diff --git a/src/mesh/CryptoEngine.cpp b/src/mesh/CryptoEngine.cpp
index fa3bcd331..73ccb2166 100644
--- a/src/mesh/CryptoEngine.cpp
+++ b/src/mesh/CryptoEngine.cpp
@@ -116,8 +116,11 @@ bool CryptoEngine::xeddsa_sign(uint32_t fromNode, uint32_t packetId, uint32_t po
     size_t sigLen = buildSigningBuffer(sigBuf, sizeof(sigBuf), fromNode, packetId, portnum, payload, payloadLen);
     if (sigLen == 0)
         return false;
-    // the XEdDSA::sign function requires at least the first 32 bytes of signature to be pre-filled with randomness
-    HardwareRNG::fill(signature, 32);
+    // XEdDSA::sign mixes signature[0..31] into the nonce as the spec's random Z (meshtastic/Crypto#3)
+    // for hedged signatures, so seed it - hardware RNG, else the seeded CSPRNG. A weak Z is still
+    // safe against nonce reuse (defense-in-depth only), so we never fail signing over it.
+    if (!HardwareRNG::fill(signature, 32))
+        CryptRNG.rand(signature, 32);
     XEdDSA::sign(signature, xeddsa_private_key, xeddsa_public_key, sigBuf, sigLen);
     return true;
 }
diff --git a/src/mesh/CryptoEngine.h b/src/mesh/CryptoEngine.h
index 96e1909b3..2b0090d5c 100644
--- a/src/mesh/CryptoEngine.h
+++ b/src/mesh/CryptoEngine.h
@@ -24,6 +24,9 @@ struct CryptoKey {
 #define MAX_BLOCKSIZE 256
 #define TEST_CURVE25519_FIELD_OPS // Exposes Curve25519::isWeakPoint() for testing keys
 #define XEDDSA_SIGNATURE_SIZE 64
+// Encoded size the signature adds to the Data protobuf: 1 tag byte (field 10 < 16) +
+// 1 length byte (64 < 128) + 64 signature bytes. test_packet_signing asserts this stays exact.
+#define XEDDSA_SIGNATURE_FIELD_BYTES (XEDDSA_SIGNATURE_SIZE + 2)
 
 class CryptoEngine
 {
diff --git a/src/mesh/Router.cpp b/src/mesh/Router.cpp
index 977d478d4..e2fbcf419 100644
--- a/src/mesh/Router.cpp
+++ b/src/mesh/Router.cpp
@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@
 #include "mesh-pb-constants.h"
 #include "meshUtils.h"
 #include "modules/RoutingModule.h"
+#include <pb_encode.h>
 #if HAS_TRAFFIC_MANAGEMENT
 #include "modules/TrafficManagementModule.h"
 #endif
@@ -444,6 +445,58 @@ void Router::sniffReceived(const meshtastic_MeshPacket *p, const meshtastic_Rout
     // FIXME, update nodedb here for any packet that passes through us
 }
 
+#if !(MESHTASTIC_EXCLUDE_PKI) && !(MESHTASTIC_EXCLUDE_XEDDSA)
+bool checkXeddsaReceivePolicy(meshtastic_MeshPacket *p, size_t encodedDataSize)
+{
+    // Only a signature we verify below may mark this packet signed; never trust an inbound flag.
+    p->xeddsa_signed = false;
+    if (p->decoded.xeddsa_signature.size == XEDDSA_SIGNATURE_SIZE) {
+        meshtastic_NodeInfoLite *node = nodeDB->getMeshNode(p->from);
+        if (node && node->public_key.size == 32) {
+            p->xeddsa_signed =
+                crypto->xeddsa_verify(node->public_key.bytes, p->from, p->id, p->decoded.portnum, p->decoded.payload.bytes,
+                                      p->decoded.payload.size, p->decoded.xeddsa_signature.bytes);
+            if (p->xeddsa_signed) {
+                // Learn this node as a signer, so a later unsigned signable broadcast from it is dropped
+                nodeInfoLiteSetBit(node, NODEINFO_BITFIELD_HAS_XEDDSA_SIGNED_MASK, true);
+                LOG_DEBUG("Verified XEdDSA signature from 0x%08x", p->from);
+            } else {
+                LOG_WARN("XEdDSA signature verification failed from 0x%08x, dropping", p->from);
+                return false;
+            }
+        } else {
+            LOG_DEBUG("No public key for 0x%08x, cannot verify XEdDSA signature", p->from);
+        }
+    } else if (p->decoded.xeddsa_signature.size != 0) {
+        // A signature field that is neither empty nor a full 64 bytes is malformed - honest
+        // senders emit only those two sizes (perhapsEncode sets 0 or XEDDSA_SIGNATURE_SIZE). Drop
+        // it: a crafted partial signature would otherwise land in the unsigned branch below while
+        // its bytes inflated the size estimate, letting a forged broadcast dodge the downgrade drop.
+        LOG_WARN("Malformed XEdDSA signature (%u bytes) from 0x%08x, dropping", (unsigned)p->decoded.xeddsa_signature.size,
+                 p->from);
+        return false;
+    } else {
+        // Truly unsigned (signature size 0) - only reject the class a signing node always signs: a
+        // non-PKI broadcast whose signed encoding would still fit the LoRa frame. encodedDataSize is
+        // the size of the encoded Data exactly as the sender built it (or 0 to size p->decoded
+        // canonically); with no signature field present it is the unsigned base, and adding
+        // XEDDSA_SIGNATURE_FIELD_BYTES mirrors the sender-side signedDataFits() gate per packet,
+        // whatever fields the Data carried. Unicast/PKI packets and broadcasts too big to carry a
+        // signature are never signed, so they must not be hard-failed here even for a known signer.
+        const meshtastic_NodeInfoLite *node = nodeDB->getMeshNode(p->from);
+        if (node && nodeInfoLiteHasXeddsaSigned(node) && !p->pki_encrypted && isBroadcast(p->to)) {
+            if (encodedDataSize == 0 && !pb_get_encoded_size(&encodedDataSize, &meshtastic_Data_msg, &p->decoded))
+                return true; // can't size it; never drop on a sizing failure
+            if (encodedDataSize + XEDDSA_SIGNATURE_FIELD_BYTES + MESHTASTIC_HEADER_LENGTH <= MAX_LORA_PAYLOAD_LEN) {
+                LOG_WARN("Dropping unsigned broadcast from 0x%08x that previously signed", p->from);
+                return false;
+            }
+        }
+    }
+    return true;
+}
+#endif
+
 DecodeState perhapsDecode(meshtastic_MeshPacket *p)
 {
     concurrency::LockGuard g(cryptLock);
@@ -542,35 +595,11 @@ DecodeState perhapsDecode(meshtastic_MeshPacket *p)
             p->decoded.want_response |= p->decoded.bitfield & BITFIELD_WANT_RESPONSE_MASK;
 
 #if !(MESHTASTIC_EXCLUDE_PKI) && !(MESHTASTIC_EXCLUDE_XEDDSA)
-        if (p->decoded.xeddsa_signature.size == XEDDSA_SIGNATURE_SIZE) {
-            meshtastic_NodeInfoLite *node = nodeDB->getMeshNode(p->from);
-            if (node && node->public_key.size == 32) {
-                p->xeddsa_signed =
-                    crypto->xeddsa_verify(node->public_key.bytes, p->from, p->id, p->decoded.portnum, p->decoded.payload.bytes,
-                                          p->decoded.payload.size, p->decoded.xeddsa_signature.bytes);
-                if (p->xeddsa_signed) {
-                    // Mark this node as a signer so future unsigned packets from it are rejected
-                    nodeInfoLiteSetBit(node, NODEINFO_BITFIELD_HAS_XEDDSA_SIGNED_MASK, true);
-                    LOG_DEBUG("Verified XEdDSA signature from 0x%08x", p->from);
-                } else {
-                    LOG_WARN("XEdDSA signature verification failed from 0x%08x, dropping", p->from);
-                    return DecodeState::DECODE_FAILURE;
-                }
-            } else {
-                LOG_DEBUG("No public key for 0x%08x, cannot verify XEdDSA signature", p->from);
-            }
-        } else {
-            // Unsigned packet - only reject the class of packet a signing node always signs:
-            // an unencrypted broadcast small enough to also carry a signature (see perhapsEncode()).
-            // Unicast packets and oversized broadcasts are never signed, so they must not be
-            // hard-failed here even if this node has signed before.
-            const meshtastic_NodeInfoLite *node = nodeDB->getMeshNode(p->from);
-            if (node && nodeInfoLiteHasXeddsaSigned(node) && isBroadcast(p->to) &&
-                p->decoded.payload.size + XEDDSA_SIGNATURE_SIZE < meshtastic_Constants_DATA_PAYLOAD_LEN) {
-                LOG_WARN("Dropping unsigned broadcast from 0x%08x that previously signed", p->from);
-                return DecodeState::DECODE_FAILURE;
-            }
-        }
+        // rawSize is the size of the encoded Data exactly as the sender built it (the PKI branch's
+        // MESHTASTIC_PKC_OVERHEAD subtraction preserves that, and PKI packets are unicast so the
+        // downgrade predicate ignores them anyway).
+        if (!checkXeddsaReceivePolicy(p, rawSize))
+            return DecodeState::DECODE_FAILURE;
 #endif
 
