The answer is the `save /var/tmp/backup.conf` command. This is correct because the `save` command, executed in operational mode, writes the current active configuration directly to a specified file path on the local flash storage, such as `/var/tmp/backup.conf`, without altering the candidate configuration or requiring a commit. On the JNCIA-Junos exam, this question tests your understanding of configuration management versus file operations—a common trap is confusing `save` with `commit` or `show configuration`, where `commit` activates changes and `show` only displays output. The key distinction is that `save` creates a static backup file, making it ideal for disaster recovery. A useful memory tip: think of `save` as "snapshot and archive," not "stage and apply."
JNCIA-JUNOS Junos OS Fundamentals Practice Question
This JNCIA-JUNOS practice question tests your understanding of junos os fundamentals. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A network operator needs to backup the current configuration to a file on the local flash. Which command accomplishes this?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
save /var/tmp/backup.conf
Option B is correct because the `save` command in operational mode writes the current active configuration to a specified file path, such as `/var/tmp/backup.conf`. This directly meets the requirement to backup the configuration to a file on local flash without affecting the candidate configuration or committing changes.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
request system configuration rescue save
Why it's wrong here
This saves the rescue configuration, not a backup of the active config to a custom file.
✓
save /var/tmp/backup.conf
Why this is correct
The 'save' command in configuration mode writes the current configuration to the specified file.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
commit and-quit
Why it's wrong here
This commits changes and exits configuration mode, but does not save to a file.
✗
show configuration | save /var/tmp/backup.conf
Why it's wrong here
The 'show configuration' command outputs to terminal; pipe to save is not a standard Junos operation. 'save' is the correct command.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse `save` (operational mode, writes active config to a file) with `show configuration | save` (which also works but is a pipe-based method that can introduce subtle differences in file format, and Juniper exams expect the direct `save` command as the standard approach).
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The 'show configuration' command outputs to terminal; pipe to save is not a standard Junos operation. 'save' is the correct command.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The `save` command in Junos operational mode writes the current active configuration (the one loaded into the routing engine) to a specified file in ASCII format, which can be later loaded with `load override` or `load replace`. This is distinct from the `file copy` command, which copies files, or `request system configuration rescue save`, which stores a special rescue configuration that can be booted with `request system configuration rescue recover`. In real-world scenarios, operators often use `save` to create timestamped backups before major changes, allowing rollback without relying on the commit history.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Junos OS Fundamentals — This question tests Junos OS Fundamentals — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: save /var/tmp/backup.conf — Option B is correct because the `save` command in operational mode writes the current active configuration to a specified file path, such as `/var/tmp/backup.conf`. This directly meets the requirement to backup the configuration to a file on local flash without affecting the candidate configuration or committing changes.
What should I do if I get this JNCIA-JUNOS question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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