FAQ My internet stops working, or my router hangs, while Rtorrent 16 is running

[Silas Mariusz]

Symptoms

• Web pages stop loading, or the router stops responding, while torrents are running.
• Everything works again after you stop the torrents.

Cause
Rtorrent 16 does not limit the total number of connections. Each public torrent can connect to up to 200 peers, and each private torrent to up to 100. Ten active public torrents can therefore hold up to 2,000 connections at once. A router or modem that cannot handle that many connections slows down or stops responding. Upload speed is also unlimited by default.


Resolution

1. Check how many connections rtorrent has open. The Peers and their limits card on the Dashboard shows rtorrent sockets: … of ….
   
   
2. Lower the number of peers per torrent. Open Settings → Connection profiles and press Custom…. In the Public profile: peers per torrent row, lower max (200 by default), for example to 50. If you use private trackers, do the same in the Private profile: peers per torrent row. Press Review & save and confirm the changes in the window that opens. The new limit takes effect without restarting rtorrent.
   
   
3. Limit uploading. Click the Upload speed at the top of Quick access and set a limit below the upload speed of your internet plan.
4. Check rtorrent sockets on the Dashboard again.

Notice & Advise
Fewer active torrents also mean fewer connections. Stop the torrents you do not need right now.


Ref. links:
Rtorrent 16 guide: Public and private connection profiles