internet slows to crawl when I have BT open: Comcast or my router?

[Aharami]

I have a Buffalo WHR-HP-G54 router running DD-WRT, connected via a gigabit switch and cat6 cables all around . Whenever I have bittorrent running, my internet slows to a crawl - websites take forever to load/refresh and oftentimes ffx can't even resolve domain names. Initially, I was too quick to blame Comcast throttling me. But I've noticed that I even have trouble logging into my router's control panel. This leads me to think that something is going wrong with my router whenever BT is running. I need some help determining what is the issue and how to resolve it. Any help would be appreciated. My networking knowledge is very limited.

 

[imagoon]

Could be "all of the above"

Weak router (NAT translation table to small)> BT = slow internet
Comcast line overloaded = slow internet
Upload overloaded = slow internet

etc etc

 

[RadiclDreamer]

Likely your router. Bit Torrent opens hundreds if not thousands of connections and makes many SOHO routers fall to their knees in agony.

 

[Aharami]

so if it is the router, is there any way to prevent or minimize this?

 

[imagoon]

so if it is the router, is there any way to prevent or minimize this?

Tell BT to reduce the max session count. If the router has any options, setting the NAT table's "life" to a shorter time may help. However most cheap routers have few if any options.

Upgrading the router is the better solution however.

 

[darkewaffle]

You made sure to cap your upload rate in the torrent client right?

 

[Aharami]

yea

 

[TJCS]

Here is a great torrent setup guide that may help. If you don't want to read you can just checkout Azureus upload setting calculator.

 

[ImDonly1]

Some programs have problems with utorrent, like nod32. Check their forums for a list. This will make your web browser really slow.

 

[tomt4535]

Also, make sure the port for BT is forwarded properly. I had problems with some routers when the port was not forwarded properly. Utorrent has a port checker to make sure that port is open and working properly, I believe it is in the connection settings. Utorrent also makes use of UPnP, which would forward the proper port automatically, but it may not be supported or enabled on your router. www.portforward.com is a good resource to find out how to set that up with your specific router.