Chapter 8 Broadband
AX/DX/EX/PX Series User’s Guide
178
Operationally, PPPoE saves significant effort for both you and the ISP or carrier, as it requires no specific 
configuration of the broadband modem at the customer site.
By implementing PPPoE directly on the Zyxel Device (rather than individual computers), the computers 
on the LAN do not need PPPoE software installed, since the Zyxel Device does that part of the task. 
Furthermore, with NAT, all of the LANs’ computers will have access.
RFC 1483
RFC 1483 describes two methods for Multiprotocol Encapsulation over ATM Adaptation Layer 5 (AAL5). 
The first method allows multiplexing of multiple protocols over a single ATM virtual circuit (LLC-based 
multiplexing) and the second method assumes that each protocol is carried over a separate ATM virtual 
circuit (VC-based multiplexing). Please refer to RFC 1483 for more detailed information.
Multiplexing
There are two conventions to identify what protocols the virtual circuit (VC) is carrying. Be sure to use the 
multiplexing method required by your ISP.
VC-based Multiplexing
In this case, by prior mutual agreement, each protocol is assigned to a specific virtual circuit; for 
example, VC1 carries IP, etc. VC-based multiplexing may be dominant in environments where dynamic 
creation of large numbers of ATM VCs is fast and economical.
LLC-based Multiplexing
In this case one VC carries multiple protocols with protocol identifying information being contained in 
each packet header. Despite the extra bandwidth and processing overhead, this method may be 
advantageous if it is not practical to have a separate VC for each carried protocol, for example, if 
charging heavily depends on the number of simultaneous VCs.
Traffic Shaping
Traffic Shaping is an agreement between the carrier and the subscriber to regulate the average rate 
and fluctuations of data transmission over an ATM network. This agreement helps eliminate congestion, 
which is important for transmission of real time data such as audio and video connections.
Peak Cell Rate (PCR) is the maximum rate at which the sender can send cells. This parameter may be 
lower (but not higher) than the maximum line speed. 1 ATM cell is 53 bytes (424 bits), so a maximum 
speed of 832Kbps gives a maximum PCR of 1962 cells/sec. This rate is not guaranteed because it is 
dependent on the line speed.
Sustained Cell Rate (SCR) is the mean cell rate of each bursty traffic source. It specifies the maximum 
average rate at which cells can be sent over the virtual connection. SCR may not be greater than the 
PCR.
Maximum Burst Size (MBS) is the maximum number of cells that can be sent at the PCR. After MBS is 
reached, cell rates fall below SCR until cell rate averages to the SCR again. At this time, more cells (up to 
the MBS) can be sent at the PCR again.
If the PCR, SCR or MBS is set to the default of "0", the system will assign a maximum value that correlates 
to your upstream line rate.