[AusNOG] Looking for peer opinion on Juniper MX vs Cisco ASR1k for NBN BNG

[Curtis Raams]

Hi Noggers,

Looking for some peer opinions to validate my own decision/thinking. I have a need to replace some BNG devices specifically facing the NBN. I have an option between Juniper MX104 (x1) + MX240 (x2) with QFX switching to aggregate POIs. Or Cisco ASR 1006-X with RP3 and Nexus 9K switching to aggregate the POIs.

The BNG will operate PPPoE and IPoE DHCP at the same time to support legacy customers and new services to be DHCP. We plan to use the Option 82 inserts to take the AVC ID as authenticate that against radius, as well as using radius for accounting. ASR9K is out because the unit needs legacy LNS support amongst a few other items, so it needs to be IOS on ASR1K or Junos on MX.

Each router should be considered to do up to 32,000 subscribers with full carrier grade NAT (CGN NAT44) and both platforms have the relevant licenses. Juniper does this in a dedicated services MIC, Cisco ASR1K does this in software from what I understand. But the CGN performance is extremely critical. Both need to do hierarchical QOS to shape the NBN AVC.

I am personally very comfortable with Cisco IOS XE and can do it in my sleep. While I have a vMX in the lab for Juniper it's syntax is different but really the fundamentals are the same so I am working on building a POC LAB now.

My preference is the Juniper solution as I feel it is superior in performance, capability, and fit for purpose. But I still have that niggling urge that Cisco might be a better option. So I am happy to hear some opinions from all those that have faced the same problem and what decision did you make and why? And having the chance to do it again, would you do it the same?

Thanks
Curtis

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