A first-hop redundancy protocol (FHRP) enables multiple physical interfaces to present a virtual [IP address](./ipaddress.md) (VIP) in a redundant manner. Examples of such protocols include:
When creating a new FHRP group, the user may optionally create a VIP as well. This IP address will be automatically assigned to the new group. (Virtual IP addresses can also be assigned after the group has been created.)
## Fields
### Protocol
The wire protocol employed by cooperating servers to maintain the virtual [IP address(es)](./ipaddress.md) for the group.