         /* Not actually ever used.
@@ -629,6 +658,20 @@ DecodeState perhapsDecode(meshtastic_MeshPacket *p)
     }
 }
 
+#if !(MESHTASTIC_EXCLUDE_PKI) && !(MESHTASTIC_EXCLUDE_XEDDSA)
+/** Exact sender-side sign gate: would this Data still fit the LoRa frame with a 64-byte
+ * signature attached? Sized with the real encoder so it tracks whatever fields are present. */
+static bool signedDataFits(meshtastic_Data *d)
+{
+    const pb_size_t prevSize = d->xeddsa_signature.size;
+    d->xeddsa_signature.size = XEDDSA_SIGNATURE_SIZE;
+    size_t encodedSize;
+    const bool sized = pb_get_encoded_size(&encodedSize, &meshtastic_Data_msg, d);
+    d->xeddsa_signature.size = prevSize;
+    return sized && encodedSize + MESHTASTIC_HEADER_LENGTH <= MAX_LORA_PAYLOAD_LEN;
+}
+#endif
+
 /** Return 0 for success or a Routing_Error code for failure
  */
 meshtastic_Routing_Error perhapsEncode(meshtastic_MeshPacket *p)
@@ -643,11 +686,18 @@ meshtastic_Routing_Error perhapsEncode(meshtastic_MeshPacket *p)
             p->decoded.has_bitfield = true;
             p->decoded.bitfield |= (config.lora.config_ok_to_mqtt << BITFIELD_OK_TO_MQTT_SHIFT);
             p->decoded.bitfield |= (p->decoded.want_response << BITFIELD_WANT_RESPONSE_SHIFT);
+            // We own signing for packets we originate; discard any signature a client preset.
+            // Outside the XEdDSA guard: the field exists in the protobuf on every build, and a
+            // stale/garbage signature transmitted by a non-signing build would hard-fail
+            // verification at every XEdDSA-enabled receiver that knows our key.
+            p->decoded.xeddsa_signature.size = 0;
 #if !(MESHTASTIC_EXCLUDE_PKI) && !(MESHTASTIC_EXCLUDE_XEDDSA)
-            // Sign broadcast packets if payload + signature fits within the max Data payload.
-            // The actual encoded size is checked after pb_encode (TOO_LARGE).
-            if (!p->pki_encrypted && isBroadcast(p->to) &&
-                p->decoded.payload.size + XEDDSA_SIGNATURE_SIZE < meshtastic_Constants_DATA_PAYLOAD_LEN) {
+            // Sign broadcast packets when the Data still fits a LoRa frame with the signature
+            // attached. This must be the exact encoded-size criterion, not a payload-size
+            // heuristic: a heuristic band where we sign-then-fail-TOO_LARGE breaks packets that
+            // were deliverable unsigned, and perhapsDecode() applies the mirror-image rule when
+            // deciding whether an unsigned broadcast from a known signer is a downgrade.
+            if (!p->pki_encrypted && isBroadcast(p->to) && signedDataFits(&p->decoded)) {
                 if (crypto->xeddsa_sign(p->from, p->id, p->decoded.portnum, p->decoded.payload.bytes, p->decoded.payload.size,
                                         p->decoded.xeddsa_signature.bytes)) {
                     p->decoded.xeddsa_signature.size = XEDDSA_SIGNATURE_SIZE;
diff --git a/src/mesh/Router.h b/src/mesh/Router.h
index b9c1d9c54..954b88f24 100644
--- a/src/mesh/Router.h
+++ b/src/mesh/Router.h
@@ -175,6 +175,26 @@ DecodeState perhapsDecode(meshtastic_MeshPacket *p);
  */
 meshtastic_Routing_Error perhapsEncode(meshtastic_MeshPacket *p);
 
+#if !(MESHTASTIC_EXCLUDE_PKI) && !(MESHTASTIC_EXCLUDE_XEDDSA)
+/** XEdDSA receive-side signature policy. When the packet carries a 64-byte signature *and* the
+ * sender's public key is known, verify it: on success learn the sender's signer bit, on failure
+ * drop. If the key is unknown the signature is left unverified and the packet passes. A signature
+ * of any other non-zero length is treated as malformed and dropped. For unsigned packets, enforce
+ * downgrade protection: drop a non-PKI broadcast from a known signer whose signed encoding would
+ * still fit a LoRa frame (unicast, PKI, and oversized broadcasts always pass).
+ *
+ * encodedDataSize is the wire size of the encoded Data as the sender built it; pass 0 to size
+ * p->decoded canonically instead (for already-decoded ingress such as plaintext-MQTT downlink,
+ * which bypasses perhapsDecode's crypto path).
+ *
+ * The caller MUST hold cryptLock: verification runs through the shared CryptoEngine key cache.
+ * (perhapsDecode already holds it; other call sites must take it themselves.)
+ *
+ * @return false if the packet must be dropped.
+ */
+bool checkXeddsaReceivePolicy(meshtastic_MeshPacket *p, size_t encodedDataSize = 0);
+#endif
+
 extern Router *router;
 
 /// Generate a unique packet id
diff --git a/src/modules/NodeInfoModule.cpp b/src/modules/NodeInfoModule.cpp
index a97ce04a7..7b9f29201 100644
--- a/src/modules/NodeInfoModule.cpp
+++ b/src/modules/NodeInfoModule.cpp
@@ -51,8 +51,10 @@ bool NodeInfoModule::handleReceivedProtobuf(const meshtastic_MeshPacket &mp, mes
     }
     NodeNum sourceNum = getFrom(&mp);
     const meshtastic_NodeInfoLite *node = nodeDB->getMeshNode(sourceNum);
-    if (node && nodeInfoLiteHasXeddsaSigned(node) && !mp.xeddsa_signed) {
-        LOG_WARN("Dropping unsigned NodeInfo from node 0x%08x that previously signed", sourceNum);
+    // Broadcasts only: senders never sign unicast NodeInfo, so dropping it would break exchanges
+    // with signer nodes. Backstops ingress that skips Router's downgrade drop (e.g. decoded MQTT).
+    if (node && nodeInfoLiteHasXeddsaSigned(node) && !mp.xeddsa_signed && isBroadcast(mp.to)) {
+        LOG_WARN("Dropping unsigned NodeInfo broadcast from node 0x%08x that previously signed", sourceNum);
         return true;
     }
 
diff --git a/src/mqtt/MQTT.cpp b/src/mqtt/MQTT.cpp
index 8d5ef8ebe..9c2acf5a4 100644
--- a/src/mqtt/MQTT.cpp
+++ b/src/mqtt/MQTT.cpp
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@
 #include "configuration.h"
 #include "main.h"
 #include "mesh/Channels.h"
+#include "mesh/CryptoEngine.h"
 #include "mesh/Router.h"
 #include "mesh/generated/meshtastic/mqtt.pb.h"
 #include "mesh/generated/meshtastic/telemetry.pb.h"
@@ -131,6 +132,21 @@ inline void onReceiveProto(char *topic, byte *payload, size_t length)
             return;
         }
         p->channel = ch.index;
+#if !(MESHTASTIC_EXCLUDE_PKI) && !(MESHTASTIC_EXCLUDE_XEDDSA)
+        // Already-decoded downlink skips perhapsDecode's crypto path entirely, so enforce the
+        // signature policy here: verify a carried signature and apply unsigned-downgrade
+        // protection for known signers. Without this, a peer on a plaintext broker could
+        // impersonate a signing node with unsigned broadcasts. Hold cryptLock like the RF path
+        // (perhapsDecode) does - checkXeddsaReceivePolicy -> xeddsa_verify mutates shared
+        // CryptoEngine cache state, and MQTT ingress can run on a different task.
+        {
+            concurrency::LockGuard g(cryptLock);
+            if (!checkXeddsaReceivePolicy(p.get())) {
+                LOG_INFO("Ignore decoded message failing XEdDSA policy");
+                return;
+            }
+        }
+#endif
     }
 
