Working with a Portable and Text Editable Backup

When the controller database backup is processed, a .zip file is created. The contents of the .zip file will vary depending on what type of database backup you process.

If you process a configuration information backup, one of the files included in the .zip file is a .cli file. When the .zip file is stored on a server or flash, the .zip file contents can be extracted and the .cli file can be edited.

This editable .cli file when imported to the controller will reproduce the identical configuration from which the original configuration was generated. This editable .cli file provides an easy method for replicating identical configurations on multiple controllers. Below is a sample .cli file. The .cli file contains CLI commands, which will replicate the configuration that the backup was based on when the file is imported.

For information on how to import a backup onto the controller, see Restoring the Wireless Controller Configuration.

Note

Backup configurations saved in local storage are deleted during the upgrade. To preserve your backed up configurations, upload them to an external FTP or SCP server, or flash before performing the upgrade.

To back up the wireless database using the GUI:

1. From the top menu, click Controller.
2. From the left pane, click Administration > Software Maintenance.
3. Click the Backup tab.
   

   

   The Available Backups list displays items that have already been backed up and are available.

4. In the Backup section:
   • click an item from the Select what to backup drop-down list.
   • select Local or Flash from the Backup to drop-down list.
5. To launch the backup of the selected items, click Backup Now.
   The Software Maintenance window is displayed, providing the status and results of the backup.