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The SolarWinds Config Download tool is used to download the configuration files from a Cisco router or switch. With Config Download you can specify the target directory in which to save the Configs.  The Config download tool lets you download Configs quickly and archive them for later use.  You do not need to view the downloaded Config each time.   In order to use the Config Download, you will need the SNMP read-write community string for the router or switch that you are uploading changes into. You will also need a TFTP Server for the router or switch to communicate with. You can use SolarWinds TFTP Server or any other TFTP Server.

Some of the uses for the Config Downloader are:

          Shutdown an interface

          Reset/change a login or enable password 

          Change banners

          Modify access lists

          Or any other configuration setting ...

         

Getting Started

The Config Download sends instructions to a router or switch via SNMP. This is why the SNMP read-write community string for the target router or switch is needed. The router/switch then transmits the configuration file to the target directory using the TFTP Server specified.

To download a configuration from a router or switch...

Enter the Router Hostname or IP Address and the Community String.
The new configuration file is simply a text file with any set of commands that you would like to merge with running configuration.

For more information on Cisco command syntax and valid commands for your router or switch visit Cisco.

This example replaces the logon banner Enter the router details into the Config Uploader program and press the button.  The new configuration file is simply a text file with any set of commands that you would like to merge with running configuration.

Advanced Options
The advanced options may be turned "ON" or "OFF" by selecting either the  or the  button.  The Advanced Options default is to place the downloaded Config file in the default system directory and to use the TFTP Server configured for the workstation.  When the Advanced Options are selected the following features are available:  

View Config File After Downloading
If this checkbox is selected the Config Download will automatically launch the SolarWinds Config Viewer and display the downloaded Config file.

Save Config to ...
This window allows you to either directly enter the desired directory name in which to archive the downloaded Config file or by using the button you may browse your directory structure and select the desired folder.

TFTP Server Address
A specific TFTP Server may be selected by entering the IP Address of the TFTP Server.

Status Window
This window is used to display the status of the download as it progresses. 

Config Downloader Menus

Router Menu

   

Ping Router

Ping the IP address entered in the "IP Address or Hostname" text box.

Telnet

Telnets to the address entered in the "IP Address or Hostname" text box.

IP Network Browser

Browses the address entered in the "IP Address or Hostname" text box using SolarWinds IP Network Browser.

Verify Community String

Verifies that the community string entered in the "Community String" text box is a read-write community string for the address entered in the "IP Address or Hostname" text box. You can use this menu selection to make sure you are using the correct community string.

Q    How do I create a Community Sting?

A      For Cisco routers there is a brief overview on the Cisco web site at: Setting the Community String. If you have a different router, please refer to that manufactures home page for specific instructions on how to configure and change Community Strings. 

Q    Is Config Downloader specific to Cisco devices only, or can it be used to upload changes to other types of routers?

A     Config Download can only be used with Cisco routers and switches.

Q    It doesn't seem to work. What am I doing wrong?

A     There are a number of things that could go wrong. Here are a few things to check....

-Are you using the read-write community string? 
You can select "Verify Community String" from the "Router" menu to make sure you have the read-write community string. 

-Is there an ACCESS LIST on the router that blocks SNMP queries?

-Did you put the new configuration file in the TFTP Server's root directory?
You can look at the TFTP Server's log to verify that the router or switch requested the file. You can also look at the log to see if there was an error during the transfer.

-Maybe the router is busy processing your last request.
This is the most common problem. Cisco routers stop responding to SNMP queries while they are requesting a file from a TFTP Server. (They also stop responding to SNMP while sending files to a TFTP Server). If you instruct a Cisco router to upload a new configuration file and it cannot find it for some reason, it will attempt to upload the config a number of times (this can be up to a minute). During this time, the router will stop responding to SNMP queries. You will have to just wait until the router gets tired of requesting the file and then try again.