them. Liars & deceivers. Too many stories to tell about their past. Including consideration of reporting them to the ombudsman which apparently many others had for same reason of their dealing with my account during moving house (they hijacked my account away from my other company.)

Is there some magic trick we can try to get connected to even one ultrapeer ???

Which version of WireShare are you using? Try 6.4.3 (last release) because it falls back on GWeb Cache servers if it struggles to find hosts.

With your experience of firewalled apps, I'd also recommend port forwarding for WireShare, but don't use the same port you use for any other app.

(Comment: it would be preferable if you shaded out at least a portion of the ip addresses in snapshots to protect their privacy. I normally re-arrange the numbers & change/blank numbers, etc.)

You can get some IP to connect here: Skulls! Multi-Network WebCache 0.2.8

This GWC is a bit outdated but it works (just avoid LimeWire 1.1.1.6).

Yes , i do have 6.4.3 ;

after 4 long hours i did finally connect to 5 ultrapeers with the best turbo charged connection ; the wireshare ultrapeers do seem to be the most stable and will not break off unless wireshare is totally closed down .