Running full node through VPN

[MTJ151]

I've been trying to set up a full node that runs via VPN. I'm having some trouble because I am unable to forward port 8333 with the VPN providers because it is already in use.

I can forward other VPN ports and make bitcoin run using those ports, however, having looked into it, it appears that my node will not be prioritized at all by other nodes because I'm not using the default port. Meaning I will get few connections and the 'full node' is not really supporting the network.

There is an option to forward the VPN port to a different local port but I assume this won't make a difference because the other nodes will still see the VPN's 'wrong' port?

Please let me know if there is any way round this problem.

[achow101]

Even if you aren't accepting incoming connections, you are still contributing to the network as your node still receives all transactions and blocks and still validates them and relays them.

Since you can forward other ports, I would advise that you do so. Even though it isn't preferred, nodes will still connect to you.

[MTJ151]

I tried running the node under a different port and it did work... I did receive a couple of incoming connections... but over about 24 hours I never had more then 10 connections at once as far as I noticed.

When running the node NOT through VPN I was getting a lot more.

I'm currently trying a hidden service through tor as a full node to see if it is any better.

[achow101]

I tried running the node under a different port and it did work... I did receive a couple of incoming connections... but over about 24 hours I never had more then 10 connections at once as far as I noticed.

When running the node NOT through VPN I was getting a lot more.

I'm currently trying a hidden service through tor as a full node to see if it is any better.

I doubt that a hidden service through Tor will be any better.

If you can run Bitcoin Core without a VPN, why are you using a VPN?

[MTJ151]

I am routing all my traffic on this system through a VPN now... tbh just trying it out for the potential of added security and privacy... (not specifically for bitcoin).

I've got the firewall set up to only allow connections to the VPN to avoid any leaks.

I've got another system running that I could transfer everything to and host a full node from that (so it's not the end of the world for me)... But it would have been good to be able to host a full node without broadcasting my actual IP address.

[Jet Cash]

If you are interested in security, then you should keep the input port closed. I gather this is recommended for merchants.