Hacking Questions about blocking update IPs

[GoldenSun3DS]

What is the benefit of blocking the update IPs if it still doesn't let you get on the eShop?

Is latest firmware required for going online (like Smash, Mario Kart 8, web browser, etc)?

Does blocking the update IPs allow you to go online in games and the web browser with an old firmware?

I heard that if the system detects an available update, it will essentially brick your system until you update (won't let you play even offline games etc). Is this true?
If so, does blocking the update IPs fix this?

Related:
Does anyone know of a free hotspot program that I can use for blocking IPs? I don't own my router so I can't change the settings on it, but my laptop has 2 WiFi connections.

PS. My system is on 4.1.0 (the firmware that came with Mario Kart 8).

 

[Slartibartfast42]

If your system is not on the very latest firmware, there is no point in blocking the IPs. In that case, you just have to keep the Wii U off the internet entirely.

 

[tbb043]

You can't use the eshop or whatever, but you can use the webbrowser.