diff --git a/.github/workflows/run-unit-tests.yml b/.github/workflows/run-unit-tests.yml
index a02f1eab5..03f81ff81 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/run-unit-tests.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/run-unit-tests.yml
@@ -96,6 +96,11 @@ jobs:
       - name: Verify bridge filter wiring and shorthand permissions
         run: python3 -B test/test_transport_filter_wiring.py -v
 
+      - name: Verify saved repeat-off trace exception and relay guards
+        run: |
+          python3 -B test/test_repeater_trace_repeat.py -v
+          python3 -B test/test_repeater_trace_forwarding.py -v
+
       - name: Verify MQTT start results and connection-attempt accounting
         run: python3 -B test/test_mqtt_transport_results.py -v
 
diff --git a/docs/cli_command_availability.md b/docs/cli_command_availability.md
index 800694fac..a50eba4c6 100644
--- a/docs/cli_command_availability.md
+++ b/docs/cli_command_availability.md
@@ -165,6 +165,7 @@ should use command `0x42`. See [Companion radio binary protocol](companion_proto
 | System | [`get/set reboot.interval`](#reboot-interval) | Full parser | Yes | Yes | Yes |
 | Clock sync | [`get/set clock.sync.*`; `clock.sync.mesh now`](cli_commands.md#estimate-and-correct-infrastructure-node-time-after-startup) | Repeater, sensor, and room server; `clock.sync.internet` needs MQTT repeater | Yes | Yes | Yes |
 | Routing | [`get/set repeat`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-this-nodes-repeat-flag) | Forwarding-capable role | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Routing | [`get/set repeat.trace`](cli_commands.md#allow-routed-traces-while-repeating-is-disabled-repeater-only) | Repeater only; saved repeat-off trace exception, default off | Yes | Yes | Yes |
 | Routing | [`get/set path.hash.mode`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-this-nodes-advert-path-hash-size) | Role that supports path-hash selection | Yes | Yes | Yes |
 | Routing | [`get/set loop.detect`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-this-nodes-loop-detection) | Repeater | Yes | Yes | Yes |
 | Routing | [`get/set txdelay`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-the-retransmit-delay-factor-for-flood-traffic) | All text CLI roles, including bridges | Yes | Yes | Yes |
@@ -338,6 +339,7 @@ should use command `0x42`. See [Companion radio binary protocol](companion_proto
 | System | [`get/set reboot.interval`](#reboot-interval) | Full parser | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
 | Clock sync | [`get/set clock.sync.*`; `clock.sync.mesh now`](cli_commands.md#estimate-and-correct-infrastructure-node-time-after-startup) | Repeater, sensor, and room server; `clock.sync.internet` needs MQTT repeater | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
 | Routing | [`get/set repeat`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-this-nodes-repeat-flag) | Forwarding-capable role | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Routing | [`get/set repeat.trace`](cli_commands.md#allow-routed-traces-while-repeating-is-disabled-repeater-only) | Repeater only; saved repeat-off trace exception, default off | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
 | Routing | [`get/set path.hash.mode`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-this-nodes-advert-path-hash-size) | Full parser | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
 | Routing | [`get/set loop.detect`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-this-nodes-loop-detection) | Repeater, full common parser | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
 | Routing | [`get/set txdelay`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-the-retransmit-delay-factor-for-flood-traffic) | All text CLI roles, including bridges | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
diff --git a/docs/cli_commands.md b/docs/cli_commands.md
index 62a6f0673..f1f459661 100644
--- a/docs/cli_commands.md
+++ b/docs/cli_commands.md
@@ -2382,7 +2382,47 @@ The pin number is the Arduino pin number used by that target (the normal GPIO nu
 **Parameters:**
   - `state`: `on`|`off`
 
-**Default:** `flood.channel.data on`; `flood.channel.data.hops h=all`
+**Default:** `repeat on`.
+
+`repeat off` disables relay forwarding, not locally generated traffic or
+configuration replies. Repeaters can separately opt in to the routed-trace
+exception below.
+
+#### Allow routed traces while repeating is disabled (repeater only)
+
+```text
+get repeat.trace
+set repeat.trace on
+set repeat.trace off
+```
+
+Default: `off`, including upgrades from older preference files. The setting is
+saved and takes effect without reboot. Failed saves leave the active choice
+unchanged. Room Server, Sensor, and Companion do not gain this exception.
+
+To keep ordinary forwarding disabled while allowing routed trace diagnostics:
+
+```text
+set repeat off
+set repeat.trace on
+```
+
+Only direct TRACE packets with a matching next hop may be relayed. Ordinary
+messages, adverts, group data, ACKs, and control packets remain subject to
+`repeat off`; flood traces remain invalid. Existing trace length, path-capacity,
+duplicate, radio-profile, and channel/duty-cycle checks still apply. This is
+a diagnostics opt-in, not authenticated-admin-only forwarding: trace packets
+retain the protocol's existing authentication behavior.
+
+`get repeat` and the disabled status bit continue to report repeating off.
+With `repeat on`, traces use the ordinary forwarding policy regardless of
+`repeat.trace`. Changing the exception to off while repeating is off blocks
+subsequent relayed trace transmissions, including queued copies and retries;
+a trace already on air is allowed to finish. Locally initiated traffic and
+management replies are not cancelled.
+
+The dynamic configuration field is `repeat.trace_off` (`0` or `1`). It is
+appended to `/com_prefs`; all previously saved field offsets stay unchanged.
 
 ---
 
diff --git a/docs/role_feature_switches.md b/docs/role_feature_switches.md
index 2af39931e..8a1436259 100644
--- a/docs/role_feature_switches.md
+++ b/docs/role_feature_switches.md
@@ -260,6 +260,9 @@ settings override these defaults. To toggle only MQTT while keeping
 USB logging unchanged, use `set mqtt.enabled off` / `on`. Neither setting
 turns LoRa repeating off. Repeater forwarding uses `set repeat off` / `on`
 and `get repeat` separately.
+Repeaters can opt in to routed trace diagnostics with `set repeat.trace on`
+while `repeat` stays off; the saved exception defaults off and does not relay
+other payload types. See [repeat-off traces](cli_commands.md#allow-routed-traces-while-repeating-is-disabled-repeater-only).
 The selector changes USB master output, not saved `usb.debug` intent. Direct
 WiFi MQTT is independent of that USB verbosity preference.
 
diff --git a/examples/simple_repeater/MyMesh.cpp b/examples/simple_repeater/MyMesh.cpp
index dd33b54d2..6734a0241 100644
--- a/examples/simple_repeater/MyMesh.cpp
+++ b/examples/simple_repeater/MyMesh.cpp
@@ -1022,7 +1022,8 @@ bool MyMesh::floodChannelDataHopApplies(const mesh::Packet* packet) const {
 }
 
 bool MyMesh::allowPacketForward(const mesh::Packet *packet) {
-  if (_prefs.disable_fwd) return false;
+  if (_prefs.disable_fwd && !(_prefs.trace_when_repeat_off == 1 && packet
+      && packet->isRouteDirect() && packet->getPayloadType() == PAYLOAD_TYPE_TRACE)) return false;
   if (packet->isRouteFlood()) {
     if (mesh::isFloodHopLimitExceeded(packet, _prefs.flood_max,
                                       _prefs.flood_max_unscoped,
@@ -1086,6 +1087,16 @@ bool MyMesh::allowPacketForward(const mesh::Packet *packet) {
   return true;
 }
 
