Overview
This lecture covers using TFTP and FTP to update Cisco IOS images on routers and demonstrates backing up and restoring router configuration files using TFTP in lab environments.
IOS Upgrade via TFTP and FTP
- TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) and FTP (File Transfer Protocol) are used to transfer files to and from network devices.
- To upgrade IOS on R1 using TFTP: use
COPY TFTP FLASH, specify server IP and file name, then verify the file in flash.
- To set the new IOS image for boot: use
BOOT SYSTEM FLASH <filename> in global config mode.
- Save configuration with
WRITE and reload the router using RELOAD.
- After reboot, verify the new IOS version with
SHOW VERSION.
- Remove the old IOS file from flash with
DELETE FLASH:<filename>.
- On R2, FTP is used instead: set FTP username/password (
IP FTP USERNAME, IP FTP PASSWORD), then COPY FTP FLASH.
- FTP transfer is slower than TFTP but follows a similar process.
Backing Up and Restoring Configuration via TFTP (NetSim Lab)
- TFTP can be used to backup or restore device configurations, not just IOS files.
- Set IP address and default gateway on client PCs using
IPCONFIG /IP and IPCONFIG /DG.
- Verify connectivity with
PING.
- On the router, backup the running configuration to TFTP with
COPY RUNNING-CONFIG TFTP, entering the server IP and destination filename.
- On the TFTP server, verify the backup file is present.
- Restore configuration by copying from TFTP to the router's NVRAM:
COPY TFTP STARTUP-CONFIG.
- The startup configuration can be checked with
SHOW STARTUP-CONFIG.
- To apply the startup config to running config, use
COPY STARTUP-CONFIG RUNNING-CONFIG.
- Overwriting NVRAM with a file replaces its contents entirely; copying to DRAM (running config) merges configs.
Key Terms & Definitions
- TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) — Simple protocol for transferring files without authentication.
- FTP (File Transfer Protocol) — Protocol for transferring files with username and password authentication.
- IOS (Internetwork Operating System) — Cisco's operating system for routers and switches.
- Flash — Non-volatile storage in routers for IOS images and other files.
- NVRAM (Non-Volatile RAM) — Stores router's startup configuration.
- DRAM (Dynamic RAM) — Holds running configuration and active processes.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice IOS image upgrades using both TFTP and FTP.
- Backup and restore router configurations using TFTP.
- Review lab procedures and commands demonstrated.
- Explore additional labs in Boson NetSim for further practice.