Network Performance Optimization with MikroTik: L3HW Offloading and Hardware Routing

Network Performance Optimization with MikroTik: L3HW Offloading and Hardware Routing

Discover how MikroTik's Layer 3 Hardware Offloading (L3HW) improves throughput and reduces CPU load. Comparisons, tests and an optimization guide for ISPs and network integrators.

MikroTik continues to revolutionize the networking market by offering high-performance solutions at accessible price points. One of the most relevant features in this context is Layer 3 Hardware Offloading (L3HW), which enables throughput optimization and reduces the load on device CPUs. In this article, we will explore how hardware routing and bridge mode work on MikroTik devices, highlighting how these technologies allow ISPs and integrators to achieve carrier-grade performance on a limited budget.

What is Layer 3 Hardware Offloading (L3HW)?

L3HW Offloading is a technology that enables packet routing to be handled directly at the hardware level, bypassing the CPU. This approach offers several key advantages:

• Performance improvement: throughput can increase by up to +300% compared to software routing.
• Reduced CPU load: the device's CPU is freed up for other tasks, improving overall system stability.
• Lower latency: hardware routing reduces packet latency, improving quality of service.

MikroTik CRS3xx, CCR2000 and Wire-Rate Hardware Routing

MikroTik devices in the CRS3xx and CCR2000 series (models 2116 and 2216) support Layer 3 hardware routing, making it possible to use mid-range switches as true high-performance routers. Below is a comparison between software routing and hardware routing on a CRS317, based on tests published in the official MikroTik documentation:

Configuration	Throughput (Gbps)	CPU Usage
Software routing	1.2 Gbps	80%
Routing with L3HW	8.8 Gbps	10%

Thanks to L3HW Offloading, the CRS317 can handle wire-rate traffic without overloading the CPU, making it ideal for ISP, WISP and data center scenarios with limited budgets.

Bridge Mode and FastPath: Which One to Choose?

Another fundamental aspect of performance optimization is the difference between bridge mode and hardware routing.

• Bridge Mode: ideal for pure switching configurations, keeping traffic within the local network without the need for routing.
• L3HW Offloading: better suited for networks with routing between VLANs or different subnets, as it enables routing to be handled directly at the hardware level.

By using FastPath, MikroTik further optimizes packet processing by reducing latency and increasing overall speed. It is worth noting that, when properly configured, fast-track can be used to selectively enable offloading, allowing granular control over performance.

Hardware Offloading Limitations

It is essential to understand that not all functions can be offloaded to hardware. According to the official MikroTik documentation, there are several limitations:

• Some devices do not support NAT and fast-track offloading
• Hardware offloading has specific configuration requirements, including:
• Only IPv4/IPv6 protocols supported
• Ethernet interfaces only
• No encapsulated traffic (GRE, IPIP, EoIP)
• No connections with IP options
• Additional limitations listed in the summary table mid-way through the documentation page

Comparative Tests: MikroTik With and Without Hardware Offloading

We analyzed tests on a CRS309-1G-8S+, comparing throughput under different conditions, based on data published in the MikroTik documentation:

Configuration	Throughput without L3HW	Throughput with L3HW
Routing between VLANs	2 Gbps	7.9 Gbps
NAT on WAN traffic	1.5 Gbps	6.5 Gbps
VPN IPSec	500 Mbps	2.2 Gbps

The data clearly show a significant performance increase when enabling Layer 3 Hardware Offloading, making MikroTik devices an excellent choice for those seeking high speed and low latency at a contained cost.

Devices with Full Hardware Offloading Support

Some MikroTik devices offer more complete hardware offloading support (albeit with some limitations). According to the official documentation, these include:

• CCR1009
• CCR1016
• CCR1036
• CCR1072
• CCR2004
• CCR2116
• CCR2216

These models support full offloading of routing functionality, ensuring optimal performance in high-traffic scenarios.

Conclusion

Implementing L3HW Offloading on MikroTik delivers significant advantages in terms of performance, scalability and resource optimization. ISPs and network integrators can leverage this technology to improve throughput and reduce operational costs, making RouterOS an increasingly competitive solution in the networking sector.

If you want to learn more about optimizing your network with MikroTik, keep following us for in-depth guides and comparative tests!

Configuration

Throughput (Gbps)

CPU Usage

Software routing

1.2 Gbps

80%

Routing with L3HW

8.8 Gbps

10%

Configuration

Throughput without L3HW

Throughput with L3HW

Routing between VLANs

2 Gbps

7.9 Gbps

NAT on WAN traffic

1.5 Gbps

6.5 Gbps

VPN IPSec

500 Mbps

2.2 Gbps

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