Types of Interfaces

Interfaces can be permanent or transient, and are used for networking or services:

Permanent interfaces—Interfaces that are always present in the routing platform.
Transient interfaces—Interfaces that can be inserted into or removed from the routing platform depending on your network configuration needs.
Networking interfaces—Interfaces, such as Ethernet or SONET/SDH interfaces, that primarily provide traffic connectivity.
Services interfaces—Interfaces that provide specific capabilities for manipulating traffic before it is delivered to its destination.
Container interfaces—Interfaces that support APS on physical SONET links using a virtual container infrastructure.