This read-write value sets the routing preference given to routes whose origin is a local IP interface, and per its description should be set higher than dynamic routing protocols since changing it can cause routing loops. An admin generally leaves this at a strongly preferred value so directly connected interface routes always win over dynamically learned ones. For example, accidentally lowering this value below a dynamic protocol's preference could cause the router to prefer a learned route over its own directly connected interface, producing the routing loops the description warns about.