Network comprehension question: localhost vs. local IP address

[Xen]

Volker Wysk schreef op 13-06-2017 20:46:

> Now I'm puzzled. What is the difference between localhost and 
> 192.168.178.20?
> Why does it connect to the default HTTP port, but not to 8080?

Every IP address on your machine can have its own ports I think, even 
for those on the same device.

There also exists a system called /etc/hosts.allow and /etc/hosts.deny 
that can limit access to certain services based on the destination IP 
address. This only works for TCP programs that use the "tcpwrapper" 
functionality. For instance, sshd and many other basic utilities would.

I don't know if MoinMoin would.

Regards.