diff --git a/net/batman-adv/bitarray.h b/net/batman-adv/bitarray.h
index e32eb2d..277c037 100644
--- a/net/batman-adv/bitarray.h
+++ b/net/batman-adv/bitarray.h
@@ -26,8 +26,8 @@
 
 /* returns true if the corresponding bit in the given seq_bits indicates true
  * and curr_seqno is within range of last_seqno */
-uint8_t get_bit_status(const unsigned long *seq_bits, uint32_t last_seqno,
-		       uint32_t curr_seqno);
+int get_bit_status(const unsigned long *seq_bits, uint32_t last_seqno,
+		   uint32_t curr_seqno);
 
 /* turn corresponding bit on, so we can remember that we got the packet */
 void bit_mark(unsigned long *seq_bits, int32_t n);