+bool MyMesh::allowPacketTransmit(const mesh::Packet* packet) const {
+  // Forwarded traces have already appended this node's SNR. A locally
+  // originated trace starts with an empty SNR path and is not a relay.
+  // Recheck at egress so a queued relay/retry cannot outlive this opt-in.
+  if (_prefs.disable_fwd && _prefs.trace_when_repeat_off != 1 && packet
+      && packet->isRouteDirect() && packet->getPayloadType() == PAYLOAD_TYPE_TRACE
+      && packet->path_len > 0) return false;
+  return mesh::Mesh::allowPacketTransmit(packet);
+}
+
 const char *MyMesh::getLogDateTime() {
   static char tmp[32];
   uint32_t now = getRTCClock()->getCurrentTime();
@@ -1462,7 +1473,9 @@ uint32_t MyMesh::getDirectRetryAttemptStepMillis() const {
 }
 
 bool MyMesh::allowDirectRetry(const mesh::Packet* packet, const uint8_t* next_hop_hash, uint8_t next_hop_hash_len) const {
-  (void)packet;
+  if (_prefs.disable_fwd && _prefs.trace_when_repeat_off != 1 && packet
+      && packet->isRouteDirect() && packet->getPayloadType() == PAYLOAD_TYPE_TRACE
+      && packet->path_len > 0) return false;
   if (!_prefs.direct_retry_enabled) {
     return false;
   }
diff --git a/examples/simple_repeater/MyMesh.h b/examples/simple_repeater/MyMesh.h
index c498d483e..c1b0a7425 100644
--- a/examples/simple_repeater/MyMesh.h
+++ b/examples/simple_repeater/MyMesh.h
@@ -917,6 +917,7 @@ protected:
   }
 
   bool allowPacketForward(const mesh::Packet* packet) override;
+  bool allowPacketTransmit(const mesh::Packet* packet) const override;
   const char* getLogDateTime() override;
   void logRxRaw(float snr, float rssi, const uint8_t raw[], int len) override;
 
diff --git a/src/helpers/CommonCLI.cpp b/src/helpers/CommonCLI.cpp
index 8c8bddee0..e9098c173 100644
--- a/src/helpers/CommonCLI.cpp
+++ b/src/helpers/CommonCLI.cpp
@@ -764,6 +764,7 @@ void CommonCLI::loadPrefs(FILESYSTEM* fs) {
   memset(_prefs->extra_sf, 0, sizeof(_prefs->extra_sf));
   _prefs->usb_logging_enabled = 1;
   _prefs->usb_debug_enabled = 0;
+  _prefs->trace_when_repeat_off = 0;
 #ifdef WITH_RS232_BRIDGE
   _prefs->bridge_uart = WITH_RS232_BRIDGE_UART;
 #else
@@ -935,9 +936,10 @@ void CommonCLI::syncOtaConfigFromPrefs() {
 #endif
 
 void CommonCLI::loadPrefsInt(FILESYSTEM* fs, const char* filename) {
-  // Older or truncated preference images must never inherit debug opt-in
+  // Older or truncated preference images must never inherit these opt-ins
   // from a previous load of a newer image.
   _prefs->usb_debug_enabled = 0;
+  _prefs->trace_when_repeat_off = 0;
 #if defined(RP2040_PLATFORM)
   File file = fs->open(filename, "r");
 #else
@@ -1330,6 +1332,10 @@ void CommonCLI::loadPrefsInt(FILESYSTEM* fs, const char* filename) {
                   if (file.available() >= (int)sizeof(_prefs->usb_debug_enabled)) {
                     file.read((uint8_t *)&_prefs->usb_debug_enabled,
                               sizeof(_prefs->usb_debug_enabled));
+                    if (file.available() >= (int)sizeof(_prefs->trace_when_repeat_off)) {
+                      file.read((uint8_t *)&_prefs->trace_when_repeat_off,
+                                sizeof(_prefs->trace_when_repeat_off));
+                    }
                   }
                 }
               }
@@ -1445,6 +1451,8 @@ void CommonCLI::loadPrefsInt(FILESYSTEM* fs, const char* filename) {
     _prefs->usb_logging_enabled = constrain(_prefs->usb_logging_enabled, 0, 1); // boolean
     // Only a deliberately saved 1 enables diagnostics; corrupted bytes are OFF.
     _prefs->usb_debug_enabled = _prefs->usb_debug_enabled == 1 ? 1 : 0;
+    // Corrupt or unknown values must not enable a repeat-off exception.
+    _prefs->trace_when_repeat_off = _prefs->trace_when_repeat_off == 1 ? 1 : 0;
     _prefs->cad_enabled = constrain(_prefs->cad_enabled, 0, 1); // boolean
     if (!directRetryPrefsValid(_prefs)) {
       setDefaultDirectRetryPrefs(_prefs);
@@ -1658,6 +1666,7 @@ static bool writeCommonPrefsImage(Writer& writer, NodePrefs* prefs) {
   WRITE_COMMON_PREFS(&prefs->primary_radio_preamble);          // appended primary tuple field
   WRITE_COMMON_PREFS(&prefs->espnow_bridge_enabled);           // appended Full ESP-NOW intent
   WRITE_COMMON_PREFS(&prefs->usb_debug_enabled);               // appended USB debug intent
+  WRITE_COMMON_PREFS(&prefs->trace_when_repeat_off);            // appended repeater trace exception
 
 #undef WRITE_COMMON_PREFS_BYTES
 #undef WRITE_COMMON_PREFS
@@ -1671,6 +1680,7 @@ void CommonCLI::savePrefs(FILESYSTEM* fs, PrefsSaveRouting::Scope scope) {
     _common_save_result_known = true;
     _common_save_succeeded = false;
     _prefs->usb_debug_enabled = _prefs->usb_debug_enabled == 1 ? 1 : 0;
+    _prefs->trace_when_repeat_off = _prefs->trace_when_repeat_off == 1 ? 1 : 0;
   }
 #ifdef WITH_MQTT_BRIDGE
   // Observer builds use a verified temp/backup transaction for common prefs.
@@ -1817,6 +1827,7 @@ void CommonCLI::savePrefs(FILESYSTEM* fs, PrefsSaveRouting::Scope scope) {
     file.write((uint8_t *)&_prefs->primary_radio_preamble, sizeof(_prefs->primary_radio_preamble)); // appended
     file.write((uint8_t *)&_prefs->espnow_bridge_enabled, sizeof(_prefs->espnow_bridge_enabled));   // appended
     file.write((uint8_t *)&_prefs->usb_debug_enabled, sizeof(_prefs->usb_debug_enabled));           // appended
+    file.write((uint8_t *)&_prefs->trace_when_repeat_off, sizeof(_prefs->trace_when_repeat_off));   // appended
 
