The most file sharing protocol is non other than the famous BitTorrent protocol. However sometimes you may be experiencing slow downloads when sharing P2P files when using BitTorrent client e.g. Utorrent. This is most likely to occur when your computer is behind a home router or software firewall. The OpenSuse firewall -YaST makes it nearly impossible to use the BitTorrent protocol. Extremely slow download times could be the end result.

However, there are two ways that may help to get BitTorrent running smoothly:

1. Start the YaST firewall and select the zone you want to allow services for (where you want the enabled port). Click [Advanced] and enter the correct information (syntax from-port:to-port numeric). Click [OK], and YaST will ask you if you are sure. Click [Continue] to return to the main dialog; click [Cancel] to re-enter the port numbers. After returning to the main menu, click [Next] and [Accept] to finish configuration.
2. Open the /etc/sysconfig/SuSEfirewall2 file in any text-editor Add the required ports to the FW_SERVICES_EXT_TCP, FW_SERVICES_INT_TCP or FW_SERVICES_DMZ_TCP variable. (# Examples: “ssh”, “123 514″, “3200:3299″, “ftp 22 telnet 512:514″)

You may try to add TCP: “6881:6999″ but this could result in a security risk. Always remember this is because not only P2P clients can use this port.

Post from: Suse & OpenSuse Tips
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How to configure YaST firewall for BitTorrent

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