Use TFTP to Backup your Cisco Router Configurations

Just like any important server on your network, Cisco routers and switches need to be periodically backed up. You don’t want your router to crash one day, get a replacement, and spend days trying to recreate the configuration file. To prevent this, make sure you backup your configurations with TFTP. Let’s find out how to do this.

What is TFTP?

TFTP stands for Trivial File Transfer Protocol. TFTP uses UDP, not TCP for transferring of files (like FTP does). Because it uses UDP and UDP is connectionless, TFTP file transfers are not meant for networks with a lot of latency, like the Internet. However, because UDP doesn’t use any kind of acknowledgements, it is also faster than TCP.

Obtaining a TFTP server

You can make a Cisco router a TFTP server and copy files from other routers to that router.  However, storing your backups on a router isn’t the best idea.  You really want your Cisco device backups on a PC or server that can be backed up to tape, ensuring a more effective CISCO router configuration backup.  So, let’s find out how to obtain a Windows TFTP server.

You can download a Windows TFTP server for free, from a variety of sources. Here are a couple of my favorites:

• SolarWinds
• Tftpd32

In fact, Windows XP has a built in command-line TFTP program but I wouldn’t recommend it if you can obtain a free graphical program instead.

Running a TFTP server

Because I like the Tftpd32 program so much, let me show you how to use it.

Step 1

Download the latest version from this link-

http://perso.wanadoo.fr/philippe.jounin/tftpd32.html#Versions

Step 2

Open the downloaded ZIP file. It should look like this:

 

This is a small program and there is no installation. All you really need is the tftpd32.exe program.  Right-click on that program and Copy it.  Move to a folder or to your desktop and Paste the program there.

Step 3

Run the program by double-clicking it. It looks like this:

Notice that it defaults to the directory that it was run in.  If you want to create a new directory to store configuration in, you can do that. You would then change the current directory to that directory.  That is the directory that all received configurations and IOS copies would be backed up into.

Backing up your Router Configuration with TFTP

Now that the TFTP server is running, go to the router that you want to backup the configuration from.

Step 1

Make sure that you can ping the IP address shown on the TFTP server application from the router.  If you cannot, you have a networking issue and you need to resolve that before you continue.

Step 2

On the router’s console, type this:

​Router# copy running-config tftp

Step 3

When asked for the name of the TFTP server, type the IP address shown on the TFTP server console application, like this:

​Address or name of remote host []? 10.253.15.72

 

Step 4

When asked for the name of the destination file, you can take the default by pressing enter, optimizing your CISCO router configuration backup process like this:

​Destination filename [router-confg]? [press enter]

You should see exclamation points scroll across the screen and a message that the file was copied, like this:

​!!!!!!!!!!
44647 bytes copied in 1.692 secs (26387 bytes/sec)
Router#

 

You can also back up your router’s IOS file by using a command like this:

​copy flash:c3845-ipbase-mz.123-11.T7.bin tftp

On the TFTP server console, you should see a record that the transfer completed, like this:

 

Article Summary

Here is what we have learned about CISCO router configuration backup:

• A TFTP server is a necessary tool that every administrator should use to periodically back up their Cisco router and switch configuration files and IOS files.
• TFTP servers can be obtained for free
• The copy command is used on the Cisco device to copy configuration and IOS files to the TFTP server

FAQs

How often should I perform a CISCO router configuration backup to ensure optimal network security?

It’s recommended to perform CISCO router configuration backup at least once every week for critical infrastructure, and after any significant configuration changes. For less critical networks, monthly backups may be sufficient, but maintaining a regular schedule is essential for disaster recovery.

Can I automate CISCO router configuration backup using scripts or scheduling tools?

Yes, you can automate CISCO router configuration backup using various methods like Python scripts, Ansible playbooks, or built-in scheduling tools like Kron. This ensures consistent backups without manual intervention and can be configured to run during off-peak hours.

What are the best practices for storing CISCO router configuration backup files?

Store CISCO router configuration backup files in multiple locations, including local servers, cloud storage, and offline media. Implement version control, encrypt sensitive data, and maintain a clear naming convention that includes device identification and backup dates.

How can I verify if my CISCO router configuration backup was successful?

To verify a successful CISCO router configuration backup, compare file sizes between source and destination, use MD5 checksums to validate file integrity, and periodically test the restoration process in a lab environment to ensure backups are usable.

What alternative methods exist for CISCO router configuration backup besides TFTP?

Besides TFTP, you can use secure protocols like SCP (Secure Copy Protocol), SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol), or FTP for CISCO router configuration backup. These alternatives offer better security features and are recommended when backing up across unsecured networks.