Localhost Definition
What is localhost?
In the world of computer networking,localhostis ahostnamethat stands forthis computer.
Actually, local host has a separateIP addressin most cases.
The localhost that you often talk about refers to the server who uses your rig.
To get more information about local host, kindly keep reading this post ofMiniTool.
However, local host in fact is not simply a term but a domain name too.
What does localhost mean?
How does localhost work?
Well, you will see the illustration in the next section.
Each participant in the web connection has its own unique address.
Data packets that are sent by TCP/IP can reach the right place.
The protocol pairTransmission Control Protocol(TCP) andInternet Protocol(IP) are some leading features of Internet.
TCP/IP can also be used outside of the Internet in local networks.
However, some address ranges (from 127.0.0.0 to 127.255.255.255) are kept for special purposes.
The reason why that range is selected is not clear.
Its an all known fact that the IP addresses on the Internet are divided into different classes.
The first class (Class A) begins with 0.0.0.0 (reserved address) and ends with 127.255.255.255.
So, you’re free to see that 127 is the last block of Class A internet.
This crucial position may explain for its selection.
A Localnet can be established within the address range.
These IP addresses are not uniquely assigned in the range.
Besides, this range is also reserved by ICANN.
For instance, if you enter 172.217.0.0 in the surfing app, you will reach the homepage of Google.
Differently, if you key in 127.0.0.1, your requests will not be forwarded to the Internet.
On the contrary, you are calling yourself instead.
Whats more, this will cause the loopback.
Here comes the need of a loopback machine.
With this rig, the back link to your gear works.
How to access localhost?
you could find the answers in the content below.
The localhost usually can be used for testing speed, checking program or Web program, and blocking site.
In the process of development, it is vital to see if the tool works as expected.
Before releasing any product, tests are required.
For this, developers often use a loopback to test them.
One advantage for using localhost is that it can stimulate a connection and avoid a online grid detour.
Another advantage is that localhost has a high speed.
If you send a request to the Internet, it will take you over 100 milliseconds.
The things will different for localhost.
If you send a ping to localhost, the longest time is just one millisecond.
How to run a speed test over localhost?
Step 1:Open theRunwindow by holdingWin + Rkeys, and then typecmdand clickOK.
Step 2:In the pop-up window, enterping 127.0.0.1and hit theEnterkey.
After a while, you might receive the result.
Your OS will become a simulated server when the loopback is caused.
Block Site
If you want to block access to certain websites, localhost will help you do that.
Actually, localhost is very useful for protecting you from entering harmful sites.
All websites have an IP address.
To make this process faster, computer will store a host file for each site that you visit.
This file contains the IP address and the corresponding domain name of the website.
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