A method and system are provided to install a loop free alternative (LFA) next hop as a backup for a primary path next hop for an interior gateway protocol (IGP). The method enables testing of the LFA next hop to ensure proper handling of data forwarding on the LFA. The method includes receiving a trigger message from an administrative module indicating a switch to the LFA next hop the message including a prefix and an interface. A check is made whether a set of primary path next hops of the prefix have been exhausted. A next primary path next hop is selected from the set of primary path next hops of the prefix. A check is made whether the next primary path next hop matches the interface. The next primary path next hop is replaced by installing the LFA next hop into a global routing information base.