     // PKI messages get accepted even if we can't decrypt
diff --git a/test/test_crypto/test_main.cpp b/test/test_crypto/test_main.cpp
index 99edfa69c..30ed9490d 100644
--- a/test/test_crypto/test_main.cpp
+++ b/test/test_crypto/test_main.cpp
@@ -263,11 +263,12 @@ void test_XEdDSA_max_payload(void)
     TEST_ASSERT_FALSE(crypto->xeddsa_verify(pub, fromNode, packetId, portnum, payload, len, signature));
 }
 
-// Signing the same message twice yields signatures that both verify. This XEdDSA implementation is
-// deterministic in practice (the two signatures are typically byte-identical, even though
-// HardwareRNG::fill provides real entropy on this platform), so we assert only the security-relevant
-// property - every produced signature verifies - rather than asserting (non-)determinism.
-void test_XEdDSA_repeated_sign_verifies(void)
+// XEdDSA is a randomized (hedged) scheme: the nonce mixes in Z, caller-supplied randomness
+// (Signal spec; meshtastic/Crypto#3). CryptoEngine::xeddsa_sign seeds Z from the hardware RNG, so
+// signing the same message twice yields *different* signatures that both verify. This pins that
+// the randomization is actually wired through end to end - if signing regresses to deterministic
+// (Z dropped by the library, or xeddsa_sign stops seeding entropy), the inequality assertion fails.
+void test_XEdDSA_repeated_sign_is_randomized(void)
 {
     uint8_t pub[32], priv[32], sig1[64], sig2[64];
     uint8_t message[] = "same message";
@@ -277,6 +278,8 @@ void test_XEdDSA_repeated_sign_verifies(void)
     TEST_ASSERT(crypto->xeddsa_sign(fromNode, packetId, portnum, message, sizeof(message), sig1));
     TEST_ASSERT(crypto->xeddsa_sign(fromNode, packetId, portnum, message, sizeof(message), sig2));
 
+    TEST_ASSERT_TRUE_MESSAGE(memcmp(sig1, sig2, sizeof(sig1)) != 0,
+                             "signatures must differ - XEdDSA Z randomization is not wired through");
     TEST_ASSERT_TRUE(crypto->xeddsa_verify(pub, fromNode, packetId, portnum, message, sizeof(message), sig1));
     TEST_ASSERT_TRUE(crypto->xeddsa_verify(pub, fromNode, packetId, portnum, message, sizeof(message), sig2));
 }
@@ -326,7 +329,7 @@ void setup()
     RUN_TEST(test_XEdDSA_empty_key_sign_fails);
     RUN_TEST(test_XEdDSA_curve_to_ed_cache);
     RUN_TEST(test_XEdDSA_max_payload);
-    RUN_TEST(test_XEdDSA_repeated_sign_verifies);
+    RUN_TEST(test_XEdDSA_repeated_sign_is_randomized);
     exit(UNITY_END()); // stop unit testing
 }
 
diff --git a/test/test_mqtt/MQTT.cpp b/test/test_mqtt/MQTT.cpp
index c091243ab..7052b1bcd 100644
--- a/test/test_mqtt/MQTT.cpp
+++ b/test/test_mqtt/MQTT.cpp
@@ -224,6 +224,7 @@ MockPubSubServer *pubsub;
 MockRoutingModule *mockRoutingModule;
 MockMeshService *mockMeshService;
 MockRouter *mockRouter;
+MockNodeDB *mockNodeDB;
 
 // Keep running the loop until either conditionMet returns true or 4 seconds elapse.
 // Returns true if conditionMet returns true, returns false on timeout.
@@ -340,6 +341,11 @@ void setUp(void)
     localPosition =
         meshtastic_Position{.has_latitude_i = true, .latitude_i = 700000000, .has_longitude_i = true, .longitude_i = 300000000};
 
+    // The shared MockNodeDB node is mutated by the XEdDSA policy tests (signer bit, public
+    // key); reset it so state can't leak between tests.
+    if (mockNodeDB)
+        mockNodeDB->emptyNode = meshtastic_NodeInfoLite();
+
     router = mockRouter = new MockRouter();
     service = mockMeshService = new MockMeshService();
     routingModule = mockRoutingModule = new MockRoutingModule();
@@ -651,6 +657,86 @@ void test_receiveIgnoresDecodedAdminApp(void)
     TEST_ASSERT_TRUE(mockRouter->packets_.empty());
 }
 
+#if !(MESHTASTIC_EXCLUDE_PKI) && !(MESHTASTIC_EXCLUDE_XEDDSA)
+// Small decoded broadcast from a remote node, as a plaintext broker would deliver it.
+static meshtastic_MeshPacket makeDecodedBroadcast()
+{
+    meshtastic_MeshPacket p = meshtastic_MeshPacket_init_zero;
+    p.from = 1;
+    p.to = NODENUM_BROADCAST;
+    p.id = 7;
+    p.which_payload_variant = meshtastic_MeshPacket_decoded_tag;
+    p.decoded.portnum = meshtastic_PortNum_TEXT_MESSAGE_APP;
+    p.decoded.payload.size = 5;
+    memcpy(p.decoded.payload.bytes, "hello", 5);
+    return p;
+}
+
+// Decoded (plaintext-broker) downlink skips perhapsDecode's crypto path, so MQTT applies
+// checkXeddsaReceivePolicy at ingress. An unsigned broadcast claiming to come from a node that
+// previously signed must be dropped - without this, a rogue broker peer could impersonate any
+// signing node (audit F3).
+void test_receiveDropsUnsignedBroadcastFromSigner(void)
+{
+    mockNodeDB->emptyNode.bitfield |= NODEINFO_BITFIELD_HAS_XEDDSA_SIGNED_MASK;
+
+    const meshtastic_MeshPacket p = makeDecodedBroadcast();
+    unitTest->publish(&p);
+
+    TEST_ASSERT_TRUE(mockRouter->packets_.empty());
+}
+
+// The same unsigned broadcast from a node never seen signing is accepted.
+void test_receiveAcceptsUnsignedBroadcastFromNonSigner(void)
+{
+    const meshtastic_MeshPacket p = makeDecodedBroadcast();
+    unitTest->publish(&p);
+
+    TEST_ASSERT_EQUAL(1, mockRouter->packets_.size());
+    TEST_ASSERT_FALSE(mockRouter->packets_.front().xeddsa_signed);
+}
+
+// A validly signed decoded downlink verifies at ingress: delivered with xeddsa_signed set and
+// the sender's signer bit learned.
+void test_receiveVerifiesSignedDecodedDownlink(void)
+{
+    uint8_t pub[32], priv[32];
+    crypto->generateKeyPair(pub, priv);
+    mockNodeDB->emptyNode.public_key.size = 32;
+    memcpy(mockNodeDB->emptyNode.public_key.bytes, pub, 32);
+
+    meshtastic_MeshPacket p = makeDecodedBroadcast();
+    TEST_ASSERT_TRUE(crypto->xeddsa_sign(p.from, p.id, p.decoded.portnum, p.decoded.payload.bytes, p.decoded.payload.size,
+                                         p.decoded.xeddsa_signature.bytes));
+    p.decoded.xeddsa_signature.size = XEDDSA_SIGNATURE_SIZE;
+
+    unitTest->publish(&p);
+
+    TEST_ASSERT_EQUAL(1, mockRouter->packets_.size());
+    TEST_ASSERT_TRUE(mockRouter->packets_.front().xeddsa_signed);
+    TEST_ASSERT_TRUE(mockNodeDB->emptyNode.bitfield & NODEINFO_BITFIELD_HAS_XEDDSA_SIGNED_MASK);
+}
+
+// A decoded downlink carrying a signature that fails verification is dropped.
+void test_receiveDropsBadSignatureOnDecodedDownlink(void)
+{
+    uint8_t pub[32], priv[32];
+    crypto->generateKeyPair(pub, priv);
+    mockNodeDB->emptyNode.public_key.size = 32;
+    memcpy(mockNodeDB->emptyNode.public_key.bytes, pub, 32);
+
+    meshtastic_MeshPacket p = makeDecodedBroadcast();
+    TEST_ASSERT_TRUE(crypto->xeddsa_sign(p.from, p.id, p.decoded.portnum, p.decoded.payload.bytes, p.decoded.payload.size,
+                                         p.decoded.xeddsa_signature.bytes));
+    p.decoded.xeddsa_signature.size = XEDDSA_SIGNATURE_SIZE;
+    p.decoded.xeddsa_signature.bytes[0] ^= 0xFF;
+
+    unitTest->publish(&p);
+
+    TEST_ASSERT_TRUE(mockRouter->packets_.empty());
+}
+#endif // !(MESHTASTIC_EXCLUDE_PKI) && !(MESHTASTIC_EXCLUDE_XEDDSA)
+
 // Only the same fields that are transmitted over LoRa should be set in MQTT messages.
 void test_receiveIgnoresUnexpectedFields(void)
 {
@@ -880,8 +966,7 @@ void test_configWithTLSEnabled(void)
 void setup()
 {
     initializeTestEnvironment();
-    const std::unique_ptr<MockNodeDB> mockNodeDB(new MockNodeDB());
-    nodeDB = mockNodeDB.get();
+    nodeDB = mockNodeDB = new MockNodeDB(); // freed implicitly by exit(UNITY_END()) below
 
