This read-only Counter tracks the count of runt frames received, i.e. frames shorter than the minimum valid Ethernet frame length on the CPE's Ethernet interface, tallied per hourly interval. Operationally, runts typically come from a duplex mismatch, a failing NIC on the customer's equipment, or a collision fragment reaching the CPE. For example, if this counter climbs after a customer swaps their PC's network card, it's a clue the new NIC or its cable is producing malformed short frames.