Quick HOWTO : Ch1 : Network Backups With Rancid/zh

Introduction

One of the most commonly overlooked aspects of network management is the failure to backup network device configurations. Sadly it is only viewed as being a priority after disaster strikes. Fortunately there is a Linux / Unix open source package called Rancid that can get the job done automatically for most devices that have command prompt method for configuration.

The product can be downloaded from the rancid website and has the added advantage of automatically archiving the older configuration versions in a Concurrent Versions System (CVS). This tutorial will show you how to quickly install and configure it for your network backup needs.