     UNITY_BEGIN();
     RUN_TEST(test_sendDirectlyConnectedDecoded);
@@ -905,6 +990,12 @@ void setup()
     RUN_TEST(test_receiveIgnoresSentMessagesFromOthers);
     RUN_TEST(test_receiveIgnoresDecodedWhenEncryptionEnabled);
     RUN_TEST(test_receiveIgnoresDecodedAdminApp);
+#if !(MESHTASTIC_EXCLUDE_PKI) && !(MESHTASTIC_EXCLUDE_XEDDSA)
+    RUN_TEST(test_receiveDropsUnsignedBroadcastFromSigner);
+    RUN_TEST(test_receiveAcceptsUnsignedBroadcastFromNonSigner);
+    RUN_TEST(test_receiveVerifiesSignedDecodedDownlink);
+    RUN_TEST(test_receiveDropsBadSignatureOnDecodedDownlink);
+#endif
     RUN_TEST(test_receiveIgnoresUnexpectedFields);
     RUN_TEST(test_receiveIgnoresInvalidHopLimit);
     RUN_TEST(test_publishTextMessageDirect);
diff --git a/test/test_packet_signing/test_main.cpp b/test/test_packet_signing/test_main.cpp
index 9bddc7527..707d71619 100644
--- a/test/test_packet_signing/test_main.cpp
+++ b/test/test_packet_signing/test_main.cpp
@@ -1,19 +1,23 @@
 // Tests for XEdDSA packet-signing *policy* - the receive-path accept/reject behavior and the
 // send-path signing policy - as opposed to the raw sign/verify primitive (covered in test_crypto).
 //
-// The decision logic under test lives inside perhapsDecode()/perhapsEncode() (free functions in
-// Router.cpp). It only runs after a packet is decrypted, so every case drives a real
-// encode -> decode round-trip through the default channel (black-box, no production changes).
+// The decision logic under test lives in Router.cpp free functions. Groups A/B drive a real
+// encode -> decode round-trip through the default channel (perhapsEncode/perhapsDecode, black-box,
+// no production changes); Groups C-E exercise the policy helpers directly.
 //
 //   Group A  receive-side accept/reject matrix (verify, downgrade protection, signer-bit learning)
 //   Group B  send-side signing policy (which outgoing packets perhapsEncode signs)
-//   Group C  NodeInfoModule's stricter "drop unsigned NodeInfo from a known signer" rule
+//   Group C  NodeInfoModule's broadcast-only "drop unsigned NodeInfo from a known signer" rule
+//   Group D  encoding invariants the routing gates depend on
+//   Group E  decoded-ingress policy (checkXeddsaReceivePolicy, the plaintext-MQTT trust boundary)
 
 #include "MeshTypes.h" // include BEFORE TestUtil.h
 #include "TestUtil.h"
 #include <unity.h>
 
-#if !(MESHTASTIC_EXCLUDE_PKI)
+// The whole suite exercises XEdDSA sign/verify and checkXeddsaReceivePolicy, all of which are
+// compiled out unless both PKI and XEdDSA are enabled (e.g. stm32 sets MESHTASTIC_EXCLUDE_XEDDSA).
+#if !(MESHTASTIC_EXCLUDE_PKI) && !(MESHTASTIC_EXCLUDE_XEDDSA)
 
 #include "mesh/Channels.h"
 #include "mesh/CryptoEngine.h"
@@ -23,6 +27,7 @@
 #include <cstdio>
 #include <cstring>
 #include <memory>
+#include <pb_encode.h>
 #include <vector>
 
 // ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -31,8 +36,8 @@
 static constexpr NodeNum LOCAL_NODE = 0x0A0A0A0A;
 static constexpr NodeNum REMOTE_NODE = 0x0B0B0B0B;
 
-// A "small" broadcast payload that leaves room for a 64-byte signature (payload + 64 < 233),
-// and an "oversized" one that does not (payload + 64 >= 233) yet still encodes within a LoRa frame.
+// A "small" broadcast payload whose signed encoding easily fits a LoRa frame, and an "oversized"
+// one whose signed encoding does not, yet still encodes within a LoRa frame unsigned.
 static constexpr size_t SMALL_PAYLOAD = 16;
 static constexpr size_t OVERSIZED_PAYLOAD = 180;
 
@@ -126,19 +131,39 @@ static bool remoteSignerBit()
     return nodeInfoLiteHasXeddsaSigned(mockNodeDB->getMeshNode(REMOTE_NODE));
 }
 
+// Size a Data message exactly as the wire encoder would.
+static size_t encodedDataSize(const meshtastic_Data *d)
+{
+    size_t s = 0;
+    TEST_ASSERT_TRUE_MESSAGE(pb_get_encoded_size(&s, &meshtastic_Data_msg, d), "pb_get_encoded_size failed");
+    return s;
+}
+
+// Would this Data still fit a LoRa frame with a 64-byte signature attached? Mirror of the
+// production gate in Router.cpp (signedDataFits / the perhapsDecode downgrade predicate).
+static bool signedEncodingFits(const meshtastic_Data *d)
+{
+    meshtastic_Data copy = *d;
+    copy.xeddsa_signature.size = XEDDSA_SIGNATURE_SIZE;
+    return encodedDataSize(&copy) + MESHTASTIC_HEADER_LENGTH <= MAX_LORA_PAYLOAD_LEN;
+}
+
 // ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 // Unity lifecycle
 // ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 void setUp(void)
 {
-    // Clean global config/owner; zeroed config => rebroadcast ALL (no KNOWN_ONLY drop) and
-    // security.private_key.size == 0 (PKI encrypt path skipped => simple channel crypto).
-    config = meshtastic_LocalConfig_init_zero;
-    owner = meshtastic_User_init_zero;
-
+    // Construct the mock FIRST: the NodeDB constructor can reload persisted state from the
+    // host filesystem (portduino VFS) and repopulate the globals - a saved private key
+    // re-enables the PKI encrypt path and fails the unicast tests on hosts with leftover prefs.
     mockNodeDB = new MockNodeDB();
     mockNodeDB->clearTestNodes();
     nodeDB = mockNodeDB;
+
+    // Clean global config/owner AFTER the ctor; zeroed config => rebroadcast ALL (no KNOWN_ONLY
+    // drop) and security.private_key.size == 0 (PKI encrypt path skipped => simple channel crypto).
+    config = meshtastic_LocalConfig_init_zero;
+    owner = meshtastic_User_init_zero;
     myNodeInfo.my_node_num = LOCAL_NODE; // drives isFromUs()/getFrom()/isToUs()
 