     _common_save_succeeded = file.commit();
     if (!_common_save_succeeded) {
@@ -3349,6 +3360,29 @@ bool CommonCLI::handleSdCardGetCmd(const char* config, char* reply) {
 
 void CommonCLI::handleSetCmd(uint32_t sender_timestamp, char* command, char* reply) {
   const char* config = &command[4];
+  if (strncmp(config, "repeat.trace", 12) == 0
+      && (config[12] == 0 || config[12] == ' ' || config[12] == '\t')) {
+    if (strcmp(_callbacks->getRole(), "repeater") != 0) {
+      strcpy(reply, "Error: repeat.trace is only supported by repeaters");
+      return;
+    }
+    const char* value = config + 12;
+    while (*value == ' ' || *value == '\t') ++value;
+    if (strcmp(value, "on") != 0 && strcmp(value, "off") != 0) {
+      strcpy(reply, "Error: usage set repeat.trace on|off");
+      return;
+    }
+    const uint8_t previous = _prefs->trace_when_repeat_off;
+    _prefs->trace_when_repeat_off = strcmp(value, "on") == 0 ? 1 : 0;
+    if (!trySavePrefs()) {
+      _prefs->trace_when_repeat_off = previous;
+      strcpy(reply, "Error: Repeat trace not saved; unchanged");
+      return;
+    }
+    _callbacks->onRetryConfigChanged();
+    snprintf(reply, 160, "OK - repeat.trace %s (saved)", value);
+    return;
+  }
 #if defined(NRF52_POWER_MANAGEMENT)
   if (mesh::power::handleVoltagePolicyCommand(command, reply, 160)) return;
 #endif
@@ -4695,6 +4729,17 @@ void CommonCLI::handleSetCmd(uint32_t sender_timestamp, char* command, char* rep
 
 void CommonCLI::handleGetCmd(uint32_t sender_timestamp, char* command, char* reply) {
   const char* config = &command[4];
+  if (strncmp(config, "repeat.trace", 12) == 0
+      && (config[12] == 0 || config[12] == ' ' || config[12] == '\t')) {
+    if (strcmp(_callbacks->getRole(), "repeater") != 0) {
+      strcpy(reply, "Error: repeat.trace is only supported by repeaters");
+    } else if (strcmp(config, "repeat.trace") != 0) {
+      strcpy(reply, "Error: usage get repeat.trace");
+    } else {
+      snprintf(reply, 160, "> %s", _prefs->trace_when_repeat_off == 1 ? "on" : "off");
+    }
+    return;
+  }
 #if defined(NRF52_POWER_MANAGEMENT)
   if (mesh::power::handleVoltagePolicyCommand(command, reply, 160)) return;
 #endif
diff --git a/src/helpers/CommonCLI.h b/src/helpers/CommonCLI.h
index 2293bcccc..900937279 100644
--- a/src/helpers/CommonCLI.h
+++ b/src/helpers/CommonCLI.h
@@ -183,8 +183,11 @@ public:
   // logging artifact's enabled-at-first-boot behavior.
   uint8_t usb_logging_enabled = 1;
   // USB diagnostics are opt-in independently of the packet output gate.
-  // Persisted at the very end of /com_prefs, not beside usb_log.
+  // Appended after ESP-NOW intent in /com_prefs, not beside usb_log.
   uint8_t usb_debug_enabled = 0;
+  // Repeater-only opt-in for routed trace diagnostics while repeat is off.
+  // Appended after usb_debug in /com_prefs; existing images stay disabled.
+  uint8_t trace_when_repeat_off = 0;
   // Runtime UART choice for merged RS-232 repeater artifacts. Appended at
   // /com_prefs offset 862; single-UART builds keep their compiled port here.
   uint8_t bridge_uart = 0;
@@ -377,6 +380,7 @@ private:
   protected:
     void structure() override {
       def("disable", _parent->disable_fwd);
+      def("trace_off", _parent->trace_when_repeat_off);
       def("f_max", _parent->flood_max);
       def("f_max_uns", _parent->flood_max_unscoped);
       def("f_max_adv", _parent->flood_max_advert);
diff --git a/src/helpers/UsbLoggingWatchdog.cpp b/src/helpers/UsbLoggingWatchdog.cpp
index 9827b1625..9138af892 100644
--- a/src/helpers/UsbLoggingWatchdog.cpp
+++ b/src/helpers/UsbLoggingWatchdog.cpp
@@ -573,15 +573,19 @@ bool isUsbLoggingWatchdogUpdateActive() { return false; }
 bool handleUsbLoggingWatchdogCommand(const char* command, char* reply,
                                     size_t capacity) {
   if (!command || !reply || !capacity) return false;
-  static const char* const keys[] = {"get usb.watchdog.last", "get usb.watchdog", "set usb.watchdog"};
-  for (const char* key : keys) {
-    const size_t length = strlen(key);
-    if (strncmp(command, key, length)
-        || (command[length] && command[length] != ' ' && command[length] != '\t')) continue;
-    snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: unsupported");
-    return true;
+  const char* suffix;
+  constexpr size_t prefix_size = sizeof("get usb.watchdog") - 1;
+  if (strncmp(command, "get usb.watchdog", prefix_size) == 0) {
+    suffix = command + prefix_size;
+    if (strncmp(suffix, ".last", 5) == 0) suffix += 5;
+  } else if (strncmp(command, "set usb.watchdog", prefix_size) == 0) {
+    suffix = command + prefix_size;
+  } else {
+    return false;
   }
-  return false;
+  if (*suffix && *suffix != ' ' && *suffix != '\t') return false;
+  snprintf(reply, capacity, "Error: unsupported");
+  return true;
 }
 }  // namespace mesh
 #endif  // MESH_USB_CONSOLE_COOPERATIVE
diff --git a/test/test_common_radio_persistence.py b/test/test_common_radio_persistence.py
index 3c690c81e..55e2ccb61 100644
--- a/test/test_common_radio_persistence.py
+++ b/test/test_common_radio_persistence.py
@@ -82,8 +82,9 @@ int main() {
   CommonCLI cli;
   assert(cli.saveCommonPrefs());
   auto original=cli.fs.files["/com_prefs"];
-  const size_t preamble_offset=original.size()-4;
-  assert(preamble_offset>=864);
+  // Appending preferences must not move the established preamble bytes.
+  const size_t preamble_offset=866;
+  assert(original.size() >= preamble_offset+2);
   assert(original[preamble_offset]==48 && original[preamble_offset+1]==0);
   assert(original[preamble_offset+2]==1);
   Capture capture; assert(writeCommonPrefsImage(capture,&cli.prefs));
diff --git a/test/test_common_usb_debug.py b/test/test_common_usb_debug.py
index 869a0d91a..97777d702 100644
--- a/test/test_common_usb_debug.py
+++ b/test/test_common_usb_debug.py
@@ -157,11 +157,11 @@ int main() {
   cli.savePrefs(&cli.fs, PrefsSaveRouting::Scope::Common);
   assert(cli._common_save_succeeded);
   const auto baseline = cli.fs.files["/com_prefs"];
-  assert(baseline.size() == 870);
-  const size_t debug_offset = baseline.size() - 1;
-  const size_t logging_offset = baseline.size() - 7;
-  const size_t preamble_offset = baseline.size() - 4;
-  const size_t espnow_offset = baseline.size() - 2;
+  assert(baseline.size() == 871);
+  const size_t debug_offset = baseline.size() - 2;
+  const size_t logging_offset = baseline.size() - 8;
+  const size_t preamble_offset = baseline.size() - 5;
+  const size_t espnow_offset = baseline.size() - 3;
   assert(baseline[debug_offset] == 0 && baseline[logging_offset] == 1);
   assert(baseline[preamble_offset] == 48 && baseline[espnow_offset] == 1);
   Capture capture;
@@ -249,10 +249,11 @@ int main() {
     assert(cli.prefs.usb_debug_enabled == 0 && cli.fs.files["/com_prefs"][debug_offset] == 0);
   }
 
