About Loopback Versus Vlan Interfaces - Enterasys Matrix DFE-Gold Series Configuration Manual

This chapter describes the Internet Protocol (IP) configuration set of commands and how to use
them.
For information about...
Configuring Routing Interface Settings
Managing Router Configuration Files
Performing a Basic Router Configuration
Reviewing and Configuring the ARP Table
Configuring Broadcast Settings
Reviewing IP Traffic and Configuring Routes
Configuring Debug IP Packet
Configuring Routing Interface Settings

About Loopback Versus VLAN Interfaces

Loopback interfaces are different from VLAN routing interfaces because they allow you to
disconnect the operation of routing protocols from network hardware operation, improving the
reliability of IP connections. A loopback interface is always reachable. The IP address assigned to
the loopback interface is used as the router ID, which helps when running protocols like OSPF,
because OSPF can be running even when the outbound interface is down. IP packets routed to the
loopback interface are rerouted back to the router or access server and processed locally.
Routing interface configuration commands in this guide will configure either a VLAN or loopback
interface, depending on your choice of parameters, as shown in Table
Router: Unless otherwise noted, the commands covered in this chapter can be executed only
when the device is in router mode. For details on how to enable router configuration modes, refer to
"Enabling Router Configuration
IP Configuration
Modes" on page 2-103.
Enterasys Matrix DFE-Gold Series Configuration Guide 16-1
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