What is a loopback, computerwise?

Question

In my Adaware software firewall trusted zone list, I find "Loopback" in the list, with ip address 127.0.0.1. I am not sure what it is in computer language. What is it?

Answer 1

The simplest answer is that it's the computer itself. The loopback (aka home) is the address it uses when it talks to itself via the network adapter. That setting is perfectly normal and safe.

Answer 2

Loopback, in general, is where you use the output of something as an input to itself.



For example, you might connected the Line Out socket into the Line In socket so that you can record the sounds made by one program in a recording program.



The loopback network interface is one which, rather than being connected to a LAN or the Internet, is connected only to itself. It is most commonly used to test network based software (e.g. you might run a webserver that only listens on the loopback interface while you are building a website). (It is also created entirely in software, you don't have a physical cable involved).

Answer 3

LoopBack is just something the computer uses to check to see if TCP/IP is working correctly. TCP/IP is how every device works on the internet or over the LAN Loopback Addresses are from 127.0.0.0 to 127.254.254.254. Its just a ip address for applications to use or for computer technicians to trouble shoot networking problems. Every Device that connects to the internet has it even your phone has this so dont be worried.