the 8 connection limit is the limit of outgoing connections that the reference client makes if you cannot receive incoming connections.
bitcoin, by default, although this can certainly be changed, receives incoming connections on tcp port 8333.
if you keep your bitcoin node online consistently, with your port forwarded (you can learn how to port forward on other forums or sites, such as http://portforward.com/help/portforwarding.htm which explains it fairly well) you should collect many tcp connections over time.
all in all, if you have 8 connections, your bitcoin client is working, but only nominally. if you accept incoming connections (thus helping to allow others to join the bitcoin network who cannot receive incoming connections) your confirms are likely to happen more quickly (even if only slightly. your milage may vary.
)
bitcoin, by default, although this can certainly be changed, receives incoming connections on tcp port 8333.
if you keep your bitcoin node online consistently, with your port forwarded (you can learn how to port forward on other forums or sites, such as http://portforward.com/help/portforwarding.htm which explains it fairly well) you should collect many tcp connections over time.
all in all, if you have 8 connections, your bitcoin client is working, but only nominally. if you accept incoming connections (thus helping to allow others to join the bitcoin network who cannot receive incoming connections) your confirms are likely to happen more quickly (even if only slightly. your milage may vary.
)