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How does PPPoE work? (Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet)

Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet typically runs over broadband connections. To connect to the internet, you will simply enter the username and password we provided into your router.
 

Encapsulation and De-Encapsulation in PPPoE

Encapsulation:

  • When data packets are sent from your device, they are first encapsulated in PPP frames.
  • These PPP frames are then encapsulated in Ethernet frames to be transmitted over the network.
  • This process involves adding headers and trailers to the original data packet, which provides necessary information for routing and delivery.


De-Encapsulation:

  • When the encapsulated packets reach their destination, the router removes the Ethernet headers and trailers to extract the PPP frames.
  • The PPP frames are then de-encapsulated to retrieve the original data packets.
  • This process ensures that the data is correctly interpreted and delivered to the intended application or device.

Impact on Router CPU and Speed

  • CPU Load: Encapsulation and de-encapsulation are CPU-intensive tasks. Each packet requires processing to add or remove headers and trailers, which can significantly load the router's CPU.
  • Performance Bottleneck: On some routers, especially those with less powerful CPUs, this processing can max out the CPU. When the CPU is overwhelmed, it can slow down the overall data throughput.
  • Speed Reduction: As a result, you might experience reduced internet speeds. The router's inability to process packets quickly enough can lead to delays and lower performance, particularly noticeable in high-speed PPPoE connections.


Mitigating the Impact

  • Hardware Upgrades: Using a router with a more powerful CPU can handle the encapsulation and de-encapsulation processes more efficiently.
  • Firmware Updates: Keeping your router's firmware up to date can optimize performance and reduce CPU load.
  • Offloading: Some advanced routers support hardware offloading, where the encapsulation and de-encapsulation tasks are handled by dedicated hardware rather than the main CPU.

 

How does IPoE/DHCP work? (Internet Protocol over Ethernet)

IPoE and Circuit-Based Authentication
IPoE is a protocol used to deliver IP services over Ethernet networks. Unlike PPPoE, which uses a point-to-point connection, IPoE operates over a shared Ethernet network. Circuit-based authentication in IPoE involves verifying the identity of a user or device based on the physical circuit or connection they are using.

 

How Circuit-Based Authentication Works
 

Identification of the Circuit:

  • Each user or device is connected to the network through a specific physical circuit, such as a port on a switch or a specific VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network).
  • Voyager's network identifies the end customer based on the unique circuit ID (broadband connection) that is passed through to us from the Vendor (e.g Chorus)


Authentication Process:

  • When your router connects to the Voyager network, we receive a unique identifier for the circuit and match that with a user on our radius server and then this initiates the authentication process.
  • The authentication server (e.g., RADIUS server) checks the circuit information against its database to verify the user's identity.
  • This process can include checking the MAC address, port number, or VLAN ID associated with the circuit.

Granting Access:

  • If the circuit information matches the records in the authentication server, the user or device is granted access to the Voyager network.
  • The Voyager network then allows the IP traffic from the authenticated circuit to pass through.


Benefits of Circuit-Based Authentication

  • Security: Ensures that only authorized users or devices can access the network based on their physical connection.
  • Simplicity: Eliminates the need for additional software or configuration on the user's device, as the authentication is handled by the Voyager network.
  • Scalability: Easily scalable for large networks, as the authentication is based on physical connections rather than individual user credentials.

 

Overall, IPoE provides a more efficient, scalable, and user-friendly solution for modern network environments, making it a superior choice for many applications compared to PPPoE.

  • Efficiency: IPoE eliminates the need for encapsulation and de-encapsulation processes, reducing CPU load on routers and improving overall network performance.
  • Scalability: IPoE is better suited for large-scale deployments, as it operates over shared Ethernet networks without the overhead of managing individual point-to-point connections.
  • Simplicity: Circuit-based authentication in IPoE simplifies the user experience by leveraging physical connections for authentication, reducing the need for additional configuration on user devices.
  • Speed: By avoiding the processing overhead associated with PPPoE, IPoE can deliver higher data throughput, making it ideal for high-speed internet connections using Hyperfibre and 1Gb Fibre speeds.

 Troubleshooting

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I am unable to connect to the Internet:

 

I'm still experiencing slow speeds

Frequently Asked Questions

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How can I switch to using IPoE/DHCP?

 

I have a 3rd party router, can I use IPoE with my connection?

 

Get In Touch

If you are experiencing any difficulty with any of these instructions, give us a call on 0800 477 333 (8AM to 10PM, 7 days a week).

Keywords: Broadband, guide, router, fibre, troubleshooting