Data Packets and Analysis

A network interface (or just interface) is a physical or virtual device that allows machines to connect to each other. For example, the eth0 network interface on Linux represents the network card that is physically installed into a computer. This interface is often used by the OS to reach hosts on the Internet through a Local Area Network (LAN).

Meanwhile, the tap0 and tun0 interfaces can reach machines across a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

Loopback (lo) is a special network interface that allows our local machine (also called localhost) to run network services without exposing them remotely. It is mainly used for diagnostics and troubleshooting. By default, localhost resolves to the IP address 127.0.0.1.

Relevant Note(s): Information Technology Network Protocols