What is a primary function of BGP in network routing?

BGP, or Border Gateway Protocol, is primarily designed to exchange routing information between different Autonomous Systems (ASs). This is essential for the functioning of the internet, where different networks operate independently but need to communicate with one another. BGP facilitates this communication by allowing routers in one AS to learn about routes in another AS, ensuring that data can be routed effectively across the diverse and complex networks that make up the internet.

By using BGP, network administrators can define policies that influence the selection of routes based on various parameters. The protocol also implements mechanisms to maintain the stability and integrity of routing information, preventing routing loops and ensuring that data packets find the most efficient path to their destination. This role is crucial as the internet is fundamentally interlinked through multiple administrative domains, making BGP a cornerstone of inter-domain routing.

The other options touch on related concepts in networking but do not accurately describe BGP's primary function. For example, preventing loopback configuration relates more closely to interface settings on devices, managing routing within a single AS refers to protocols like OSPF or EIGRP, and segregating client-server traffic falls under traffic management techniques rather than routing protocols.