-  // Every older/torn length inherits debug OFF, even after loading debug ON.
+  // Every image without the complete debug byte inherits debug OFF, even
+  // after loading debug ON; a missing later trace byte cannot erase debug.
   auto image = baseline;
   image[logging_offset] = 0; image[debug_offset] = 1;
-  for (size_t size = 0; size < image.size(); ++size) {
+  for (size_t size = 0; size <= debug_offset; ++size) {
     CommonCLI reader;
     reader.prefs.usb_debug_enabled = 1;
     reader.fs.files["/com_prefs"] = {image.begin(), image.begin() + size};
diff --git a/test/test_repeater_trace_forwarding.py b/test/test_repeater_trace_forwarding.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..cef5fa53c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/test_repeater_trace_forwarding.py
@@ -0,0 +1,222 @@
+"""Execute actual repeater trace gates with the production Packet definition."""
+from pathlib import Path
+import os
+import shutil
+import subprocess
+import sys
+import tempfile
+import unittest
+
+from test_replay_reset_integration import extract_braced
+
+ROOT = Path(__file__).resolve().parents[1]
+
+HARNESS = r'''
+#include <cassert>
+#include <cstring>
+#include <initializer_list>
+#include <Packet.h>
+#include <helpers/RoutingPolicy.h>
+#define LOOP_DETECT_OFF 0
+#define LOOP_DETECT_MINIMAL 1
+#define LOOP_DETECT_MODERATE 2
+#define LOOP_DETECT_STRICT 3
+#define FLOOD_CHANNEL_HOPS_ALL 255
+const uint8_t max_loop_minimal[] = {1}, max_loop_moderate[] = {2}, max_loop_strict[] = {3};
+namespace mesh {
+@CONSTRUCTOR@
+// The boundary records delegation to the existing OTA/profile transmit veto.
+class Mesh {
+public:
+  mutable unsigned base_calls = 0;
+  bool base_allowed = true;
+  virtual ~Mesh() = default;
+  virtual bool allowPacketTransmit(const Packet*) const {
+    ++base_calls;
+    return base_allowed;
+  }
+};
+}
+struct SimpleMeshTables {
+  struct RecentRepeaterInfo { int8_t snr_x4 = 12; } recent;
+  bool known = false;
+  const RecentRepeaterInfo* findRecentRepeaterByHash(const uint8_t*, uint8_t) const {
+    return known ? &recent : nullptr;
+  }
+};
+struct MyMesh : mesh::Mesh {
+  struct Prefs {
+    uint8_t disable_fwd = 1, trace_when_repeat_off = 0;
+    uint8_t flood_max = 64, flood_max_unscoped = 64, flood_max_advert = 64;
+    uint8_t flood_channel_data_enabled = 1, loop_detect = LOOP_DETECT_OFF;
+    uint8_t direct_retry_enabled = 1, direct_retry_recent_enabled = 0;
+    int8_t direct_retry_snr_margin_x4 = 0;
+  } _prefs;
+  bool recv_pkt_channel_scope_rejected = false, recv_pkt_regionless_scope_set = false;
+  bool recv_pkt_channel_scope_bypass = false, looped = false;
+  const void* recv_pkt_region = this;
+  unsigned recv_pkt_filter_match_mask = 0;
+  bool filter_block = false, moderation_block = false, clock_sync_mesh_edge_enabled = false;
+  unsigned commits = 0, clock_samples = 0;
+  SimpleMeshTables tables;
+  bool floodChannelDataHopApplies(const mesh::Packet*) const { return true; }
+  bool isLooped(const mesh::Packet*, const uint8_t*) { return looped; }
+  bool shouldBlockFloodPacketForward(const mesh::Packet*, unsigned) { return filter_block; }
+  bool shouldBlockFloodGroupTextForward(const mesh::Packet*) { return moderation_block; }
+  void commitFloodPacketFilterRates(const mesh::Packet*, unsigned) { ++commits; }
+  void recordAcceptedFloodClockSample(const mesh::Packet*) { ++clock_samples; }
+  const SimpleMeshTables* getTables() const { return &tables; }
+  int8_t getDirectRetryMinSNRX4() const { return 12; }
+  bool allowPacketForward(const mesh::Packet*);
+  bool allowPacketTransmit(const mesh::Packet*) const override;
+  bool allowDirectRetry(const mesh::Packet*, const uint8_t*, uint8_t) const;
+};
+@METHODS@
+
+int main() {
+  MyMesh node;
+  mesh::Packet p;
+  // Admission is an exact opt-in, not a general forwarding bypass. Test every
+  // route/type and invalid stored values with the actual header accessors.
+  for (uint8_t pref : {uint8_t(0), uint8_t(1), uint8_t(2), uint8_t(255)}) {
+    node._prefs.trace_when_repeat_off = pref;
+    for (uint8_t route = 0; route < 4; ++route) {
+      for (uint8_t type = 0; type < 16; ++type) {
+        p.header = route | (type << PH_TYPE_SHIFT);
+        p.path_len = 0;
+        assert(node.allowPacketForward(&p) ==
+            (pref == 1 && p.isRouteDirect() && type == PAYLOAD_TYPE_TRACE));
+        for (uint16_t path : {uint16_t(0), uint16_t(1), uint16_t(MAX_PATH_SIZE)}) {
+          p.path_len = path;
+          const bool blocked = pref != 1 && p.isRouteDirect()
+              && type == PAYLOAD_TYPE_TRACE && path > 0;
+          const unsigned before = node.base_calls;
+          assert(node.allowPacketTransmit(&p) == !blocked);
+          assert(node.base_calls == before + (blocked ? 0 : 1));
+          assert(node.allowDirectRetry(&p, nullptr, 0) == !blocked);
+        }
+      }
+    }
+  }
+  assert(!node.allowPacketForward(nullptr));
+  assert(node.allowPacketTransmit(nullptr));
+  assert(node.allowDirectRetry(nullptr, nullptr, 0));
+
+  // repeat on restores the original gate; switching it off retires a relay,
+  // but never a locally generated trace whose SNR path starts empty.
+  p.header = ROUTE_TYPE_DIRECT | (PAYLOAD_TYPE_TRACE << PH_TYPE_SHIFT);
+  p.path_len = 1;
+  node._prefs.trace_when_repeat_off = 0;
+  node._prefs.disable_fwd = 0;
+  assert(node.allowPacketForward(&p) && node.allowPacketTransmit(&p));
+  node._prefs.disable_fwd = 1;
+  assert(!node.allowPacketForward(&p) && !node.allowPacketTransmit(&p));
+  node._prefs.trace_when_repeat_off = 1;
+  assert(node.allowPacketForward(&p) && node.allowPacketTransmit(&p));
+  node._prefs.trace_when_repeat_off = 0;
+  assert(!node.allowPacketTransmit(&p) && !node.allowDirectRetry(&p, nullptr, 0));
+  p.path_len = 0;
+  assert(node.allowPacketTransmit(&p) && node.allowDirectRetry(&p, nullptr, 0));
+
+  // An enabled opt-in still delegates the base hard-drain/profile safety veto.
