Save Junos Configuration to File: Using 'show configuration | save' for Backups
A company has multiple Juniper devices and wants to standardize configuration snapshots for backup and audit purposes. What is the best practice?
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to use the 'show configuration | save' command to write the configuration to a file, then transfer it via SCP to a backup server. This is the best practice because the 'show configuration | save' pipe command captures the exact, active Junos configuration in plain text and writes it directly to a specified file path, such as /var/tmp/config.txt, creating a portable snapshot that preserves the full syntax for audit and restoration. On the JNCIA-Junos exam, this question tests your understanding of operational mode pipe commands and file management, often appearing as a scenario where you must choose between 'show configuration' (which only displays output) and the 'save' variant that actually writes to storage. A common trap is confusing this with 'commit' or 'request system snapshot', which handle different tasks like activating changes or backing up the entire filesystem. Remember the memory tip: "Show and save, then SCP to the cave" — the pipe to 'save' creates the file, and SCP moves it securely off-box.
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates confuse the 'commit and-quit' command (which commits and exits) with a backup mechanism, or assume that 'file archive' is the correct tool for capturing configuration output, when in fact Junos requires explicit piping of the configuration output to a file for reliable backups.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use 'show configuration | save /var/tmp/config.txt' and then transfer the file via SCP to a backup server
It uses the 'show configuration | save' command to write the current active configuration to a file in /var/tmp, which can then be securely transferred via SCP to a backup server. This is the standard Junos method for creating a portable, text-based snapshot of the configuration for backup and audit purposes, as it preserves the exact configuration syntax and can be easily compared or restored.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Run 'commit and-quit' to save the configuration to the flash
Why it's wrong here
This commits the configuration but does not create a separate backup file.
- ✓
Use 'show configuration | save /var/tmp/config.txt' and then transfer the file via SCP to a backup server
Why this is correct
This automates the backup and stores a retrievable file.
- ✗
Use the 'file archive' command to create a backup of the configuration
Why it's wrong here
The 'file archive' command is not used for configuration; it archives files but not automatically.
- ✗
Use the 'show configuration | no-more' command and copy the output manually
Why it's wrong here
Manual copy is error-prone and not scalable for multiple devices.
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on JN0-106
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which TWO commands can be used to save the current Junos configuration to a file on the local flash drive? (Choose two.)
medium- A.file copy /config/juniper.conf.gz /config/backup.conf
- B.request system configuration rescue save
- C.copy flash:juniper.conf.gz /config/backup.conf
- ✓ D.show configuration | save /config/backup.conf
- ✓ E.save /config/backup.conf
Why D: The 'show configuration | save' command pipes the current active configuration (from the candidate or active configuration) directly to a file, allowing you to save it to a specified path like /config/backup.conf on the local flash drive. This is a standard method for exporting the running configuration to a file in Junos.
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This JN0-106 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Juniper Networks certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the JN0-106 exam.