Configuration Files

All configuration settings for the router are handled in the configuration files on the router. These files are saved in the /config directory on the router.

Configuration File Selection Sequence

During the boot process, the router is configured based on a predefined configuration file. The router selects the configuration file based on the sequence shown in
Figure 1.

1. /config/juniper.conf—Active configuration file.

2. /config/rescue.conf—Rescue configuration file. This file is created by the router administrator.

3. /config/juniper.conf.1—First rollback configuration.

4. /etc/config/factory.conf—Default factory configuration file.

   The factory.conf file is the initial router configuration file shipped with the system. All configuration settings are returned to the factory default, and access to the router is restricted to the console. For more information on setting up your router from the factory default configuration, see the specific hardware guide for your router.

Remote Storage of Configuration Files

Configuration files can be stored off the router. This can be helpful if the router encounters a software failure or other problem that forces you to restore the router’s software. Once the software is restored, you can then reload the saved configuration file. For more information on restoring the Junos OS, see Load and Commit the Configuration File.

When the configuration file is stored off the router, you can encrypt the configuration files using the Data Encryption Standard (DES) encryption algorithm.