Working With Configuration Files - Cisco Catalyst 3550 series Software Configuration Manual

Working with Configuration Files

Working with Configuration Files
This section describes how to create, load, and maintain configuration files. You can create a basic
configuration file by using the setup program or by entering the setup privileged EXEC command. For
more information, see
You can copy (download) configuration files from a TFTP, FTP, or RCP server to the running
configuration or startup configuration of the switch. You might want to perform this for one of these
reasons:
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You can copy (upload) configuration files from the switch to a file server by using TFTP, FTP, or RCP.
You might perform this task to back up a current configuration file to a server before changing its
contents so that you can later restore the original configuration file from the server.
The protocol that you use depends on which type of server you are using. The FTP and RCP transport
mechanisms provide faster performance and more reliable delivery of data than TFTP. These
improvements are possible because FTP and RCP are built on and use the Transmission Control
Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) stack, which is connection-oriented.
This section includes this information:
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Guidelines for Creating and Using Configuration Files
Creating configuration files can aid in your switch configuration. Configuration files can contain some
or all of the commands needed to configure one or more switches. For example, you might want to
download the same configuration file to several switches that have the same hardware configuration.
Use these guidelines when creating a configuration file:
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Catalyst 3550 Multilayer Switch Software Configuration Guide
B-8
Appendix B
Chapter 4, "Assigning the Switch IP Address and Default Gateway."
To restore a backed-up configuration file.
To use the configuration file for another switch. For example, you might add another switch to your
network and want it to have a configuration similar to the original switch. By copying the file to the
new switch, you can change the relevant parts rather than recreating the whole file.
To load the same configuration commands on all the switches in your network so that all the
switches have similar configurations.
Guidelines for Creating and Using Configuration Files, page B-8
Configuration File Types and Location, page B-9
Creating a Configuration File By Using a Text Editor, page B-9
Copying Configuration Files By Using TFTP, page B-10
Copying Configuration Files By Using FTP, page B-11
Copying Configuration Files By Using RCP, page B-15
Clearing Configuration Information, page B-18
We recommend that you connect through the console port when using configuration files to
configure the switch. If you configure the switch from a Telnet session, IP addresses are not
changed, and ports and modules are not disabled.
If no passwords have been set on the switch, you must set them on each switch by entering the
enable secret secret-password global configuration command. Enter a blank line for this command.
The password is saved in the configuration file as clear text.
Working with the Cisco IOS File System, Configuration Files, and Software Images
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