BTC Full Node listen=0

[Bitcoiner2023]

Good day friends,
i have a question about incoming connections.

With listen=0 I command my node not to accept incoming connections, and my node connects to a maximum of 8 other nodes with the command.

What exactly are the advantages and disadvantages of listen=0 and should I better leave it at =1 ?

 

Thanks very much

[nc50lc]

What exactly are the advantages and disadvantages of listen=0 and should I better leave it at =1 ?

It's more of a "help" to the network than self-advantage.
Since with listen=1, other nodes can initiate connection to your node which is usually those who need to download the blockchain.

The disadvantage is you'll likely use more internet bandwidth with it stayed enabled.
That's if your router is already setup accordingly; otherwise, your node still can not allow inbound connections even with listen=1.

[BitMaxz]

When using listen=1 you are likely exposing your IP to someone who wants to connect to your node and there is a potential risk on listen=1 without using TOR or hidden service malicious nodes/attackers can attempt to exploit something in your node.
Since it reveals your IP to someone you already compromise your privacy and it consumes much CPU and memory.

However, if you want to participate on the network you can leave it enabled but make sure to enable Tor service to avoid malicious attacks.

[o_e_l_e_o]

When using listen=1 you are likely exposing your IP to someone who wants to connect to your node and there is a potential risk on listen=1 without using TOR or hidden service malicious nodes/attackers can attempt to exploit something in your node.
Since it reveals your IP to someone you already compromise your privacy and it consumes much CPU and memory.

If you set listen=0 then your node simply rejects incoming connections. It will still make outgoing connections, because otherwise how would it function as a node at all? Each peer you are connected to will be able to see your IP, regardless of what setting you use for listen.

If privacy is your goal, then the only solution is running via Tor (or maybe a VPN, depending on your particular needs).

[BlackHatCoiner]

Listening lets other nodes initiate a connection with you. Both non-listening and listening nodes are vital for the network, but listening nodes establish more connections than non-listening, and therefore require more bandwidth.

They're more important in the sense that there can't be a network without listening nodes (but it can without non-listening).