How to Backup Your Router Configurations to TFTP Server?

Having a TFTP server on your network can be extremely helpful, as it allows you to send and receive files across your network with ease. However, keep in mind that transfers made using the Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP) are not secure, so this method is best used when you know exactly what file you want to transfer and where it needs to go. In a large network, managing router configurations is important—especially when you have more than one router.

Manually configuring each router can quickly become time-consuming and repetitive. If you need to set up multiple routers with the same configuration, an easier and faster way is to copy the configuration from one router and upload it to the others.

To do this, you can use a TFTP server on your network to back up your router configurations. First, you’ll need to set up and configure a TFTP server in your environment. Once your TFTP server is up and running, backing up your router configuration is straightforward and can be done with just a few simple commands. Let’s walk through the process of backing up your router configuration to a TFTP server.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have the following ready:

• A TFTP server. You can download the SolarWinds TFTP Server from here. If you haven’t set up or configured your TFTP server yet, be sure to follow our guide linked above.
• Your TFTP server should be running, and you’ll need the IP address of the machine where it’s hosted.

Once your TFTP server is set up in your network, you’ll also need access to your router via either a telnet or SSH connection. If you have both of these requirements met, you’re ready to proceed.

Backing Up Router Configuration to a TFTP Server

To back up your router configuration, connect to your router using SSH or telnet, either through a terminal or the Windows Command Prompt.

1. At the router prompt, type enable and enter your password to access privileged mode.
2. Once you’ve entered privileged mode, you’ll notice the prompt has changed.

   

3. To copy the running configuration file to your TFTP server, enter the following command:

   copy running-config tftp:

   

4. When prompted, enter the IP address of the TFTP server (the remote host).

   

5. Next, provide a filename for your router configuration file. This is the name that will be used to store your configuration on the TFTP server.

   

6. Your router configuration is now backed up! You should see your configuration file in the root directory of your TFTP server.