Loopback Address
The Loopback Address is a special IP address used to test network software without needing a physical network connection. The most common loopback address is 127.0.0.1, which refers to the local machine. When a device sends data to this address, it is essentially communicating with itself, allowing developers to troubleshoot and test applications.
Loopback addresses are part of the IPv4 address range from 127.0.0.0 to 127.255.255.255. This range is reserved for loopback purposes, ensuring that any data sent to these addresses does not leave the device. This feature is crucial for network diagnostics and software development.