Many Internet Service Providers have started manipulating BitTorrent traffic using a technique called "Traffic shaping". This results in slower downloads for all. It has thus become a necessity to encrypt traffic so your ISP can't mess BitTorrent traffic. Encrypting BitTorrent traffic can put more stress on your PC so you'll first want to check if your ISP is messing with it. To do so run a "Full Test" at this site:
Test if your ISP is manipulating BitTorrent traffic
If the results from the test show your ISP isn't manipulating Bittorent traffic you're in luck and have no need to encrypt traffic! If, however, the results show your ISP is manipulating traffic you'll need to follow these steps depending on which BitTorrent software you use.
To encrypt traffic in Utorrent simply goto Options->Preferences->BitTorrent. You'll see a screen like this:
Under "Protocol Encryption" you'll want to either select "Forced" or "Enabled". If you select "Forced", you'll get less connections but much better protection. If you select "Enabled" you'll get more connections but you'll have a better chance of some traffic still being messed with by your ISP.
Goto Tools->Options->Double Click "Connection" on far left->Select "Transport Encryption". You should be at a screen like this:
Put a check next to the part entitled "Require encrypted transport" and under "Minimum Encryption Level" select "RC4" in the dropdown box.
*Optional step: Put a check next to "Allow non-encrypted outgoing connections if encrypted connection attempt fails". If you notice your speeds are slower after doing this you'll want to uncheck it though. This basically attempts to encrypt everything but falls back on an unencrypted connection if it has to.
Goto Preferences -> Network and look under the "Encryption" part. You should see a screen like this:
Change the following settings:
Inboud: Enabled
Outbound: Enabled
Level: Full Stream
Check "Encrypt entire stream"
Relakks Virtual Private Network (VPN) allows you to connect to their network and use BitTorrent or anything else anonymously. It also encrypts all traffic so you'll never have to worry about your ISP slowing down your connection. However, it's hosted in Sweden so it might end up slowing down your connection anyways depending on where you're located. It's definitely worth a try though.
