Bitcoin: How to configure port forwarding to run Full Node with Bitcoin Core using VPN instead setting up port forwarding on router?

Setting Up a Full Node with Bitcoin Core via VPN: A Step-by-Step Guide

As a Bitcoin enthusiast, you are no stranger to the intricacies of cryptocurrency networks. However, one challenge that many users face is setting up inbound connections for a full node setup with Bitcoin Core. In this article, we will explore how to set up port forwarding on your router to run a Full Node using Bitcoin Core and set it up via VPN.

The Challenge: Port Forwarding Issues

When using a traditional internet connection, port forwarding allows you to establish an outbound connection from your local network to the internet. However, if you are behind a virtual private network (VPN), this setup can become more complicated. Here’s why:

• IP Address Changes: When you connect to a VPN, your IP address is changed to that of the VPN service provider. This means that all outbound connections from your full node are now routed through the VPN.

• Ignore VPN Settings: Many VPN services have specific settings that can affect the behavior of your local network. For example, some may block incoming connections or require you to use a different port number.

Setting Up a VPN on Proton

Proton VPN is a popular choice among Bitcoin enthusiasts due to its speed and security features. Here’s how to set up Full Node with Bitcoin Core using Proton VPN:

• Create an Account: Sign up for a Proton VPN account if you haven’t already.

• Set Up Your VPN Connection: Go to your Proton VPN settings and select your location or preferred country. You can also choose to use the “Proton VPN” option, which will connect you directly to the VPN server.

• Configure Bitcoin Core Settings: In the Proton Core settings, go to the “Network” tab and enable the “Full Node” feature. In the “Options” section, select the “Use a VPN” option.

• Choose your VPN protocol – Select UDP or TCP as your VPN protocol. This will ensure that Full Node uses the correct port number for incoming connections.

• Set up port forwarding on your router

Once you have set up your Proton VPN connection, you will need to set up port forwarding on your router. Here are some steps to follow:

Step-by-step instructions:

• Log in to your router’s web interface – Log in to your router using a username and password (if required).

• Go to the Port Forwarding section – Look for the “Port Forwarding” or “Virtual Server” section, which is usually found under the “Advanced” or “Configuration” tab.

• Create a new port forwarding rule – Click the “Add new rule” button and select “Forward traffic” as the protocol.

• Set up forwarding rule: In the “Rule Details” section, enter the following:

• Protocol: TCP

• Local Port: 8332 (Bitcoin Core’s default port)

• Destination IP Address: The IP address of your VPN server (for example, 192.168. 1.100)

• VPN Server Name or Port: Leave blank or enter the name of your Proton VPN connection

• Save and Test

  : Save your changes and test the full node connection by starting a new Bitcoin Core session.

Tips and Variations

• Use a Different Port Number: If you’re having issues with port forwarding, try using a different port number (for example, 8333) to see if that fixes the issue.

• Check VPN Settings: Verify that Proton VPN is enabled and configured correctly on your router.

• Use a VPN Tunnel: Consider setting up a VPN tunnel with Bitcoin Core, which can help you bypass IP address changes and port forwarding issues.