0x8899 broacasts / Realtek Layer 2 Protocols

[NG4B]

Hello,

I have a network admin and reviewing the network traffic on a client network.

They have a NETGEAR ProSafe FS116P v2 switch

The device is constantly broadcasting Realtek Ether-type (0x8899) frames 

I believe these are for loop detection

More than anything I want to confirm if this is expected from this device?

Does this happen on all devices?

Should this be happening?

Is there something that is causing this to occur?

Is it necessary to have these broadcasts and is it possible to stop?

Kind regards

[schumaku · Accepted solution]

Plenty of small switches (by various vendors btw.) are making use of this (and similar!) methods for detecting network loops -> Realtek Remote Control Protocol - Loop Detect Packet - absolutley nothing wrong with it.

[DaneA]

Hi @NG4B,

Welcome to the community! 🙂 

As far as I have checked, there is no issue logged for the FS116Pv2 switch as per you have described on your post.  Let us isolate the problem.  Kindly answer the questions below:

a. What test did you perform wherein you see the Realtek Ether-type (0x8899) frames being broadcast from the FS116Pv2 switch?

b. How is everything connected?  It would be best if you post an image or screenshot of your existing network setup. 

c. If you disconnect the FS116Pv2 switch from the existing network, are you still seeing Realtek Ether-type (0x8899) frames being broadcast?

Regards,

DaneA

NETGEAR Community Team

[schumaku · Accepted solution]

Plenty of small switches (by various vendors btw.) are making use of this (and similar!) methods for detecting network loops -> Realtek Remote Control Protocol - Loop Detect Packet - absolutley nothing wrong with it.

[NG4B]

Hello thanks for the reply,

Simple infrastructure small office, Netgear switch, draytek router, fixed ip broadband

I was just doing some packet captures and identified this continuous traffic

although must be part of the intelligence of the switch I was curious if this traffic was due to a mode or scenario

[schumaku]

No problem, better ask than sorry.