FAQ Should I turn on the IP blocklist?

[Silas Mariusz]

Symptoms

• You see Settings → Blocklist and do not know whether to switch it on.

Cause
The blocklist is off by default. When it is on, rtorrent blocks peers whose IPv4 address is on a list of address ranges. IPv6 peers pass, and every peer outside the list connects as before. The package downloads the list from the address in Blocklist URL (P2P/CIDR, .gz allowed). While the switch is on, it downloads the list again once a day. A failed download leaves the previous list in place.


Resolution

1. To use it, open Settings → Blocklist and switch on Enable IP blocklist. The address below it points to a default list; you can type the address of another list.
   
   
2. Press Review & save and confirm the change in the window that opens. The page shows Needs an rtorrent restart. Press Apply now.
3. Open Diagnostics and press Download blocklist & load in the Maintenance card. The line under the button reads Address ranges loaded in rtorrent: ….
   
   

Notice & Advise

• To turn the blocklist off, switch it off, save and press Apply now. rtorrent keeps a loaded list until it restarts.
• The package keeps a downloaded list only when it holds IPv4 ranges written as two addresses joined by a dash, for example 192.0.2.0-192.0.2.255. A file without such a range is refused, and the previous list stays.

Ref. links:
Rtorrent 16 guide: Ports