     // Working primary channel with the default PSK so encrypt/decrypt round-trips.
@@ -251,6 +276,54 @@ void test_A7_unsigned_oversized_broadcast_from_signer_accepted(void)
     TEST_ASSERT_EQUAL(DECODE_SUCCESS, roundTrip(&p));
 }
 
+// A8: F2 regression - unsigned broadcast from a signer in the old "dead band": its *encoded* Data
+// can't take a 64-byte signature and still fit a LoRa frame, but the old payload-size heuristic
+// (payload + 64 < DATA_PAYLOAD_LEN) judged it signable and dropped it as a downgrade. Must be
+// accepted: an honest signer physically cannot sign this packet.
+void test_A8_unsigned_deadband_broadcast_from_signer_accepted(void)
+{
+    mockNodeDB->addNode(REMOTE_NODE);
+    mockNodeDB->setSignerBit(REMOTE_NODE, true);
+
+    // Shape it like a real sender's Data: perhapsEncode adds the bitfield to packets a node
+    // originates, so remote broadcast traffic carries it too.
+    meshtastic_MeshPacket p = makeDecoded(REMOTE_NODE, NODENUM_BROADCAST, meshtastic_PortNum_TEXT_MESSAGE_APP, 167);
+    p.decoded.has_bitfield = true;
+    p.decoded.bitfield = 0;
+
+    // Pin the payload inside the dead band; if Data's encoding ever shifts, retune the payload
+    // size above instead of letting this test pass vacuously.
+    TEST_ASSERT_TRUE_MESSAGE(p.decoded.payload.size + XEDDSA_SIGNATURE_SIZE < meshtastic_Constants_DATA_PAYLOAD_LEN,
+                             "payload must sit in the old heuristic's drop range");
+    TEST_ASSERT_FALSE_MESSAGE(signedEncodingFits(&p.decoded), "signed encoding must NOT fit a LoRa frame");
+
+    TEST_ASSERT_EQUAL(DECODE_SUCCESS, roundTrip(&p));
+    TEST_ASSERT_FALSE(p.xeddsa_signed);
+}
+
+// A9: the boundary holds - the largest broadcast whose signed encoding still fits is still
+// subject to the downgrade drop when it arrives unsigned from a known signer.
+// (Deliberately non-discriminating: the old heuristic dropped this packet too. A9 pins the
+// boundary against over-correction; A8 and B4 are the F2 regression discriminators.)
+void test_A9_unsigned_boundary_broadcast_from_signer_still_dropped(void)
+{
+    mockNodeDB->addNode(REMOTE_NODE);
+    mockNodeDB->setSignerBit(REMOTE_NODE, true);
+
+    meshtastic_MeshPacket p = makeDecoded(REMOTE_NODE, NODENUM_BROADCAST, meshtastic_PortNum_TEXT_MESSAGE_APP, 166);
+    p.decoded.has_bitfield = true;
+    p.decoded.bitfield = 0;
+
+    // Exactly at the limit: signed encoding fills the frame to the last byte. Pinned so the
+    // boundary can't silently drift.
+    meshtastic_Data signedCopy = p.decoded;
+    signedCopy.xeddsa_signature.size = XEDDSA_SIGNATURE_SIZE;
+    TEST_ASSERT_EQUAL_MESSAGE(MAX_LORA_PAYLOAD_LEN, encodedDataSize(&signedCopy) + MESHTASTIC_HEADER_LENGTH,
+                              "payload no longer sits exactly on the fit boundary - retune it");
+
+    TEST_ASSERT_EQUAL(DECODE_FAILURE, roundTrip(&p));
+}
+
 // ===========================================================================
 // Group B - send-side signing policy (perhapsEncode)
 // ===========================================================================
@@ -290,8 +363,100 @@ void test_B3_local_oversized_broadcast_not_signed(void)
     TEST_ASSERT_EQUAL_MESSAGE(0, p.decoded.xeddsa_signature.size, "oversized broadcast must not be signed");
 }
 
+// B4: F2 regression sweep - every broadcast payload size that fits a LoRa frame unsigned must
+// still be deliverable: signing steps aside exactly when the signed encoding stops fitting,
+// never producing TOO_LARGE (the old heuristic dead-banded payloads 167-168). Because the first
+// verified packet sets our signer bit in the mock DB, the later unsigned sizes also prove the
+// receiver's downgrade predicate stays exactly symmetric with the sender's sign gate.
+void test_B4_all_broadcast_sizes_deliverable_no_deadband(void)
+{
+    uint8_t pub[32], priv[32];
+    crypto->generateKeyPair(pub, priv);
+    mockNodeDB->addNode(LOCAL_NODE);
+    mockNodeDB->setPublicKey(LOCAL_NODE, pub);
+
+    bool sawSigned = false, sawUnsigned = false;
+    for (size_t n = 1; n <= 232; n++) {
+        char msg[32];
+        snprintf(msg, sizeof(msg), "payload size %u", (unsigned)n);
+
+        meshtastic_MeshPacket p = makeDecoded(LOCAL_NODE, NODENUM_BROADCAST, meshtastic_PortNum_TEXT_MESSAGE_APP, n);
+        TEST_ASSERT_EQUAL_MESSAGE(DECODE_SUCCESS, roundTrip(&p), msg);
+
+        // Exact oracle: signed iff the signed encoding fits the frame. signedEncodingFits() forces
+        // the signature size itself, so it reads the same whether or not p.decoded came back signed.
+        const bool isSigned = p.decoded.xeddsa_signature.size == XEDDSA_SIGNATURE_SIZE;
+        TEST_ASSERT_EQUAL_MESSAGE(signedEncodingFits(&p.decoded), isSigned, msg);
+
+        if (isSigned) {
+            TEST_ASSERT_FALSE_MESSAGE(sawUnsigned, msg);    // monotonic: once too big, never signed again
+            TEST_ASSERT_TRUE_MESSAGE(p.xeddsa_signed, msg); // and it verified on the way back in
+            sawSigned = true;
+        } else {
+            sawUnsigned = true;
+        }
+    }
+    TEST_ASSERT_TRUE_MESSAGE(sawSigned, "sweep never produced a signed packet");
+    TEST_ASSERT_TRUE_MESSAGE(sawUnsigned, "sweep never crossed the fit boundary");
+}
+
+// B5: a client-preset signature on a packet we originate is discarded, not transmitted.
+// perhapsEncode owns signing for our packets; a stale/garbage signature from a phone app on a
+// packet we don't sign (here: unicast) would otherwise fail verification at every receiver.
+void test_B5_preset_signature_on_local_packet_cleared(void)
+{
+    mockNodeDB->addNode(REMOTE_NODE);
+
+    meshtastic_MeshPacket p = makeDecoded(LOCAL_NODE, REMOTE_NODE, meshtastic_PortNum_PRIVATE_APP, SMALL_PAYLOAD);
+    p.decoded.xeddsa_signature.size = XEDDSA_SIGNATURE_SIZE;
+    memset(p.decoded.xeddsa_signature.bytes, 0xAB, XEDDSA_SIGNATURE_SIZE);
+
+    TEST_ASSERT_EQUAL(DECODE_SUCCESS, roundTrip(&p));
+    TEST_ASSERT_EQUAL_MESSAGE(0, p.decoded.xeddsa_signature.size, "preset signature must be discarded on unicast");
+}
+
+// B6: the exact-fit gate tracks Data *shape*, not just payload size. A tapback-style broadcast
+// (want_response + reply_id + emoji) carries extra wire bytes that shift the fit boundary; the
+// sweep proves no dead band exists for that shape either, and - once the signer bit is learned -
+// that the receiver's rawSize-driven downgrade predicate stays symmetric for it too. Window
+// straddles this shape's boundary; capped at 200 so even the unsigned rich encoding stays well
+// inside the frame (at n=221 it first hits the pre-existing, signing-unrelated TOO_LARGE).
+void test_B6_rich_shape_sweep_no_deadband(void)
+{
+    uint8_t pub[32], priv[32];
+    crypto->generateKeyPair(pub, priv);
+    mockNodeDB->addNode(LOCAL_NODE);
+    mockNodeDB->setPublicKey(LOCAL_NODE, pub);
+
+    bool sawSigned = false, sawUnsigned = false;
+    for (size_t n = 100; n <= 200; n++) {
+        char msg[32];
+        snprintf(msg, sizeof(msg), "payload size %u", (unsigned)n);
+
+        meshtastic_MeshPacket p = makeDecoded(LOCAL_NODE, NODENUM_BROADCAST, meshtastic_PortNum_TEXT_MESSAGE_APP, n);
+        p.decoded.want_response = true;
+        p.decoded.reply_id = 0x11223344;
+        p.decoded.emoji = 1;
+        TEST_ASSERT_EQUAL_MESSAGE(DECODE_SUCCESS, roundTrip(&p), msg);
+
+        const bool isSigned = p.decoded.xeddsa_signature.size == XEDDSA_SIGNATURE_SIZE;
+        TEST_ASSERT_EQUAL_MESSAGE(signedEncodingFits(&p.decoded), isSigned, msg);
+
+        if (isSigned) {
+            TEST_ASSERT_FALSE_MESSAGE(sawUnsigned, msg);
+            TEST_ASSERT_TRUE_MESSAGE(p.xeddsa_signed, msg);
+            sawSigned = true;
+        } else {
+            sawUnsigned = true;
+        }
+    }
+    TEST_ASSERT_TRUE_MESSAGE(sawSigned, "rich sweep never produced a signed packet");
+    TEST_ASSERT_TRUE_MESSAGE(sawUnsigned, "rich sweep never crossed the fit boundary");
+}
+
 // ===========================================================================
-// Group C - NodeInfoModule downgrade drop (stricter: any unsigned NodeInfo from a known signer)
+// Group C - NodeInfoModule downgrade drop (broadcast-only backstop for ingress paths that skip
+// Router's check; unicast NodeInfo is never signed by senders, so it is exempt - see C4)
 // ===========================================================================
 class NodeInfoTestShim : public NodeInfoModule
 {
@@ -348,6 +513,178 @@ void test_C3_unsigned_nodeinfo_from_nonsigner_not_dropped(void)
     TEST_ASSERT_FALSE(shim.handleReceivedProtobuf(mp, &user));
 }
 