+  p.path_len = 1;
+  node._prefs.trace_when_repeat_off = 1;
+  node.base_allowed = false;
+  assert(!node.allowPacketTransmit(&p));
+  node.base_allowed = true;
+  node._prefs.direct_retry_enabled = 0;
+  assert(!node.allowDirectRetry(&p, nullptr, 0));
+  node._prefs.direct_retry_enabled = 1;
+  node._prefs.direct_retry_recent_enabled = 1;
+  const uint8_t hop[] = {0x42};
+  assert(node.allowDirectRetry(&p, hop, 1)); // unknown remains eligible
+  node.tables.known = true;
+  node.tables.recent.snr_x4 = 11;
+  assert(!node.allowDirectRetry(&p, hop, 1));
+  node.tables.recent.snr_x4 = 12;
+  assert(node.allowDirectRetry(&p, hop, 1));
+  node._prefs.direct_retry_snr_margin_x4 = 1;
+  assert(!node.allowDirectRetry(&p, hop, 1));
+
+  // The opt-in never overrides existing flood-hop/region/scope/loop rules,
+  // or spends moderation quota for a packet rejected earlier in the chain.
+  node._prefs.disable_fwd = 0;
+  p.header = ROUTE_TYPE_FLOOD | (PAYLOAD_TYPE_GRP_TXT << PH_TYPE_SHIFT);
+  p.setPathHashSizeAndCount(1, 1);
+  assert(node.allowPacketForward(&p));
+  const unsigned committed = node.commits;
+  node._prefs.flood_max = 0;
+  assert(!node.allowPacketForward(&p));
+  node._prefs.flood_max = 64;
+  node.recv_pkt_channel_scope_rejected = true;
+  assert(!node.allowPacketForward(&p));
+  node.recv_pkt_channel_scope_rejected = false;
+  node.recv_pkt_region = nullptr;
+  assert(!node.allowPacketForward(&p));
+  node.recv_pkt_region = &node;
+  node._prefs.loop_detect = LOOP_DETECT_MINIMAL;
+  node.looped = true;
+  assert(!node.allowPacketForward(&p));
+  node.looped = false;
+#if !defined(PORTABLE_MQTT_OBSERVER)
+  node.filter_block = true;
+  assert(!node.allowPacketForward(&p));
+  node.filter_block = false;
+  node.moderation_block = true;
+  assert(!node.allowPacketForward(&p));
+  node.moderation_block = false;
+  assert(node.commits == committed);
+#else
+  (void)committed;
+#endif
+  assert(node.allowPacketForward(&p));
+  node._prefs.disable_fwd = 1;
+  assert(!node.allowPacketForward(&p));
+}
+'''
+
+
+class RepeaterTraceForwardingTest(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_actual_repeater_methods(self):
+        compiler = os.environ.get('CXX') or shutil.which('g++') or shutil.which('clang++')
+        if not compiler:
+            self.skipTest('a host C++17 compiler is required')
+        source = (ROOT / 'examples/simple_repeater/MyMesh.cpp').read_text(encoding='utf-8')
+        methods = '\n'.join(extract_braced(source, signature) for signature in (
+            'bool MyMesh::allowPacketForward(',
+            'bool MyMesh::allowPacketTransmit(',
+            'bool MyMesh::allowDirectRetry('))
+        packet_source = (ROOT / 'src/Packet.cpp').read_text(encoding='utf-8')
+        code = HARNESS.replace('@METHODS@', methods).replace(
+            '@CONSTRUCTOR@', extract_braced(packet_source, 'Packet::Packet()'))
+        flags = ['-fsanitize=address,undefined', '-fno-sanitize-recover=all',
+                 '-fno-pie', '-no-pie'] if sys.platform.startswith('linux') else []
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory(prefix='repeater-trace-forwarding-') as directory:
+            work = Path(directory)
+            cpp = work / 'test.cpp'
+            cpp.write_text(code, encoding='utf-8')
+            for portable in (False, True):
+                with self.subTest(portable=portable):
+                    binary = work / 'test'
+                    built = subprocess.run([
+                        compiler, '-std=c++17', '-Wall', '-Wextra', '-Werror',
+                        '-Wno-unused-parameter',
+                        '-DMESH_ENABLE_FLOOD_GROUP_MODERATION=1', '-DMESH_ENABLE_CLOCK_SYNC=1',
+                        *(['-DPORTABLE_MQTT_OBSERVER=1'] if portable else []), *flags,
+                        '-I' + str(ROOT / 'src'), str(cpp), '-o', str(binary)],
+                        capture_output=True, text=True, timeout=60)
+                    self.assertEqual(built.returncode, 0, built.stdout + built.stderr)
+                    tested = subprocess.run([str(binary)], capture_output=True,
+                                            text=True, timeout=10)
+                    self.assertEqual(tested.returncode, 0, tested.stdout + tested.stderr)
+
+    def test_repeater_only_override(self):
+        header = (ROOT / 'examples/simple_repeater/MyMesh.h').read_text(encoding='utf-8')
+        self.assertIn('bool allowPacketTransmit(const mesh::Packet* packet) const override;', header)
+        for role in ('simple_room_server', 'simple_sensor', 'companion_radio'):
+            for path in (ROOT / 'examples' / role).glob('MyMesh.*'):
+                self.assertNotIn('trace_when_repeat_off', path.read_text(encoding='utf-8'))
+
+
+if __name__ == '__main__':
+    unittest.main()
diff --git a/test/test_repeater_trace_repeat.py b/test/test_repeater_trace_repeat.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..90244c8d5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/test_repeater_trace_repeat.py
@@ -0,0 +1,244 @@
+"""Execute the real repeater trace CLI and appended preference persistence."""
+from pathlib import Path
+import os
+import re
+import subprocess
+import tempfile
+import unittest
+
+from test_common_usb_debug import HARNESS as COMMON_HARNESS
+from test_replay_reset_integration import extract_braced
+
+ROOT = Path(__file__).resolve().parents[1]
+
+TRACE_MAIN = r'''
+int main() {
+  CommonCLI cli;
+  char reply[160] = {};
+  assert(cli.prefs.trace_when_repeat_off == 0);
+  cli.prefs.usb_debug_enabled = 1;
+  cli.savePrefs(&cli.fs, PrefsSaveRouting::Scope::Common);
+  assert(cli._common_save_succeeded);
+  const auto baseline = cli.fs.files["/com_prefs"];
+  assert(baseline.size() == 871);
+  const size_t trace_offset = baseline.size() - 1;
+  const size_t debug_offset = trace_offset - 1;
+  assert(baseline[trace_offset] == 0 && baseline[debug_offset] == 1);
+  Capture capture;
