Using USB to Backup and Restore Cisco Switch/Router

Introduction

In this article, we will explain how to use a USB drive to backup and restore the configuration of a Cisco switch or router. This method is very useful for situations where the device's configuration needs to be backed up before a major upgrade or for disaster recovery purposes.

Step 1: Insert the USB Drive

The first step is to insert the USB drive into the USB port of the switch or router. Make sure that the USB drive is formatted with a file system that is compatible with the switch or router. The FAT32 file system is the most commonly used file system for this purpose.

Step 2: Backup the Configuration

To backup the configuration, connect to the switch or router using a console cable or through Telnet/SSH. Then, enter the following command:

copy running-config usbflash0:/backup.cfg

This will copy the running configuration of the switch or router to a file named "backup.cfg" on the USB drive.

Step 3: Restore the Configuration

To restore the configuration, insert the USB drive into the switch or router and enter the following command:

copy usbflash0:/backup.cfg running-config

This will copy the configuration file from the USB drive to the running configuration of the switch or router.

Conclusion

Using a USB drive to backup and restore the configuration of a Cisco switch or router is a simple and effective method. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily backup and restore your switch or router configuration in case of any unexpected issues.