How can I automate switch configuration

[loobitize]

I am looking for a way to automate switch configurations. I want to create a standard configuration that I can apply to all new switches. What methods (software, scripts etc) are available to automate the configuration process? Ideally, the system would download and install a standard image and then apply a baseline config, which I could modify as needed after initial install.

Thanks

[mmorris11]

There are many ways to achieve this with an NMS or scripts. There are hidden costs that need to be considered. For example, say you come up with a script or whatever to dump the config, but how much bootstrapping will you have to do before that can work? How much time will you have to spend testing your process? etc. I have found that what works best for me is to use a text file that contains all of the standard stuff like aaa config and snmp and paste it to the device via console. I have a rack based staging area with a 2511 that makes this pretty easy.

HTH

[glen.grant]

You can download a standard template off a tftp server with all the standard stuff like AAA, snmp, default telnet and enable secret passwords. Interface specific info will always be a manual process . We have templates for each specific model and then manually fill in all the other parameters like routing and interface configs.

[ilya.varlashkin]

What you're looking for is auto-install. You will need a DHCP and TFTP servers for this, then base configuration can be preloaded on the switches, optionally system-specific configuration can be added from another config file.

Have a look at these document - http://www.cisco.com/en/US/tech/tk648/tk361/technologies_white_paper09186a0080091cb9.shtml

Does this help?

[loobitize]

That sounds like what I am looking for, but the link you posted describes NAT.

[ilya.varlashkin]

Sorry, this is correct URL - http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/sw/iosswrel/ps1835/products_configuration_guide_chapter09186a00800ca735.html

Also search Cisco website for release notes for your specific product since there might be some differences in supported features (like auto save of configuration after auto-install finished etc.). Here is one of them:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/sw/iosswrel/ps5013/prod_bulletin0900aecd803fdc15.html

Regards,

iLya

[w.kuhn]

If you have Ciscoworks you're almost there... All you need to do is configure basic IP address and SNMP strings for connectivity.

For simplicity if it's a device that is widely deployed dedicate a specific IP address which is listed as asset in RME. Then you can create baseline template in NetConfig and if IOS requires change, schedule upgrade via Software Management in RME.

[abhishek_nandavat]

Hi,

Have a look at this link:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/sw/netmgtsw/ps4617/products_data_sheet0900aecd802feb51.html

Should help!!!

Regards,

AbhisheK

Please rate all posts!!!

[abhishek_nandavat]

Hi,

You can also perhaps use Cisco Config Maker!

Find it here -

http://www.slctech.org/~clark/ciscocomp12/links/cmaker2.6.006.exe

Hope this helps!

Regards,

AbhisheK

Please rate all posts!!!