Tor Brigde

Contributing to the Tor network.

The Challenge

To contribute to a free and anonymous internet, I recently set up a Tor Relay within my homelab (NercLab). For security, I ensured the node was completely network segmented from my private infrastructure. Everything was running smoothly and traffic was flowing, until I suddenly realized I could no longer access my Belfius banking app or website.

It turned out to be a classic case of IP reputation: by running a public relay, my home IP address was automatically included in the official Tor network directories. Many banks and security systems proactively block these addresses to prevent potential abuse. Despite my strict network isolation, the bank’s firewall simply saw a connection attempt from a known “Tor node” and denied access.

The Solution

To resolve this without withdrawing my support for the network, I pivoted my configuration from a public relay to a Bridge. My IP address is no longer broadcasted to the public directories that banks use for their blacklists. As a result, my server now serves as a “hidden entrance” for users in countries facing heavy internet censorship. This was a fascinating real-world lesson in balancing the hosting of public services with maintaining personal connectivity in a homelab environment.