How to Configure BitTorrent for a Linksys Router

BitTorrent is the normal way that computers access rich media content such as movies and TV shows over the Internet. Having a router installed is helpful to monitor network activity, but it also blocks some BitTorrent information unless the router is set to forward this information to the computer. Configure a Linksys router for port forwarding to allow this to happen.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Find the computer's IP address by going to the Start menu, clicking on "Run" and type the command "cmd" in the Open field, which opens a DOS window.

2. Use the command "IPCONFIG" in DOS. The screen shows the computer's IP address. Write it down for future use. Exit out of the DOS screen and close any other open windows.

3. Type the address of the LAN side of the Linksys router into a web browser. This number is the gateway IP, which for Linksys routers is often 192.186.100.1, but verify this with the router registration paperwork. The web browser will open a log on screen.

4. Leave the username blank and enter "administrator" into the password field. This is a default setting. If another username and password was set when configuring the router, use that one instead.

5. Look for the Applications and Gaming tab on the browser. Click on "Port Range Forwarding" and for the name of the application enter BitTorrent with the port range set at 6881-6889. Check the protocol boxes for TCP, UDP and the Enable setting box and click "Save."

6. Change the IP address to the computer's address found in Step 2. This forwards BitTorrent communication directly to the computer.