+  assert(writeCommonPrefsImage(capture, &cli.prefs));
+  assert(capture.bytes == baseline);
+  cli.get("repeat.trace", reply);
+  assert(!strcmp(reply, "> off"));
+  cli.set("repeat.trace on", reply);
+  assert(!strcmp(reply, "OK - repeat.trace on (saved)"));
+  assert(cli.prefs.trace_when_repeat_off == 1);
+  const auto enabled = cli.fs.files["/com_prefs"];
+  assert(enabled.size() == baseline.size() && enabled[trace_offset] == 1);
+  assert(std::equal(baseline.begin(), baseline.begin() + trace_offset, enabled.begin()));
+  Capture enabled_capture;
+  assert(writeCommonPrefsImage(enabled_capture, &cli.prefs));
+  assert(enabled_capture.bytes == enabled);
+  cli.get("repeat.trace", reply);
+  assert(!strcmp(reply, "> on"));
+
+  for (const char* command : {"repeat.trace", "repeat.trace ", "repeat.trace\t",
+      "repeat.trace true", "repeat.trace 1", "repeat.trace ON", "repeat.trace Off",
+      "repeat.trace off junk", "repeat.trace off ", "repeat.trace off\t",
+      "repeat.trace on reboot", "repeat.trace off reboot", "repeat.trace on\n"}) {
+    const auto before = cli.fs.files["/com_prefs"];
+    cli.set(command, reply);
+    assert(!strcmp(reply, "Error: usage set repeat.trace on|off"));
+    assert(cli.prefs.trace_when_repeat_off == 1 && cli.fs.files["/com_prefs"] == before);
+  }
+  for (const char* query : {"repeat.trace ", "repeat.trace\t", "repeat.trace on"}) {
+    cli.get(query, reply);
+    assert(!strcmp(reply, "Error: usage get repeat.trace"));
+  }
+  for (const char* collision : {"repeat.traces", "repeat.trace_off",
+      "repeat.tracex on", "repeat.traceback", "repeat", "repeat.trace/on"}) {
+    cli.set(collision, reply);
+    assert(!strcmp(reply, "unknown"));
+    cli.get(collision, reply);
+    assert(!strcmp(reply, "unknown"));
+    assert(cli.prefs.trace_when_repeat_off == 1 && cli.fs.files["/com_prefs"] == enabled);
+  }
+  cli.set("repeat.trace\t \toff", reply);
+  assert(!strcmp(reply, "OK - repeat.trace off (saved)"));
+  assert(cli.prefs.trace_when_repeat_off == 0);
+
+  // Both enable and disable must preserve the saved and requested state when
+  // staging, the new final-byte write, readback or publication fails.
+  for (uint8_t desired : {1, 0}) {
+    cli.set(desired ? "repeat.trace off" : "repeat.trace on", reply);
+    assert(cli.prefs.trace_when_repeat_off == uint8_t(!desired));
+    const auto committed = cli.fs.files["/com_prefs"];
+    for (int fault : {0, 1, 2, 3}) {
+      const unsigned callbacks_before = cli.callbacks.retry_updates;
+      if (fault == 0) cli.fs.fail_write = true;
+      if (fault == 1) cli.fs.fail_write_after = trace_offset;
+      if (fault == 2) cli.fs.fail_read_open = true;
+      if (fault == 3) cli.fs.fail_rename = 1;
+      cli.set(desired ? "repeat.trace on" : "repeat.trace off", reply);
+      assert(!strcmp(reply, "Error: Repeat trace not saved; unchanged"));
+      assert(cli.prefs.trace_when_repeat_off == uint8_t(!desired));
+      assert(cli.fs.files["/com_prefs"] == committed);
+      assert(cli.callbacks.retry_updates == callbacks_before);
+      cli.fs.fail_write = false; cli.fs.fail_write_after = -1;
+      cli.fs.fail_read_open = false; cli.fs.fail_rename = 0;
+    }
+    cli.set(desired ? "repeat.trace on" : "repeat.trace off", reply);
+    assert(cli.prefs.trace_when_repeat_off == desired);
+    Capture saved;
+    assert(writeCommonPrefsImage(saved, &cli.prefs));
+    assert(saved.bytes == cli.fs.files["/com_prefs"]);
+  }
+
+  // Sharing CommonCLI must not expose the setting on other firmware roles.
+  for (const char* role : {"room-server", "sensor", "companion", "observer", "Repeater", ""}) {
+    cli.callbacks.role = role;
+    const auto before = cli.fs.files["/com_prefs"];
+    const uint8_t previous = cli.prefs.trace_when_repeat_off;
+    cli.get("repeat.trace", reply);
+    assert(!strcmp(reply, "Error: repeat.trace is only supported by repeaters"));
+    for (const char* command : {"repeat.trace on", "repeat.trace off"}) {
+      cli.set(command, reply);
+      assert(!strcmp(reply, "Error: repeat.trace is only supported by repeaters"));
+      assert(cli.prefs.trace_when_repeat_off == previous && cli.fs.files["/com_prefs"] == before);
+    }
+  }
+  cli.callbacks.role = "repeater";
+
+  // Execute the production RepeatPrefs dynamic schema and committed writers.
+  RepeatPrefs dynamic(&cli.prefs);
+  for (uint8_t requested : {1, 0, 2, 255}) {
+    assert(dynamic.import("trace_off", requested));
+    assert(cli.prefs.trace_when_repeat_off == requested);
+    cli.savePrefs(&cli.fs, PrefsSaveRouting::Scope::Common);
+    assert(cli._common_save_succeeded);
+    assert(cli.prefs.trace_when_repeat_off == (requested == 1 ? 1 : 0));
+    assert(cli.fs.files["/com_prefs"][trace_offset] == (requested == 1 ? 1 : 0));
+    Capture saved;
+    assert(writeCommonPrefsImage(saved, &cli.prefs));
+    assert(saved.bytes == cli.fs.files["/com_prefs"]);
+  }
+
+  // Every old or torn image lacks the complete appended preference and must
+  // reset prior RAM intent to OFF. The old debug byte retains its old offset.
+  auto image = enabled;
+  for (size_t size = 0; size < image.size(); ++size) {
+    CommonCLI reader;
+    reader.prefs.trace_when_repeat_off = 1;
+    reader.fs.files["/com_prefs"] = {image.begin(), image.begin() + size};
+    reader.loadPrefsInt(&reader.fs, "/com_prefs");
+    assert(reader.prefs.trace_when_repeat_off == 0);
+    if (size > debug_offset) assert(reader.prefs.usb_debug_enabled == 1);
+  }
+  for (uint8_t saved : {0, 1, 2, 255}) {
+    image[trace_offset] = saved;
+    CommonCLI reader;
+    reader.prefs.trace_when_repeat_off = 1;
+    reader.fs.files["/com_prefs"] = image;
+    reader.loadPrefsInt(&reader.fs, "/com_prefs");
+    assert(reader.prefs.trace_when_repeat_off == (saved == 1 ? 1 : 0));
+    assert(reader.prefs.usb_debug_enabled == 1);
+    assert(reader.prefs.freq == 910 && reader.prefs.primary_radio_preamble == 48);
+  }