+// C4: F1 regression - unsigned UNICAST NodeInfo from a known signer -> NOT dropped. Unicast
+// NodeInfo (want_response replies, phone-initiated exchanges) is never signed by the sender,
+// so treating it as a downgrade broke NodeInfo exchange with signer nodes.
+void test_C4_unsigned_unicast_nodeinfo_from_signer_accepted(void)
+{
+    mockNodeDB->addNode(REMOTE_NODE);
+    mockNodeDB->setSignerBit(REMOTE_NODE, true);
+
+    NodeInfoTestShim shim;
+    meshtastic_MeshPacket mp = makeDecoded(REMOTE_NODE, LOCAL_NODE, meshtastic_PortNum_NODEINFO_APP, SMALL_PAYLOAD);
+    mp.xeddsa_signed = false;
+    meshtastic_User user = meshtastic_User_init_zero;
+    user.is_licensed = owner.is_licensed;
+
+    TEST_ASSERT_FALSE_MESSAGE(shim.handleReceivedProtobuf(mp, &user),
+                              "unsigned unicast NodeInfo from a signer must not be dropped");
+}
+
+// ===========================================================================
+// Group D - encoding invariants the routing gates depend on
+// ===========================================================================
+
+// D1: the encoded overhead of the signature field must be exactly XEDDSA_SIGNATURE_FIELD_BYTES
+// (1 tag byte + 1 length byte + 64 signature bytes). The receiver downgrade predicate adds this
+// constant to the unsigned size; this test pins that it matches the real wire overhead the
+// sender's encoder produces, keeping the two sides symmetric. It drifts if the field number ever
+// moves to >= 16 or the signature grows past 127 bytes.
+void test_D1_signature_field_overhead_exact(void)
+{
+    meshtastic_Data d = meshtastic_Data_init_zero;
+    d.portnum = meshtastic_PortNum_TEXT_MESSAGE_APP;
+    d.payload.size = 100;
+
+    const size_t without = encodedDataSize(&d);
+    d.xeddsa_signature.size = XEDDSA_SIGNATURE_SIZE;
+    const size_t with = encodedDataSize(&d);
+
+    TEST_ASSERT_EQUAL_MESSAGE(XEDDSA_SIGNATURE_FIELD_BYTES, with - without, "signature field wire overhead drifted");
+}
+
+// ===========================================================================
+// Group E - decoded-ingress policy (checkXeddsaReceivePolicy)
+// ===========================================================================
+// Already-decoded packets never reach perhapsDecode's crypto path (it early-returns), so
+// plaintext-MQTT downlink applies this policy function directly at ingress (MQTT.cpp). These
+// tests drive it the same way: decoded packets, encodedDataSize = 0 (canonical sizing).
+// End-to-end MQTT wiring is covered in test_mqtt.
+
+// E1: unsigned small broadcast from a known signer -> dropped (downgrade protection holds on
+// the decoded-ingress path too - the F3 bypass).
+void test_E1_decoded_unsigned_broadcast_from_signer_dropped(void)
+{
+    mockNodeDB->addNode(REMOTE_NODE);
+    mockNodeDB->setSignerBit(REMOTE_NODE, true);
+
+    meshtastic_MeshPacket p = makeDecoded(REMOTE_NODE, NODENUM_BROADCAST, meshtastic_PortNum_TEXT_MESSAGE_APP, SMALL_PAYLOAD);
+
+    TEST_ASSERT_FALSE(checkXeddsaReceivePolicy(&p));
+}
+
+// E2: unsigned broadcast from a non-signer -> accepted.
+void test_E2_decoded_unsigned_broadcast_from_nonsigner_accepted(void)
+{
+    mockNodeDB->addNode(REMOTE_NODE); // signer bit clear
+
+    meshtastic_MeshPacket p = makeDecoded(REMOTE_NODE, NODENUM_BROADCAST, meshtastic_PortNum_TEXT_MESSAGE_APP, SMALL_PAYLOAD);
+
+    TEST_ASSERT_TRUE(checkXeddsaReceivePolicy(&p));
+    TEST_ASSERT_FALSE(p.xeddsa_signed);
+}
+
+// E3: valid signature with a known key -> accepted, marked verified, signer bit learned.
+void test_E3_decoded_valid_signature_verified_and_learns_signer(void)
+{
+    uint8_t pub[32], priv[32];
+    crypto->generateKeyPair(pub, priv);
+    mockNodeDB->addNode(REMOTE_NODE);
+    mockNodeDB->setPublicKey(REMOTE_NODE, pub);
+
+    meshtastic_MeshPacket p = makeDecoded(REMOTE_NODE, NODENUM_BROADCAST, meshtastic_PortNum_TEXT_MESSAGE_APP, SMALL_PAYLOAD);
+    signWithCurrentKey(&p);
+
+    TEST_ASSERT_TRUE(checkXeddsaReceivePolicy(&p));
+    TEST_ASSERT_TRUE(p.xeddsa_signed);
+    TEST_ASSERT_TRUE_MESSAGE(remoteSignerBit(), "verified signature must set the signer bit");
+}
+
+// E4: corrupted signature with a known key -> dropped.
+void test_E4_decoded_bad_signature_dropped(void)
+{
+    uint8_t pub[32], priv[32];
+    crypto->generateKeyPair(pub, priv);
+    mockNodeDB->addNode(REMOTE_NODE);
+    mockNodeDB->setPublicKey(REMOTE_NODE, pub);
+
+    meshtastic_MeshPacket p = makeDecoded(REMOTE_NODE, NODENUM_BROADCAST, meshtastic_PortNum_TEXT_MESSAGE_APP, SMALL_PAYLOAD);
+    signWithCurrentKey(&p);
+    p.decoded.xeddsa_signature.bytes[0] ^= 0xFF;
+
+    TEST_ASSERT_FALSE(checkXeddsaReceivePolicy(&p));
+    TEST_ASSERT_FALSE(p.xeddsa_signed);
+}
+
+// E5: unsigned oversized broadcast from a signer -> accepted (canonical sizing exempts packets
+// whose signed encoding wouldn't fit, mirroring the RF-path rawSize rule).
+void test_E5_decoded_unsigned_oversized_broadcast_from_signer_accepted(void)
+{
+    mockNodeDB->addNode(REMOTE_NODE);
+    mockNodeDB->setSignerBit(REMOTE_NODE, true);
+
+    meshtastic_MeshPacket p = makeDecoded(REMOTE_NODE, NODENUM_BROADCAST, meshtastic_PortNum_TEXT_MESSAGE_APP, OVERSIZED_PAYLOAD);
+
+    TEST_ASSERT_TRUE(checkXeddsaReceivePolicy(&p));
+}
+
+// E6: unsigned unicast from a signer -> accepted (unicast is never signed).
+void test_E6_decoded_unsigned_unicast_from_signer_accepted(void)
+{
+    mockNodeDB->addNode(REMOTE_NODE);
+    mockNodeDB->setSignerBit(REMOTE_NODE, true);
+
+    meshtastic_MeshPacket p = makeDecoded(REMOTE_NODE, LOCAL_NODE, meshtastic_PortNum_PRIVATE_APP, SMALL_PAYLOAD);
+
+    TEST_ASSERT_TRUE(checkXeddsaReceivePolicy(&p));
+}
+
+// E7: unsigned PKI-flagged packet from a signer -> accepted. Senders never sign PKI traffic,
+// so the predicate's !pki_encrypted guard must exempt it (pins the assumption that the
+// downgrade drop can never fire on PKI packets, whatever their addressing).
+void test_E7_decoded_unsigned_pki_from_signer_accepted(void)
+{
+    mockNodeDB->addNode(REMOTE_NODE);
+    mockNodeDB->setSignerBit(REMOTE_NODE, true);
+
+    meshtastic_MeshPacket p = makeDecoded(REMOTE_NODE, NODENUM_BROADCAST, meshtastic_PortNum_TEXT_MESSAGE_APP, SMALL_PAYLOAD);
+    p.pki_encrypted = true;
+
+    TEST_ASSERT_TRUE(checkXeddsaReceivePolicy(&p));
+}
+
+// E8: a crafted partial (non-0, non-64) signature must not let a forged broadcast dodge the
+// downgrade drop. A 63-byte junk signature inflates the encoded size past the fit threshold, so
+// a size-only predicate would treat the packet as "too big to sign" and accept it as an
+// impersonation of signer REMOTE. The malformed-size reject drops it before that math runs.
+void test_E8_decoded_partial_signature_from_signer_dropped(void)
+{
+    mockNodeDB->addNode(REMOTE_NODE);
+    mockNodeDB->setSignerBit(REMOTE_NODE, true);
+
+    // 146-byte payload sits in the band that WOULD fit a signature (so an honest unsigned one is a
+    // downgrade), but the 63 bogus signature bytes push the raw size over the frame limit.
+    meshtastic_MeshPacket p = makeDecoded(REMOTE_NODE, NODENUM_BROADCAST, meshtastic_PortNum_TEXT_MESSAGE_APP, 146);
+    p.decoded.xeddsa_signature.size = XEDDSA_SIGNATURE_SIZE - 1;
+    memset(p.decoded.xeddsa_signature.bytes, 0xCD, p.decoded.xeddsa_signature.size);
+
+    TEST_ASSERT_FALSE_MESSAGE(checkXeddsaReceivePolicy(&p), "partial signature from a signer must be dropped");
+    TEST_ASSERT_FALSE(p.xeddsa_signed);
+}
+
+// E9: the malformed-size reject is unconditional - a partial signature is dropped even from a
+// node we've never seen sign (an honest sender never emits a 1..63-byte signature field).
+void test_E9_decoded_partial_signature_from_nonsigner_dropped(void)
+{
+    mockNodeDB->addNode(REMOTE_NODE); // signer bit clear
+
+    meshtastic_MeshPacket p = makeDecoded(REMOTE_NODE, NODENUM_BROADCAST, meshtastic_PortNum_TEXT_MESSAGE_APP, SMALL_PAYLOAD);
+    p.decoded.xeddsa_signature.size = 10;
+    memset(p.decoded.xeddsa_signature.bytes, 0x5A, p.decoded.xeddsa_signature.size);
+
+    TEST_ASSERT_FALSE_MESSAGE(checkXeddsaReceivePolicy(&p), "partial signature must be dropped as malformed");
+}
+
 void setup()
 {
     initializeTestEnvironment();
@@ -361,23 +698,43 @@ void setup()
     RUN_TEST(test_A5_unsigned_broadcast_from_nonsigner_accepted);
     RUN_TEST(test_A6_unsigned_unicast_from_signer_accepted);
     RUN_TEST(test_A7_unsigned_oversized_broadcast_from_signer_accepted);
+    RUN_TEST(test_A8_unsigned_deadband_broadcast_from_signer_accepted);
+    RUN_TEST(test_A9_unsigned_boundary_broadcast_from_signer_still_dropped);
 
