A loop prevention system includes a first networking node that includes a first direct link that connects the first networking node to a loop configuration that includes plurality of networking node devices, and a second direct link that connects the first networking node to the loop configuration. The first networking node receives, through the first direct link, first network traffic that entered the loop configuration at a second networking node in the loop configuration. The first networking node then blocks the first network traffic through the second direct link based on a first forwarding rule for network traffic that enters the loop configuration at the second networking node and that is received by the first networking node device. The first networking node also receives, through the second direct link, second network traffic that entered the loop configuration at a third networking node in the loop configuration.