+  cli.prefs.trace_when_repeat_off = 1;
+  cli.loadPrefsInt(&cli.fs, "/missing");
+  assert(cli.prefs.trace_when_repeat_off == 0);
+}
+'''
+
+
+def production_harness(source, header):
+    """Reuse the common USB fixture while executing real trace/store methods."""
+    fields = header.split('class NodePrefs :', 1)[1].split('private:', 1)[0]
+    fields = '\n'.join(re.findall(
+        r'^\s*(?:float|double|char|u?int(?:8|16|32)_t)\s+[^;]+;', fields, re.M))
+    constants = '\n'.join(re.findall(
+        r'^\s*#define\s+\w+\s+(?:0x[\dA-Fa-f]+|\d+)\s*$', header, re.M))
+    constants += '\n' + '\n'.join(re.findall(
+        r'^static const size_t LEGACY_\w+\s*=[^;]+;', source, re.M))
+    constants += '\n' + re.search(
+        r'^static constexpr uint8_t DEFAULT_ADVERT_LOC_POLICY\s*=[^;]+;',
+        header, re.M).group()
+    helpers = '\n'.join(extract_braced(source, signature) for signature in (
+        'static bool bwMatches(', 'static bool isValidLoRaBandwidth(',
+        'static float defaultLoRaBandwidth(', 'static void markDirectRetryPrefsValid(',
+        'static void applyFloodRetryPreset(', 'static void applyDirectRetryPreset(',
+        'static void setDefaultDirectRetryPrefs(', 'static bool directRetryPrefsValid('))
+    methods = '\n'.join(extract_braced(source, signature) for signature in (
+        'static const char* commonPrefsSaveResultName(',
+        'bool CommonCLI::recoverCommonPrefsFiles(',
+        'bool CommonCLI::saveCommonPrefsImageAtomically(',
+        'void CommonCLI::savePrefs(FILESYSTEM*',
+        'void CommonCLI::savePrefs(PrefsSaveRouting::Scope scope)',
+        'bool CommonCLI::trySavePrefs(', 'void CommonCLI::loadPrefsInt('))
+    setter = extract_braced(source, 'void CommonCLI::handleSetCmd(')
+    getter = extract_braced(source, 'void CommonCLI::handleGetCmd(')
+    branch = 'if (strncmp(config, "repeat.trace", 12)'
+    code = COMMON_HARNESS.split('int main() {', 1)[0].replace(
+        'void updateAdvertTimer() {}',
+        'void updateAdvertTimer() {}\n'
+        '  const char* role = "repeater";\n'
+        '  const char* getRole() const { return role; }\n'
+        '  unsigned retry_updates = 0;\n'
+        '  void onRetryConfigChanged() { ++retry_updates; }')
+    replacements = {
+        'FIELDS': fields, 'CONSTANTS': constants, 'HELPERS': helpers,
+        'LEGACY': extract_braced(header, 'struct LegacyObserverTail') + ';',
+        'SERIALIZER': 'template<typename Writer>\n' + extract_braced(
+            source, 'static bool writeCommonPrefsImage('),
+        'STORE': extract_braced(source, 'class CommonPrefsFileStore'),
+        'METHODS': methods,
+        'DYNAMIC': extract_braced(header, 'class RepeatPrefs :'),
+        'SET_DEBUG': extract_braced(setter, branch), 'SET_MASTER': '',
+        'GET_DEBUG': extract_braced(getter, branch), 'GET_MASTER': '',
+    }
+    for key, value in replacements.items():
+        code = code.replace('@' + key + '@', value)
+    return code + TRACE_MAIN
+
+
+class RepeaterTraceRepeatTest(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_actual_cli_schema_and_old_new_persistence(self):
+        source = (ROOT / 'src/helpers/CommonCLI.cpp').read_text()
+        header = (ROOT / 'src/helpers/CommonCLI.h').read_text()
+        code = production_harness(source, header)
+        sanitizer_flags = [] if os.name == 'nt' else [
+            '-fsanitize=address,undefined', '-fno-sanitize-recover=all',
+            '-fno-pie', '-no-pie']
+        variants = [('ENABLE_OTA', platform) for platform in (
+            'NRF52_PLATFORM', 'STM32_PLATFORM', 'ESP32_PLATFORM', 'RP2040_PLATFORM')]
+        variants += [('ENABLE_OTA', 'ESP32_PLATFORM', 'WITH_MQTT_BRIDGE'),
+                     ('NRF52_PLATFORM',), ('ESP32_PLATFORM', 'WITH_MQTT_BRIDGE')]
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory(prefix='repeater-trace-') as directory:
+            work = Path(directory)
+            transaction = (ROOT / 'src/helpers/ContactFileTransaction.h').read_text()
+            (work / 'ContactFileTransaction.h').write_text(transaction.replace(
+                '#include "IdentityStore.h"', '#include <helpers/IdentityStore.h>'))
+            (work / 'test.cpp').write_text(code)
+            for macros in variants:
+                with self.subTest(macros=macros):
+                    exe = work / ('test.exe' if os.name == 'nt' else 'test')
+                    built = subprocess.run([
+                        os.environ.get('CXX', 'g++'), '-std=c++17',
+                        *['-D' + macro + '=1' for macro in macros], *sanitizer_flags,
+                        '-I' + str(work), '-I' + str(ROOT / 'test/fixtures/radio_profiles/mocks'),
+                        '-I' + str(ROOT / 'src'), '-I' + str(ROOT / 'src/helpers'),
+                        str(work / 'test.cpp'), '-o', str(exe)],
+                        capture_output=True, text=True, timeout=60)
+                    self.assertEqual(built.returncode, 0, built.stderr)
+                    tested = subprocess.run([str(exe)], capture_output=True, text=True, timeout=10)
+                    self.assertEqual(tested.returncode, 0, tested.stderr)
+
+    def test_outer_load_defaults_before_loading_saved_image(self):
+        source = (ROOT / 'src/helpers/CommonCLI.cpp').read_text()
+        load = extract_braced(source, 'void CommonCLI::loadPrefs(FILESYSTEM*')
+        self.assertIn('_prefs->trace_when_repeat_off = 0;', load)
+        self.assertLess(load.index('_prefs->trace_when_repeat_off = 0;'),
+                        load.index('loadPrefsInt('))
+
+
+if __name__ == '__main__':
+    unittest.main()
diff --git a/test/test_trace_retry/test_trace_retry.cpp b/test/test_trace_retry/test_trace_retry.cpp
index 92c70c4b9..c347ac352 100644
--- a/test/test_trace_retry/test_trace_retry.cpp
+++ b/test/test_trace_retry/test_trace_retry.cpp
@@ -836,6 +836,160 @@ TEST(MeshReceiveHooks, FloodTraceAndControlAreNeverForwarded) {
   }
 }
 
