Introduction; Understanding Configuration Files - Patton electronics SmartNode Series Software Configuration Manual

7 • Configuration file handling

Introduction

This chapter describes how to upload and download configuration files from and to a SmartNode 1000, 2000,
or 4000 Series devices. A configuration file is a batch file of SmartWare commands used in the software mod-
ules that perform specific functions of the SmartNode. This chapter also describes some aspects of configura-
tion file management. Refer to chapter 6,
This chapter includes the following sections:
• Factory configuration (see
• Configuration file handling task list (see
All Patton SmartNode devices are shipped with a factory configuration file, which is stored in their flash mem-
ory.
A configuration file is like a script file containing SmartWare commands that can be loaded into the system.
Configuration files may also contain only partial configurations. This allows you to keep a library of command
sequences that you may want to use as required. By default, the system automatically loads the factory configu-
ration from the flash memory if no user-specific configuration is defined as the startup configuration.
Changing the current running configuration is possible as follows:
• You may change the running configuration interactively. Interactive configuring requires that you access the
CLI by using the enable command to enter administrator execution mode. You must then switch to the
configuration mode with the command configure. Once in configuration mode, enter the configuration
commands that are necessary to configure your SmartNode.
• You can also create a new configuration file or modify an existing one offline. You can copy configuration
files from the SmartNode flash memory to a remote server. Transferring configuration files between the flash
memory and a remote system requires the Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP). The TFTP server must be
reachable through one of the SmartNode network interfaces.
See chapter 4, "Accessing the CLI"
The following sections focus on SmartWare memory regions and software components that can be copied
within the memory or uploaded/downloaded between a TFTP server and the memory of the SmartNode.
Since SmartWare uses a specific vocabulary in naming those software components, refer to appendix A,
and definitions" on page 517 to ensure that you understand the concepts. Refer to chapter 6,
handling" on page 65 for a brief description of how SmartWare uses system memory.
Understanding configuration files
Configuration files contain SmartWare commands that are used to customize the functionality of your Smart-
Node device. During system startup, the SmartWare command parser reads the factory or startup configuration
file command-by-command, organizes the arguments, and dispatches each command to the command shell for
execution. If you use the SmartWare CLI to enter a command during operation of a SmartNode, you alter the
running configuration accordingly. In other words, you are modifying a live, in-service system configuration.
82
"System image handling"
page 84)
page 85)
on page 47 for information concerning access to the CLI.
SmartWare Software Configuration Guide
on page 65 for more information.
"Terms
"System image

Introduction