This Counter32 object counts packets received by a port that are shorter than 64 bytes and have either an FCS error or an alignment error, distinguishing them from valid short frames. An admin diagnosing a noisy or failing link uses this counter to detect a device or cabling problem producing corrupted runt frames. For example, a steadily climbing fragment count on a specific port would prompt the admin to check that port's cabling or the connected NIC for a fault, rather than assuming normal traffic.