+// Admission/egress boundary controls deliberately do not reproduce the role
+// predicate. The Python extraction suite executes the actual repeater methods;
+// these tests exercise the real Mesh/Dispatcher validation and queue ownership.
+class TraceForwardingPolicyMesh : public TraceTestMesh {
+public:
+  using TraceTestMesh::TraceTestMesh;
+  const mesh::Packet* denied = nullptr;
+  unsigned forwarding_checks = 0;
+  bool allowPacketForward(const mesh::Packet*) override {
+    ++forwarding_checks;
+    return forwardFloods;
+  }
+  bool allowPacketTransmit(const mesh::Packet* packet) const override {
+    return packet != denied && mesh::Mesh::allowPacketTransmit(packet);
+  }
+};
+
+static mesh::Packet makeIncomingTrace(const TraceTestMesh& node, uint8_t route,
+                                      uint8_t flags = 0, uint8_t hash_size = 1) {
+  mesh::Packet packet;
+  packet.header = route | (PAYLOAD_TYPE_TRACE << PH_TYPE_SHIFT);
+  packet.path_len = 0;
+  packet.payload_len = 9 + 2 * hash_size;
+  memset(packet.payload, 0, packet.payload_len);
+  packet.payload[8] = flags;
+  memcpy(packet.payload + 9, node.self_id.pub_key, hash_size);
+  memset(packet.payload + 9 + hash_size, 0x98, hash_size);
+  packet._snr = 17;
+  return packet;
+}
+
+TEST(TraceForwardingSafety, MatchingDirectHashesAppendOneSnrAndDuplicateIsRejected) {
+  for (uint8_t route : {ROUTE_TYPE_DIRECT, ROUTE_TYPE_TRANSPORT_DIRECT}) {
+    for (uint8_t code = 0; code < 4; ++code) {
+      TraceTestClock clock; TraceTestRTC rtc; TraceTestRNG rng; TraceTestRadio radio;
+      ForwardingTestTables tables; StaticPoolPacketManager manager(12);
+      TraceForwardingPolicyMesh node(radio, clock, rng, rtc, manager, tables);
+      node.forwardFloods = true;
+      memset(node.self_id.pub_key, 0x42, PUB_KEY_SIZE);
+      mesh::Packet packet = makeIncomingTrace(node, route, code, 1U << code);
+      mesh::Packet duplicate = packet;
+      EXPECT_NE(ACTION_RELEASE, node.receivePacket(&packet));
+      EXPECT_EQ(1, packet.path_len);
+      EXPECT_EQ(17, packet.path[0]);
+      EXPECT_EQ(1, tables.mark_seen_calls);
+      EXPECT_EQ(ACTION_RELEASE, node.receivePacket(&duplicate));
+      EXPECT_EQ(0, duplicate.path_len);
+      EXPECT_EQ(1, tables.mark_seen_calls);
+    }
+  }
+}
+
+TEST(TraceForwardingSafety, MalformedWrongHashAndFullSnrPathNeverReachForwardingGate) {
+  TraceTestClock clock; TraceTestRTC rtc; TraceTestRNG rng; TraceTestRadio radio;
+  ForwardingTestTables tables; StaticPoolPacketManager manager(12);
+  TraceForwardingPolicyMesh node(radio, clock, rng, rtc, manager, tables);
+  node.forwardFloods = true;
+  memset(node.self_id.pub_key, 0x42, PUB_KEY_SIZE);
+  const mesh::Packet valid = makeIncomingTrace(node, ROUTE_TYPE_DIRECT);
+  for (uint8_t length = 0; length < 9; ++length) {
+    mesh::Packet packet = valid;
+    packet.payload_len = length;
+    EXPECT_EQ(ACTION_RELEASE, node.receivePacket(&packet));
+  }
+  mesh::Packet wrong = valid;
+  wrong.payload[9] ^= 0xff;
+  EXPECT_EQ(ACTION_RELEASE, node.receivePacket(&wrong));
+  mesh::Packet truncated = valid;
+  truncated.payload[8] = 3;
+  truncated.payload_len = 10; // neither an eight-byte nor four-byte hash fits
+  EXPECT_EQ(ACTION_RELEASE, node.receivePacket(&truncated));
+  mesh::Packet full = valid;
+  full.path_len = MAX_PATH_SIZE;
+  EXPECT_EQ(ACTION_RELEASE, node.receivePacket(&full));
+  mesh::Packet long_offset = valid;
+  long_offset.path_len = 33;
+  long_offset.payload[8] = 3;
+  long_offset.payload_len = 9 + 160;
+  memset(long_offset.payload + 9, 0x42, 160);
+  EXPECT_EQ(ACTION_RELEASE, node.receivePacket(&long_offset)); // 33*8 must not wrap
+  EXPECT_EQ(0u, node.forwarding_checks);
+  EXPECT_EQ(0, tables.mark_seen_calls);
+}
+
+TEST(TraceForwardingSafety, FinalSnrSlotIsSafeAndDeniedAdmissionDoesNotMarkSeen) {
+  TraceTestClock clock; TraceTestRTC rtc; TraceTestRNG rng; TraceTestRadio radio;
+  ForwardingTestTables tables; StaticPoolPacketManager manager(12);
+  TraceForwardingPolicyMesh node(radio, clock, rng, rtc, manager, tables);
+  memset(node.self_id.pub_key, 0x42, PUB_KEY_SIZE);
+  mesh::Packet blocked = makeIncomingTrace(node, ROUTE_TYPE_DIRECT);
+  EXPECT_EQ(ACTION_RELEASE, node.receivePacket(&blocked));
+  EXPECT_EQ(0, blocked.path_len);
+  EXPECT_EQ(0, tables.mark_seen_calls);
+  node.forwardFloods = true;
+  mesh::Packet last = blocked;
+  last.path_len = MAX_PATH_SIZE - 1;
+  last.payload_len = 9 + MAX_PATH_SIZE;
+  memset(last.payload + 9, 0x42, MAX_PATH_SIZE);
+  EXPECT_NE(ACTION_RELEASE, node.receivePacket(&last));
+  EXPECT_EQ(MAX_PATH_SIZE, last.path_len);
+  EXPECT_EQ(17, last.path[MAX_PATH_SIZE - 1]);
+  EXPECT_EQ(1, tables.mark_seen_calls);
+}
+
+TEST(TraceForwardingSafety, EgressVetoRetiresQueuedRelayAndItsRetryOwner) {
+  TraceTestClock clock; TraceTestRTC rtc; TraceTestRNG rng; TraceTestRadio radio;
+  ForwardingTestTables tables; StaticPoolPacketManager manager(12);
+  TraceForwardingPolicyMesh node(radio, clock, rng, rtc, manager, tables);
+  node.begin();
+  node.forwardFloods = true;
+  memset(node.self_id.pub_key, 0x42, PUB_KEY_SIZE);
+  auto* relay = manager.allocNew(); ASSERT_NE(nullptr, relay);
+  *relay = makeIncomingTrace(node, ROUTE_TYPE_DIRECT);
+  ASSERT_NE(ACTION_RELEASE, node.receivePacket(relay));
+  ASSERT_TRUE(node.sendPacket(relay, 1));
+  node.denied = relay;
+  clock.now = 1000; node.loop();
+  EXPECT_FALSE(radio.sending);
+  EXPECT_EQ(0, manager.getOutboundTotal());
+  node.denied = nullptr;
+  clock.now = 10000; node.loop();
+  EXPECT_FALSE(radio.sending);
+  EXPECT_EQ(0, manager.getOutboundTotal());
+  EXPECT_EQ(12, manager.getFreeCount());
+}
+
+TEST(TraceForwardingSafety, AirtimeAlreadyStartedFinishesButQueuedRetryIsRetired) {
+  TraceTestClock clock; TraceTestRTC rtc; TraceTestRNG rng; TraceTestRadio radio;
+  ForwardingTestTables tables; StaticPoolPacketManager manager(12);
+  TraceForwardingPolicyMesh node(radio, clock, rng, rtc, manager, tables);
+  node.begin();
+  node.forwardFloods = true;
+  memset(node.self_id.pub_key, 0x42, PUB_KEY_SIZE);
+  auto* relay = manager.allocNew(); ASSERT_NE(nullptr, relay);
+  *relay = makeIncomingTrace(node, ROUTE_TYPE_DIRECT);
+  ASSERT_NE(ACTION_RELEASE, node.receivePacket(relay));
+  ASSERT_TRUE(node.sendPacket(relay, 1));
+  clock.now = 1; node.loop(); ASSERT_TRUE(radio.sending);
+  node.denied = relay;
+  clock.now = 2; node.loop(); EXPECT_TRUE(radio.sending);
+  radio.complete = true;
+  clock.now = 3; node.loop(); EXPECT_FALSE(radio.sending);
+  ASSERT_EQ(1, manager.getOutboundTotal());
+  node.denied = manager.getOutboundByIdx(0);
+  clock.now = 1000; node.loop();
+  EXPECT_FALSE(radio.sending);
+  EXPECT_EQ(0, manager.getOutboundTotal());
+  node.denied = nullptr;
+  clock.now = 10000; node.loop();
+  EXPECT_FALSE(radio.sending);
+  EXPECT_EQ(0, manager.getOutboundTotal());
+  EXPECT_EQ(12, manager.getFreeCount());
+}
+
 static mesh::Packet* makeTrace(TraceTestMesh& node, uint32_t tag, uint32_t auth,
                                const uint8_t* route, uint8_t route_len) {
   mesh::Packet* packet = node.createTrace(tag, auth, 0);