     printf("\n=== Group B: send-side signing policy ===\n");
     RUN_TEST(test_B1_local_broadcast_is_signed);
     RUN_TEST(test_B2_local_unicast_not_signed);
     RUN_TEST(test_B3_local_oversized_broadcast_not_signed);
+    RUN_TEST(test_B4_all_broadcast_sizes_deliverable_no_deadband);
+    RUN_TEST(test_B5_preset_signature_on_local_packet_cleared);
+    RUN_TEST(test_B6_rich_shape_sweep_no_deadband);
 
     printf("\n=== Group C: NodeInfoModule downgrade drop ===\n");
     RUN_TEST(test_C1_unsigned_nodeinfo_from_signer_dropped);
     RUN_TEST(test_C2_signed_nodeinfo_from_signer_not_dropped);
     RUN_TEST(test_C3_unsigned_nodeinfo_from_nonsigner_not_dropped);
+    RUN_TEST(test_C4_unsigned_unicast_nodeinfo_from_signer_accepted);
+
+    printf("\n=== Group D: encoding invariants ===\n");
+    RUN_TEST(test_D1_signature_field_overhead_exact);
+
+    printf("\n=== Group E: decoded-ingress policy ===\n");
+    RUN_TEST(test_E1_decoded_unsigned_broadcast_from_signer_dropped);
+    RUN_TEST(test_E2_decoded_unsigned_broadcast_from_nonsigner_accepted);
+    RUN_TEST(test_E3_decoded_valid_signature_verified_and_learns_signer);
+    RUN_TEST(test_E4_decoded_bad_signature_dropped);
+    RUN_TEST(test_E5_decoded_unsigned_oversized_broadcast_from_signer_accepted);
+    RUN_TEST(test_E6_decoded_unsigned_unicast_from_signer_accepted);
+    RUN_TEST(test_E7_decoded_unsigned_pki_from_signer_accepted);
+    RUN_TEST(test_E8_decoded_partial_signature_from_signer_dropped);
+    RUN_TEST(test_E9_decoded_partial_signature_from_nonsigner_dropped);
 
     exit(UNITY_END());
 }
 
 void loop() {}
 
-#else // MESHTASTIC_EXCLUDE_PKI
+#else // XEdDSA or PKI excluded
 
 void setUp(void) {}
 void tearDown(void) {}
diff --git a/variants/esp32/esp32-common.ini b/variants/esp32/esp32-common.ini
index fac7cc911..49a9b8e5f 100644
--- a/variants/esp32/esp32-common.ini
+++ b/variants/esp32/esp32-common.ini
@@ -71,7 +71,7 @@ lib_deps =
   # renovate: datasource=custom.pio depName=XPowersLib packageName=lewisxhe/library/XPowersLib
   lewisxhe/XPowersLib@0.3.3
   # renovate: datasource=git-refs depName=meshtastic/Crypto packageName=https://github.com/meshtastic/Crypto gitBranch=master
-  https://github.com/meshtastic/Crypto/archive/1aa30eb536bd52a576fde6dfa393bf7349cf102d.zip
+  https://github.com/meshtastic/Crypto/archive/591ff9a690e8168ccb7a36abde8d7783e448d395.zip
 
