Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet (PPPoE) is a widely used technology in last-mile access networks, offering benefits like authentication, rate limiting, and usage tracking. However, not all PPPoE implementations are created equal. When comparing PPPoE servers on MikroTik devices, especially those running Tile processors, to solutions from Cisco, Fortinet, or even Accel-PPP on x86 hardware, the differences become glaringly apparent.
MikroTik PPPoE | A Jittery Affair
The PPPoE server implementation on MikroTik, particularly on Tile processors, is known for introducing high latency and jitter. These devices are cost-effective and popular, but their performance under load leaves much to be desired.
High Jitter: Running a PPPoE server on a MikroTik Tile device often results in jitter that can only be described as "more jittery than a Hadada stepping on a Rinkhals." This analogy, while humorous, captures the erratic nature of the latency spikes observed.
Telemetry Observations: Independent telemetry probes measuring latency and jitter across multiple PPPoE sessions confirm this problem. The probes, decoupled from the networking equipment, provide an objective view, showing significant variations in latency across sessions hosted on MikroTik devices.
Why MikroTik PPPoE Falls Short
Tile Processor Limitations
Tile processors, while sufficient for routing and simple network tasks, lack the processing power required for high-performance PPPoE servers. PPPoE is inherently CPU-intensive, and Tile processors struggle under moderate to heavy loads, leading to inconsistent performance.
Latency Management Deficiencies
Unlike Cisco, Fortinet, or x86-based Accel-PPP solutions, MikroTik lacks robust latency management mechanisms. This results in poor performance during peak traffic, which is particularly noticeable in latency-sensitive applications like VoIP and online gaming.
Hardware Offloading
Most MikroTik devices, including those with Tile processors, do not support hardware offloading for PPPoE. This means all packet processing is done in software, further exacerbating performance issues under load.
How Cisco, Fortinet, & Accel-PPP Excel
Dedicated Processing Power
Cisco and Fortinet devices are equipped with powerful CPUs and ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits) designed to handle high-throughput PPPoE sessions without introducing latency or jitter.
Accel-PPP on x86 Hardware
Accel-PPP is an open-source PPP daemon that, when run on x86 hardware, outperforms MikroTik by a wide margin. The advantages include:
Efficient CPU usage, even under high load.
Support for advanced features like rate limiting, session tracking, and VLAN tagging.
Stability and consistent performance, especially when paired with Intel NICs.
Telemetry-Friendly Designs
High-end solutions from Cisco, Fortinet, and x86 platforms like Accel-PPP offer predictable and consistent latency, making them ideal for telemetry use cases. Probes measuring performance across these platforms report significantly lower jitter and latency variability.
Telemetry Observations | The Hard Data
Independent telemetry probes provide an unbiased look at PPPoE session performance:
MikroTik PPPoE Servers: Latency measurements show frequent spikes, with jitter values varying widely across sessions.
Cisco/Fortinet PPPoE Servers: Latency is consistent, with minimal jitter, even under high loads.
Accel-PPP on x86: Comparable to Cisco and Fortinet, offering steady performance and excellent jitter control.
Tile(Blue) and Fortinet(Amber):
Arm(not as pronounced as Tile):
For ISPs and network operators, the choice of PPPoE server platform has significant implications for network performance and customer satisfaction:
Avoid MikroTik for PPPoE: While MikroTik devices are great for routing and other tasks, their PPPoE server implementations, especially on Tile processors, are not up to par.
Invest in High-Performance Platforms: Cisco and Fortinet are reliable choices for enterprise-grade PPPoE servers. For cost-effective yet high-performance solutions, consider Accel-PPP on x86 hardware.
Leverage Telemetry: Use independent telemetry probes to continuously monitor latency and jitter, ensuring your PPPoE implementation meets performance expectations.
Wrap
While MikroTik offers affordable networking solutions, its PPPoE server implementation—particularly on Tile processors—falls short when compared to Cisco, Fortinet, or x86-based Accel-PPP platforms. For ISPs serious about delivering consistent, low-latency services, investing in better hardware and robust PPPoE implementations is essential. By doing so, they can avoid jittery performance and deliver a stable, reliable experience to their customers.
