PPPoE Optimization with PCQ on MikroTik

PCQ (Per Connection Queue) is one of the safest ways for small/mid-size ISPs to share bandwidth evenly — without creating a queue for every single subscriber.

When PCQ fits

• Many PPPoE subscribers on the same speed profile
• Mixed usage patterns (streaming, browsing, gaming)
• Fairness without per-subscriber micromanagement

The short version

• PCQ downloader splits bandwidth per connection / per client.
• Usually attached to a queue tree or simple queue (depends on the design).

Implementation checklist

1. Pick the scheme: simple queue vs queue tree.
2. Make sure mangle/marked traffic is clean if you use queue tree.
3. Test scenarios: 1 user vs many users.
4. Document profiles + limits.

Notes

If you run PCQ and still get “slow” complaints, the culprit is usually not PCQ but:

• a saturated uplink,
• bufferbloat,
• DNS,
• or radio / last-mile issues.