diff --git a/net/netfilter/ipvs/ip_vs_conn.c b/net/netfilter/ipvs/ip_vs_conn.c
index a189079a6ea5..e913ab0096cb 100644
--- a/net/netfilter/ipvs/ip_vs_conn.c
+++ b/net/netfilter/ipvs/ip_vs_conn.c
@@ -1225,8 +1225,8 @@ static inline int todrop_entry(struct ip_vs_conn *cp)
 	 * The drop rate array needs tuning for real environments.
 	 * Called from timer bh only => no locking
 	 */
-	static const char todrop_rate[9] = {0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8};
-	static char todrop_counter[9] = {0};
+	static const signed char todrop_rate[9] = {0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8};
+	static signed char todrop_counter[9] = {0};
 	int i;
 
 	/* if the conn entry hasn't lasted for 60 seconds, don't drop it.