Hello everyone,

I have encountered a scenario where I am unsure what is most optimal. I work for an ISP in Cape Town SA, We typically remove all config on a CPE and create a software bridge and add all "LAN" ports to that bridge and assign LAN IP to the bridge interface, but this could incur additional CPU cycles, so we are now questioning if the standard setup of port 1 (with IP) master and 2-5 slave (no IP) of port 1. My understanding is that the switch chip will take care of this processing and not CPU, but if we use the software bridge, this will tax the CPU.

1. Example, LAN connected to port 3, port 3 is set as a slave of port 1, IP assigned to port 1. As when you Torch the interface port 3, it can appear misleading as you will see traffic destined towards the IP of port 1, yet there is no cable connected to port 1. This can be misleading to juniors that look at the router, but I wish to know if this method is more optimal for performance, we also run VoIP on these LANs and with to ensure perfect quality on the LAN. – Is this ideal in the
2. Is there any benefit of routed traffic to come in via a bridge interface and out a PPPoE versus coming in via a Master/Slave port and then out the PPPoE.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.