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By Zayden R., September 8, 2026
The upcoming Linux 7.4 kernel will include support for Realtek's RTL8127atf and RTL8116af networking ASICs, enhancing compatibility with new hardware. This update is crucial for engineers looking to integrate these chips into their systems.
In a notable update for network engineers, the Linux 7.4 kernel will support Realtek's RTL8127atf and RTL8116af networking ASICs. This new support has been queued into the net-next development tree, marking a crucial step for those integrating these chips into their systems.
The RTL8116af, although lacking extensive public documentation, is set to be supported by the Realtek r8169 Linux driver. The kernel enablement patches indicate that this chip operates in sfp mode, using Phylink to obtain link status from its serdes register, rather than the standard phy register. Engineers should note that the speed and duplex are hardcoded to 1000Mbps Full-Duplex, and the chip lacks an internal phy, necessitating checks to ensure tp->phydev is populated when needed. The MAC calibration process for the RTL8116af bypasses certain steps due to the absence of an internal PHY, specifically skipping register 0xd412 calibration.
Simultaneously, the Realtek RTL8127atf has been integrated into the r8169 net-next driver. This fiber mode card differs from the RTL8116af by supporting both 10G and 1G modes. Earlier kernel versions only offered preliminary support for the RTL8127atf, lacking 1G mode and mainline SFP support. Known for its low-power, single-port 10Gbps SFP+ fiber network capabilities, the RTL8127atf is already used in products like the Ciciglow 10Gbps PCIe Network Card, available for around $70 on Amazon.
This support in the Linux 7.4 kernel is a solid improvement, promising better integration for these Realtek chips. Engineers utilizing these hardware components should prepare for the kernel release later this year to take full advantage of these enhancements.