Layer 3 hardware offloading is an advanced feature introduced in MikroTik RouterOS v7, enabling faster processing of routing tasks by bypassing the CPU and utilizing the switch chip on supported devices. This is particularly useful for reducing CPU load in high-traffic scenarios. However, it is not universally available on all devices running RouterOS v7. It is typically supported on CCR2000 series and CRS300 series devices, among others.
In this guide, we will walk through the configuration of Layer 3 hardware offloading in a lab scenario, demonstrating its setup and benefits. Let’s dive into the lab!
Lab Scenario
Our topology consists of four routers:
- Router 1 and Router 4: These routers are primarily used for sending and receiving traffic.
- Router 2 and Router 3: These are CRS devices capable of Layer 3 hardware offloading.
OSPF is pre-configured on all routers, allowing them to communicate with each other.
The goal of this lab is:
- Enable Layer 3 hardware offloading on Router 2 and Router 3.
- Observe the reduction in CPU usage during a bandwidth test.
Step-by-Step Configuration
1. Verify Network Connectivity
First, ensure OSPF is functioning correctly by pinging Router 4 (192.168.34.4) from Router 1.
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