- Every Bitcoin fan should want to run their own node to help the network
- However, doing so can often negatively impact your internet speed
- Here’s how to make sure that your Bitcoin node doesn’t throttle your internet
It’s the Bitcoin dream to run your own full node and increase your privacy, but due to the large nature of the Bitcoin blockchain it can often slow down your internet connection, meaning your daily browsing starts to slow down. While syncing, using the internet can become a chore and when online gaming you might even experience a lot of lag. If you want to run your own full node and not experience any of the side effects from the bandwidth it consumes, then this guide will become your bible.
Change Your Router’s Firmware
The Bitcoin blockchain is big. Currently, it stands at at 607 GB, which you’ll have to download the moment you set up your wallet. Most routers these days have advanced settings that will allow you to implement the changes needed, but some manufacturers still don’t allow users to change these settings. If you don’t have access to quality of service (QoS) features, then you’re going to need to install DD-WRT firmware on your router. Don’t panic, it’s quick, easy, and safe to do, so head on over to their site and download the latest firmware available – provided it’s compatible with your router.
Make sure you head to the genuine DD-WRT site and download the genuine files, otherwise you could open yourself up to a wide range of attacks, including cryptojacking. Once you have the firmware, connect your computer to the router using an ethernet cable and install it – it’s as simple as that. You will need to reconfigure your access point name and sync devices with it, but it’s worth the trouble.
Throttling Your Node
Next up, you’re going to want to head into the QoS settings and manually throttle your full node. Your full node will have a MAC address that you can quickly identify in the list of connected devices through the router. All you have to do is add this MAC address into the QoS throttling system and you’re good to go.
To be on the safe side, increase the priority of bandwidth for games consoles and other devices you’ve noticed suffering because of the full node. As long as these devices have a higher bandwidth priority than your full node, you shouldn’t notice and reduction of internet quality.
Viola – you can now run your Bitcoin home node without impacting your internet!
