A configuration management tool automates device configuration, applies standards, and reduces configuration drift caused by manual changes across large networks. section 25.1.2 section 25.2
Configurations are managed centrally from a server and shared folder rather than individually on devices. Templates define the desired structure, while variables supply device-specific values. section 25.2
A typical configuration management workflow:
- Store templates and variable files in standardized configuration files. section 25.2
- Assemble device-specific configurations by inserting each device’s variable values into the template. section 25.2
- Apply initial configurations and later changes to the appropriate devices from the central server. section 25.2
- Compare active device configurations with the expected templates and notify administrators about discrepancies. section 25.2
Template and router variables
A shared template can define hostname, NTP, logging, OSPF, and interface settings, while variables provide R1’s hostname, addresses, and masks.
