Fast Switching vs Process Switching

[jlazzaro]

I've researched this topic a good bit and seem to get conflicting answers.

CEF uses fast switching, MLPPP uses process switching. On a lower end router (2811), does the balancing advantages of MLPPP outweigh the speed advantages of CEF with equal-cost paths?

Trying to use these 2 T1's to their fullest. In the past I havent been impressed with the per-dest balancing of CEF as it created 2 very unequal lines. I'd like to use MLPPP, but the added overhead on the router has me concerned.

Comments?

 

[spidey07]

for the most part avoide process switching at all costs.

with MLPPP you should always get a very good distribution of load, even if it is just a single conversation.

 

[cmetz]

jlazzaro, are you sure MLPPP still uses process switching? They're always moving stuff into the CEF path. You might want to double check, or just try it and see. Also try the latest T image(*).

(* that actually works. Cisco's having serious, serious trouble with that part lately. 12.4 is a charlie foxtrot.)