Slow torrent speeds

Here is something to try.

Manually set your computer's IP address for the internal network(I'd recommend something like 192.168.1.15 if there are other people on the network[or 192.168.0.15, depending upon your router's configuration])

Then set port forwarding to the port that you have set for your client, and turn off UPnP for your client as well.(you can do this with utorrent, and I recommend using that client for a multitude of reasons anyways)

Now, also turn off UPnP for your router too.

I've noticed that this can sometimes make a big difference in one's downloading capabilities, though I don't guarantee anything. =)

Also, if this doesn't work, then perhaps your ISP is deliberately impeding your torrent service. Who do you have?

How ya doing, buddy?

Well, you don't want to mess with your modem. That will likely get you banned by your ISP, as it is possible for people to hack those things and unlock their bandwidth limitations, and ISPs don't like that at all.

Is your computer connected straight to the modem, or are you connected to the modem through a router?

If you are connected through a router, then this is what you need to do:
Anyways, to manually set your IP address, you will need to go to your "Network Connections" folder, and right-click on your active connection, and select "Properties." Then select the "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)" option and select the properties button. There, you should be able to set your IP address. You will also have to set the "DNS server" addresses as well, which can be obtained by going back to your Network Connections folder, right-clicking on the active connection, and selecting "Status." Select the "Support" tab, and click on "Details." There you will find your DNS server addresses, to switch back to your IP address configuration window, and enter those numbers. Select OK for everything, and now you have your manually configured IP address.

If you are connected straight to your modem, then get a router to mediate between your computer and your modem. This can be important because that specialty hardware does a good job of filtering out junk connections, various hack attacks, and limits the number of connections that can be made to your computer. (this is a good thing because if there are too many concurrent connections being made to your computer, your network card can be flooded, and won't be able to handle all the traffic, thus greatly diminishing your download potential)

EDIT:Upon reading your journal entry highlighting your problem ( I guess I should have read that first), it is my professional opinion that there really is nothing you can do to fix this problem. You are just going to have to learn to deal with the limitations placed on your bandwidth, unless you want to switch to another ISP, which is really your only other option.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Well, if Windows firewall isn't on, then don't worry about it. 'Cuz its not on. =P

And no, you would not be throwing your money away with a router. Since you appear to be hardwired to your network, it looks like you can get by with a nice, cheap Linksys 4-port wired router(Linksys mostly because I have lots of experience with Linksys stuff =P). That should only be about 30 or so American dollars, if not less. A router is practically essential for home networks.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Originally Posted by Domino

So a router would allow me to have more control over what can and cannot get access to my PC from the Internet? I just what to be 100% sure about routers before I go out and get one.

Well, though it may not give you more control over your connection, it will definitely make things easier, and give you more convenient control where it matters.

Quote:

Sorry for the simplicity of my question, but what does this mean exactly? I'm not all that good when it comes to PC terminology.

I'm not even sure if that is proper compy jargon, but I use that term to mean that you are connected through an ethernet cable, instead of wirelessly.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?