nanog mailing list archives

Validation of FCS


From: Jason Lixfeld <jason () lixfeld ca>
Date: Wed, 19 Dec 2012 09:53:26 -0500

Hi all, 

I'm trying to confirm (or debunk) my current understanding of FCS errors.  An FCS error is a layer 2 error.  In 
Ethernet spake, the 4 bytes of FCS data within each Ethernet frame is validated by a CRC check, which is done by the 
device receiving said frame.  If the CRC check fails, an FCS error is reported by that receiving device.

If that understanding is true and presuming a "circuit" was made up of many layer 2 devices between the A and Z side of 
said circuit, it would be impossible for a CRC error somewhere along the path of that circuit to register on the 
receiving device of either the A or Z side.  Perhaps in simpler terms, a CRC error is a localized thing and would never 
be forwarded from one device to another.

Is that fair and/or accurate?

Thanks in advance.

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