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Backing up Cisco IOS Router image
A Cisco IOS (Internetwork Operating System) image is a type of software that runs on a Cisco router. It contains the necessary system files and utilities to allow the router to function as a network device, such as routing protocols, management tools, and security features.
Backing up Cisco IOS Router image
Backing up the Cisco IOS image on a router is an important step in the event that the current image becomes corrupt or is accidentally deleted. It is always recommended to have a backup copy of the Cisco IOS image before making any changes to the router, such as upgrading to a new version or installing a new feature set.
There are several ways to back up the Cisco IOS image on a router, including −
Using the Cisco command-line interface (CLI) to copy the image from the router's flash memory to a remote server or TFTP server. You can use the "copy flash tftp" command to copy the image from the flash memory to a TFTP server, and the "copy tftp flash" command to copy the image from the TFTP server to the flash memory.
Using a Cisco Network Management System (NMS) such as Cisco Prime or Cisco DNA Center to remotely back up the IOS image.
Using a USB Flash Drive, by copying the image from the flash memory to USB flash drive and also can be done vice versa.
Backing up the config using the command “ show run ” to save the config to a file, this can be useful in restoring the configuration after the IOS upgrade.
It's important to keep the backup image in a secure location and test its integrity by restoring it to a test router before it is needed. Having a backup of the IOS image can greatly reduce the recovery time in the event of a failure, and ensure that the network is back up and running as soon as possible.
How to backup using Cisco command-line interface
You can use the Cisco command-line interface (CLI) to back up the Cisco IOS image on a router to a remote server or a TFTP server. The process involves copying the image from the router's flash memory to the remote server or TFTP server, and then storing the image in a safe location.
Here are the steps to back up the Cisco IOS image using the CLI −
Connect to the router's CLI using a terminal emulation program, such as PuTTY, or through the console port.
Log in to the router with the appropriate credentials.
Verify that you have connectivity to the remote server or TFTP server by pinging the server's IP address. Use the "ping" command to do this.
Use the "copy flash tftp" command to copy the image from the flash memory to the TFTP server. The syntax for the command is: "copy flash tftp [source filename] [destination IP address] [destination filename]". For example, if you want to copy the IOS image from flash memory to a TFTP server with IP address 192.168.1.100 and you want to save the image as "backup.bin", the command would be "copy flash tftp flash:c2800nm-advipservicesk9-mz.151-4.M3.bin 192.168.1.100 backup.bin"
Wait for the copy process to complete. This may take several minutes, depending on the size of the image and the speed of the network connection.
Verify that the image has been successfully copied to the TFTP server by using the "dir" command on the TFTP server to list the files stored in the server
It's important to keep a backup copy of the IOS image in a safe and secure location, such as a network attached storage (NAS) device, where it can be easily retrieved in the event that the image on the router becomes corrupt or is accidentally deleted.
Using a USB Flash Drive for Backup
You can use a USB flash drive to back up the Cisco IOS image on a router. This method is particularly useful if you do not have network connectivity to a remote server or a TFTP server.
Here are the steps to back up the Cisco IOS image using a USB flash drive −
Connect the USB flash drive to the router.
Verify that the USB flash drive is recognized by the router by using the "dir" command on the router to list the files stored on the USB flash drive.
Use the "copy flash usbflash0:" command to copy the IOS image from flash memory to the USB flash drive. The syntax for the command is : "copy flash usbflash0:[destination filename]" . For example, "copy flash usbflash0:backup.bin"
Wait for the copy process to complete. This may take several minutes, depending on the size of the image and the speed of the USB flash drive
Verify that the image has been successfully copied to the USB flash drive by using the "dir" command on the router to list the files stored on the USB flash drive
Once the process is completed, you can safely remove the USB flash drive and store it in a safe location.
It's important to keep a backup copy of the IOS image in a safe and secure location, where it can be easily retrieved in the event that the image on the router becomes corrupt or is accidentally deleted.
Using a Cisco Network Management System (NMS) for backup
Using a Cisco Network Management System (NMS) such as Cisco Prime or Cisco DNA Center to back up the Cisco IOS image on a router is a good option if you have a large network with multiple routers. This method allows you to remotely manage and back up the IOS images for all of your routers from a central location.
Here are the general steps to back up the Cisco IOS image using a Cisco NMS −
Configure the router to connect to the NMS by providing the IP address and login credentials of the NMS.
Verify that the router can communicate with the NMS by using the "ping" command to ping the IP address of the NMS.
Log in to the NMS using a web browser and navigate to the device management or inventory page.
Locate the specific router that you want to back up the IOS image for, and select the option to back up the IOS image.
Depending on the NMS you are using, the system may prompt you to specify a destination for the backup file, or it may automatically save the file to a predetermined location.
Wait for the backup process to complete.
Verify that the IOS image has been successfully backed up by checking the device inventory or backup page on the NMS.
With this method, you can easily manage, upgrade and backup multiple devices from a single location, and automate many tasks related to your devices such as schedule regular backups and notification if a device goes offline.
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