Understanding the Difference between Startup and Running Configuration Files in Network Devices

Why would a technician enter the command copy startup-config running-config?

A technician would enter the command “copy startup-config running-config” in order to copy the contents of the startup configuration file to the running configuration file.

The startup configuration file is a file stored in non-volatile memory (typically flash memory) on a network device such as a router or switch. It contains the configuration settings that are saved and applied upon booting up the device.

These settings include parameters such as IP addresses, routing protocols, access control lists (ACLs), and other network configurations.

On the other hand, the running configuration file is a temporary file located in the device’s RAM. It is the currently active configuration that the device is using to operate.

Any changes made to the running configuration take immediate effect on the device.

By entering the command “copy startup-config running-config”, the technician is essentially copying the configuration settings from the startup file (stored in non-volatile memory) to the running configuration file (located in RAM). This can be useful if the technician wants to make changes to the configuration without editing the startup configuration directly.

Once the running configuration is modified, it can be saved back to the startup configuration file if desired.

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