Overview

A loopback interface is a virtual interface supporting IPv4/IPv6 address configuration. The loopback interface can be considered stable because once created, it remains up. The router can then be configured with an address as a reference or identifier independent of the physical interfaces.
  • Device identification: As long as the router is operational, the state of the loopback interface is always up. Even if only one link to the router is active, the loopback interface can be reached. This functionality makes it possible to identify an active device in the network using the IP address configured on the loopback interface.

  • Routing: Since the loopback interface is always active, a routing session (such as a BGP session) can continue on an alternate path even if the outbound interface fails. In OSPF, loopback interface address is advertised as an interface route into the network. This functionality increases reliability by allowing traffic to take alternate paths if there is a link failure. In OSPF and BGP, the router ID can be set to the loopback address to avoid reassignment of the router ID when physical interfaces are added or removed.

  • Device management: Loopback interface is always reachable and can be used for sending and receiving management information such as logs and SNMP traps without interruption.