MikroTik

Hi guys!

For a while now, we are having solid network infrastructure based on mikrotik routers. Currently we are using routed network model, but growing fast in terms of number of users on network. Below is network diagram. We have 300 users on network and management of all those connections are getting more problem/not centralized. I was searching for solution that would simplify management and also be able to produce some new services to our customers. I believe that MPLS is right solution to this. So, these are the facts:

-300 users
-OSPF as main routing protocol with redundancy in Core
-every node is PPPOE server and radius client
-we are not using vlan's
-between routers there are wireless ptp links 100mbit/s capable
-RB1200 is main router through which everything is passing


Our goal's are:

1. MPLS/VPLS technology with OSPF as redundancy on CORE
2. Centralized management (PPPOE Concentrator)
3. More secure wireless encryption and authentication (Radius server also as 802.1x authenticator)
4. Using vlan's for separating management of devices from user devices
5. Hot Spot public access couple of hops away with public ip on Access Points
6. Faster and simpler network

Based on diagram below, and model of routers, what is your recommendation for next step? As far as i know, of course there is need for higher MTU values, so we have to change models to at least 750GL? Are they ok for access nodes? Is it better to do MPLS/VPLS on every router or in our case is it enough only for Core part of the network? How strong should PPPOE Server be? Which model is recommended? Is it better to have separate Mikrotik PPPOE Server, and RB1200 just for managing all traffic on network? Just like now in diagram with 450G but with stronger hardware? Number of user will grow of course..
I was thinking to buy Cloud Core Router 1016-12G (RouterOS L6) and use that for everything instead of RB1200.. Is that overkill, or maybe good idea?

Generaly can i expect faster network with MPLS?

Thanks in advance, i appreciate your help and suggestions!


Kind regards,

Marko

The MTU that you need would from devices depends on the MTU you want to achieve on the PPPoE sessions. e.g. if you use 1480 as the PPPoE MTU you could possibly run MPLS/VPLS over even some older RouterBoards.

Thx CelticComms. Can you tell me about other questions? These are important to me, because i must buy some new equipment, and don't want to do mistake..
Mikrotik PPPOE server hardware for let say 400 users? Is it good to buy model Cloud Core Router 1016-12G or too much for these number of users? Generally how much faster network can i expect with MPLS? And when we talk about pppoe sessions, how much can i accomplish if going with full 1500 byte MTU, comparing to 1492?

Thank you!

Regards,
Marko

SOmeone?

If you are growing you should also consider redundancy requirements as you move key functions such as PPPoE to a central location to improve manageability.

In general the network design should move more towards a control/management/data plane model so that customer data, control data (routing info etc.) and management data (remote access to routers etc.) are kept separate.

You may have more luck asking discrete technical questions on the forum. Many of the contributors either work for WISPs or do consulting work for WISPs (and are therefore busy.....) so shorter narrow scope questions have a better chance of being answered quickly.

Thanks CelticComms!

But my technical questions were already in previous posts.. and i understand from design perspective, i am just trying to figure out (looking for answers) what will be best practice for mtu, and how much are you really accomplishing or loosing with higher/lower mtu..? Because related to that i am going to buy some new equipment or not..

What is your recommendation and experience with mtu? Can i expect that my network will improve(become faster for end users) with full 1500 mtu?

We have one very good HP standalone server with strong enough hardware so probably first, a im going to try with that for PPPOE Server. Concerning routers, we will probably buy new models with more than 1524 mtu.

Thanks!

Marko

If you are using PPPoE you won't be delivering true 1500 MTU to customers anyway since PPPoE interfaces generally don't go higher than 1492 MTU.