 lib_ignore = 
   segger_rtt
diff --git a/variants/esp32/esp32.ini b/variants/esp32/esp32.ini
index 511c94870..2a61bfa97 100644
--- a/variants/esp32/esp32.ini
+++ b/variants/esp32/esp32.ini
@@ -56,4 +56,4 @@ lib_deps =
   # renovate: datasource=custom.pio depName=XPowersLib packageName=lewisxhe/library/XPowersLib
   lewisxhe/XPowersLib@0.3.3
   # renovate: datasource=git-refs depName=meshtastic/Crypto packageName=https://github.com/meshtastic/Crypto gitBranch=master
-  https://github.com/meshtastic/Crypto/archive/1aa30eb536bd52a576fde6dfa393bf7349cf102d.zip
+  https://github.com/meshtastic/Crypto/archive/591ff9a690e8168ccb7a36abde8d7783e448d395.zip
diff --git a/variants/esp32p4/esp32p4.ini b/variants/esp32p4/esp32p4.ini
index 5682a0ad7..85abaee5c 100644
--- a/variants/esp32p4/esp32p4.ini
+++ b/variants/esp32p4/esp32p4.ini
@@ -105,6 +105,6 @@ lib_deps =
   ${environmental_base.lib_deps}
   ${radiolib_base.lib_deps}
   # renovate: datasource=git-refs depName=meshtastic/Crypto packageName=https://github.com/meshtastic/Crypto gitBranch=master
-  https://github.com/meshtastic/Crypto/archive/1aa30eb536bd52a576fde6dfa393bf7349cf102d.zip
+  https://github.com/meshtastic/Crypto/archive/591ff9a690e8168ccb7a36abde8d7783e448d395.zip
   # renovate: datasource=git-refs depName=meshtastic-ESP32_Codec2 packageName=https://github.com/meshtastic/ESP32_Codec2 gitBranch=master
   https://github.com/meshtastic/ESP32_Codec2/archive/633326c78ac251c059ab3a8c430fcdf25b41672f.zip
diff --git a/variants/native/portduino.ini b/variants/native/portduino.ini
index f7f3eab9d..98cbaf6c3 100644
--- a/variants/native/portduino.ini
+++ b/variants/native/portduino.ini
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ lib_deps =
   ${radiolib_base.lib_deps}
   ${environmental_base.lib_deps}
   # renovate: datasource=git-refs depName=meshtastic/Crypto packageName=https://github.com/meshtastic/Crypto gitBranch=master
-  https://github.com/meshtastic/Crypto/archive/1aa30eb536bd52a576fde6dfa393bf7349cf102d.zip
+  https://github.com/meshtastic/Crypto/archive/591ff9a690e8168ccb7a36abde8d7783e448d395.zip
   # renovate: datasource=custom.pio depName=LovyanGFX packageName=lovyan03/library/LovyanGFX
   lovyan03/LovyanGFX@1.2.24
   ; # renovate: datasource=git-refs depName=libch341-spi-userspace packageName=https://github.com/pine64/libch341-spi-userspace gitBranch=main
diff --git a/variants/native/portduino/platformio.ini b/variants/native/portduino/platformio.ini
index f29da3de2..d3cdeee77 100644
--- a/variants/native/portduino/platformio.ini
+++ b/variants/native/portduino/platformio.ini
@@ -320,7 +320,7 @@ lib_deps =
   ${env.lib_deps}
   ${radiolib_base.lib_deps}
   # renovate: datasource=git-refs depName=meshtastic/Crypto packageName=https://github.com/meshtastic/Crypto gitBranch=master
-  https://github.com/meshtastic/Crypto/archive/1aa30eb536bd52a576fde6dfa393bf7349cf102d.zip
+  https://github.com/meshtastic/Crypto/archive/591ff9a690e8168ccb7a36abde8d7783e448d395.zip
   # renovate: datasource=custom.pio depName=Melopero RV3028 packageName=melopero/library/Melopero RV3028
   melopero/Melopero RV3028@1.2.0
 
diff --git a/variants/nrf52840/nrf52.ini b/variants/nrf52840/nrf52.ini
index 5dc8ee2e5..f1502ecf3 100644
--- a/variants/nrf52840/nrf52.ini
+++ b/variants/nrf52840/nrf52.ini
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@ lib_deps=
   ${arduino_base.lib_deps}
   ${radiolib_base.lib_deps}
   # renovate: datasource=github-tags depName=meshtastic/Crypto packageName=meshtastic/Crypto
-  https://github.com/meshtastic/Crypto/archive/1aa30eb536bd52a576fde6dfa393bf7349cf102d.zip
+  https://github.com/meshtastic/Crypto/archive/591ff9a690e8168ccb7a36abde8d7783e448d395.zip
 
 lib_ignore =
   BluetoothOTA
diff --git a/variants/nrf54l15/nrf54l15.ini b/variants/nrf54l15/nrf54l15.ini
index 6b004a675..6a299c9d4 100644
--- a/variants/nrf54l15/nrf54l15.ini
+++ b/variants/nrf54l15/nrf54l15.ini
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@ lib_deps =
   ${arduino_base.lib_deps}
   ${radiolib_base.lib_deps}
   # renovate: datasource=git-refs depName=meshtastic/Crypto packageName=https://github.com/meshtastic/Crypto gitBranch=master
-  https://github.com/meshtastic/Crypto/archive/1aa30eb536bd52a576fde6dfa393bf7349cf102d.zip
+  https://github.com/meshtastic/Crypto/archive/591ff9a690e8168ccb7a36abde8d7783e448d395.zip
   ; Cherry-picked sensor libs from environmental_base. The full
   ; environmental_base pulls Adafruit_SSD1306 / GFX which need Arduino
   ; pin macros (digitalPinToPort / portOutputRegister) that the Zephyr
diff --git a/variants/rp2040/rp2040.ini b/variants/rp2040/rp2040.ini
index c560d21a6..7182fa833 100644
--- a/variants/rp2040/rp2040.ini
+++ b/variants/rp2040/rp2040.ini
@@ -32,4 +32,4 @@ lib_deps =
   ${environmental_extra.lib_deps}
   ${radiolib_base.lib_deps}
   # renovate: datasource=github-tags depName=meshtastic/Crypto packageName=meshtastic/Crypto
-  https://github.com/meshtastic/Crypto/archive/1aa30eb536bd52a576fde6dfa393bf7349cf102d.zip
+  https://github.com/meshtastic/Crypto/archive/591ff9a690e8168ccb7a36abde8d7783e448d395.zip
diff --git a/variants/rp2350/rp2350.ini b/variants/rp2350/rp2350.ini
index d2958d965..5a51bd8bb 100644
--- a/variants/rp2350/rp2350.ini
+++ b/variants/rp2350/rp2350.ini
@@ -29,4 +29,4 @@ lib_deps =
   ${environmental_extra.lib_deps}
   ${radiolib_base.lib_deps}
   # renovate: datasource=github-tags depName=meshtastic/Crypto packageName=meshtastic/Crypto
-  https://github.com/meshtastic/Crypto/archive/1aa30eb536bd52a576fde6dfa393bf7349cf102d.zip
+  https://github.com/meshtastic/Crypto/archive/591ff9a690e8168ccb7a36abde8d7783e448d395.zip
diff --git a/variants/stm32/stm32.ini b/variants/stm32/stm32.ini
index ba11bea31..5726fd369 100644
--- a/variants/stm32/stm32.ini
+++ b/variants/stm32/stm32.ini
@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@ lib_deps =
   ${env.lib_deps}
   ${radiolib_base.lib_deps}
   # renovate: datasource=git-refs depName=meshtastic/Crypto packageName=https://github.com/meshtastic/Crypto gitBranch=main
-  https://github.com/meshtastic/Crypto/archive/1aa30eb536bd52a576fde6dfa393bf7349cf102d.zip
+  https://github.com/meshtastic/Crypto/archive/591ff9a690e8168ccb7a36abde8d7783e448d395.zip
 
 lib_ignore =
   OneButton