What is localhost?

Posted on August 4, 2015 by J. Mays

Category: Getting Started | Tags: 127.0.0.1, ::1, IPv4, IPv6, local, Localhost, Network, Network Interface, Network Interfaces, Networking, Server Administration

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localhost is a networking term; it’s the hostname for the loopback network interface of whichever server it’s said in reference to (meaning every server has a ‘localhost‘). The loopback interface bypasses any local network interface hardware, and serves as a method to connect back to the server itself. The term localhost is used often in both networking and in server administration.

IPv4 Localhost

The IPv4 address for localhost, or the loopback network interface, is 127.0.0.1.

IPv6 Localhost

The IPv6 address for localhost, or the loopback network interface, is ::1.

About the Author: J. Mays

As a previous contributor, JMays shares his insight with our Knowledge Base center. In our Knowledge Base, you'll be able to find how-to articles on Ubuntu, CentOS, Fedora and much more!