Difference between revisions of "Troubleshooting network issues"

From Bisq Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
m (Plebeian9000 moved page Tor & connectivity to Troubleshooting network issues: wikify page title)
(improve page organization)
Line 1: Line 1:
 +
You may be experiencing '''network issues''' if you're stuck on Bisq's initial loading screen for a while. Often this results in a screen mentioning outdated Tor files and other Tor settings. This could occur for a number of reasons.
  
 +
__TOC__
  
If you're stuck on Bisq's initial loading screen for a while and then you are shown a screen about Tor it might be because your ISP or network provider is actively blocking Tor.
+
== Weak internet connection ==
  
Tor is tries to fight these obstacles by providing ''bridges''. Bridges help you hop onto Tor through a less well-known node. If you know someone who runs a bridge, you can ask to use their bridge, or you can go to https://bridges.torproject.org/bridges to pick a bridge listed by the Tor Project.
+
Bisq generally needs a strong, fast connection to work properly. Tethering on mobile connections can work but is known to cause issues.
  
They look like this, and should be inserted on Bisq's Tor screen:
+
== Windows antivirus software ==
  
Note that this picture is only for information purposes only, as bridges you should use will vary on your IP range and a series of other factors (see more about how the Tor Project team optimises the list of bridges for maximum censorship-resistance here).
+
Antivirus software is known to cause connection issues. Try turning it off to see if it helps Bisq to connect, and if it does, consider switching antivirus software or running Bisq on another operating system on which you don't need to run antivirus.
 +
 
 +
== Being temporarily banned by the Tor network ==
  
==Other Known connection issues==
+
Trying to open Bisq too many times in a short timeframe can result in failing to connect to the Tor network. Simple wait 30-60 minutes and then try opening Bisq again.
  
====Windows Antivirus Software====
+
== Tor censorship ==
  
Antivirus software is known to cause connection issues. Try turning it off to see if it helps Bisq to connect, and if it does, consider switching antivirus software or running Bisq on another operating system on which you don't need to run antivirus.
+
In certain situations, Bisq may fail to start because your ISP or network provider is actively blocking Tor.
  
====Weak Internet Connections====
+
Tor is tries to fight such obstacles by providing ''bridges''. Bridges help you connect to the Tor network through a less well-known node. If you know someone who runs a bridge, you can ask to use their bridge, or you can go to https://bridges.torproject.org/bridges to pick a bridge listed by the Tor Project.
  
Bisq generally needs a strong, fast connection to work properly. Tethering on mobile connections can work but is known to have issues.
+
If you're in China, [[在中国运行Bisq_(Running_Bisq_in_China)|this method using SStap]] has worked to get around the Great Firewall.
  
====Altcoin Nodes Running on the Same Computer====
+
==Tor bridges that don't work ==
  
Some forks of the Bitcoin repository (e.g., Litecoin, Dogecoin, etc) are known to cause issues with Bisq starting up. Bisq can sometimes recognize altcoin nodes as Bitcoin nodes, causing Bisq to try connecting to them and then failing when it finds no Bitcoin blocks.
+
Some network administrators try really hard to block all Tor activity on their network (universities are infamous for this) and will even sometimes block specific types of SSL traffic and handshakes.
  
To solve this, switch altcoin nodes off, turn Bisq on and let it load completely. Then, turn the altcoin nodes back on.
+
In these scenarios, consider using a VPN and then running Bisq from within the VPN tunnel.
  
==Tor Bridges that don't work==
+
== Altcoin nodes running on the same computer ==
  
Some network administrators try really hard to block all Tor activity on their network (universities are infamous for this) and will even sometimes block specific types of SSL traffic & handshakes.
+
Some forks of the Bitcoin repository (e.g., Litecoin, Dogecoin, etc) are known to cause issues with Bisq starting up. Bisq can sometimes recognize altcoin nodes as Bitcoin nodes, causing Bisq to try connecting to them and then failing when it finds no Bitcoin blocks.
  
When that happens, consider using a VPN and then running Bisq from within the VPN tunnel.
+
To solve this, switch altcoin nodes off, turn Bisq on and let it load completely. Then, turn the altcoin nodes back on.

Revision as of 05:25, 19 June 2020

You may be experiencing network issues if you're stuck on Bisq's initial loading screen for a while. Often this results in a screen mentioning outdated Tor files and other Tor settings. This could occur for a number of reasons.

Weak internet connection

Bisq generally needs a strong, fast connection to work properly. Tethering on mobile connections can work but is known to cause issues.

Windows antivirus software

Antivirus software is known to cause connection issues. Try turning it off to see if it helps Bisq to connect, and if it does, consider switching antivirus software or running Bisq on another operating system on which you don't need to run antivirus.

Being temporarily banned by the Tor network

Trying to open Bisq too many times in a short timeframe can result in failing to connect to the Tor network. Simple wait 30-60 minutes and then try opening Bisq again.

Tor censorship

In certain situations, Bisq may fail to start because your ISP or network provider is actively blocking Tor.

Tor is tries to fight such obstacles by providing bridges. Bridges help you connect to the Tor network through a less well-known node. If you know someone who runs a bridge, you can ask to use their bridge, or you can go to https://bridges.torproject.org/bridges to pick a bridge listed by the Tor Project.

If you're in China, this method using SStap has worked to get around the Great Firewall.

Tor bridges that don't work

Some network administrators try really hard to block all Tor activity on their network (universities are infamous for this) and will even sometimes block specific types of SSL traffic and handshakes.

In these scenarios, consider using a VPN and then running Bisq from within the VPN tunnel.

Altcoin nodes running on the same computer

Some forks of the Bitcoin repository (e.g., Litecoin, Dogecoin, etc) are known to cause issues with Bisq starting up. Bisq can sometimes recognize altcoin nodes as Bitcoin nodes, causing Bisq to try connecting to them and then failing when it finds no Bitcoin blocks.

To solve this, switch altcoin nodes off, turn Bisq on and let it load completely. Then, turn the altcoin nodes back on.