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Mikrotik Export Configuration: A Comprehensive Guide

Mikrotik devices are widely used in networking environments due to their reliability, flexibility, and affordability. These devices offer a range of features and functionalities that make them a popular choice among network administrators. One of the key features of Mikrotik devices is their ability to export configuration, which is essential for maintaining and managing network settings. In this article, we will explore the concept of Mikrotik export configuration, its importance, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to export and import configurations.

Why Export Mikrotik Configuration?

Exporting Mikrotik configuration is crucial for several reasons:

1. Backup and Recovery: Exporting the configuration allows you to create a backup of your device's settings, which can be used to restore the device in case of a failure or when the device is reset to its factory settings.
2. Configuration Management: Exporting the configuration enables you to manage and track changes made to the device's settings over time. This is particularly useful in large networks where multiple administrators may be making changes to the configuration.
3. Migration and Upgrades: When upgrading or migrating to a new Mikrotik device, exporting the configuration allows you to transfer the settings to the new device, ensuring a seamless transition.
4. Troubleshooting: Exporting the configuration can help you identify and troubleshoot issues with the device's settings.

Methods for Exporting Mikrotik Configuration

There are several methods for exporting Mikrotik configuration: mikrotik export configuration

1. WebFig: WebFig is a web-based interface for Mikrotik devices. To export the configuration using WebFig, follow these steps:
   • Log in to the Mikrotik device using WebFig.
   • Navigate to the Files section.
   • Click on the + button to create a new file.
   • Select Configuration as the file type.
   • Choose a name for the file and click Apply.
   • The configuration will be exported as a .cfg file.
2. Winbox: Winbox is a Windows-based utility for managing Mikrotik devices. To export the configuration using Winbox, follow these steps:
   • Connect to the Mikrotik device using Winbox.
   • Navigate to the Files section.
   • Right-click on the Configuration folder and select Export.
   • Choose a location to save the file and select the format (e.g., .cfg, .txt).
   • Click Save.
3. Command-Line Interface (CLI): The CLI is a command-line interface for Mikrotik devices. To export the configuration using the CLI, follow these steps:
   • Connect to the Mikrotik device using a terminal emulator (e.g., PuTTY).
   • Use the /export command to export the configuration.
   • Specify the output file name and format (e.g., /export file=configuration.cfg).

Importing Mikrotik Configuration

Importing a Mikrotik configuration is a straightforward process:

1. WebFig: To import a configuration using WebFig, follow these steps:
   • Log in to the Mikrotik device using WebFig.
   • Navigate to the Files section.
   • Click on the + button to create a new file.
   • Select Configuration as the file type.
   • Choose the imported file and click Apply.
2. Winbox: To import a configuration using Winbox, follow these steps:
   • Connect to the Mikrotik device using Winbox.
   • Navigate to the Files section.
   • Right-click on the Configuration folder and select Import.
   • Choose the file to import and select the format (e.g., .cfg, .txt).
   • Click Open.
3. CLI: To import a configuration using the CLI, follow these steps:
   • Connect to the Mikrotik device using a terminal emulator (e.g., PuTTY).
   • Use the /import command to import the configuration.
   • Specify the input file name and format (e.g., /import file=configuration.cfg).

Best Practices for Mikrotik Export Configuration

To ensure that your Mikrotik export configuration process is efficient and effective, follow these best practices:

1. Regularly export configurations: Regularly export your Mikrotik device's configuration to ensure that you have a recent backup.
2. Use secure protocols: When exporting and importing configurations, use secure protocols (e.g., SSH, HTTPS) to protect your device's settings.
3. Use version control: Use version control systems (e.g., Git) to track changes made to your device's configuration over time.
4. Test imported configurations: Test imported configurations to ensure that they are working as expected.

Conclusion

Managing your MikroTik router effectively requires a deep understanding of its configuration management tools. While binary backups are common, the MikroTik export configuration command is often the superior choice for migration, auditing, and selective restoration because it produces human-readable scripts. What is a MikroTik Export Configuration?

A configuration export is a plain-text script (typically with a .rsc extension) containing the CLI commands required to recreate your router’s current state. Unlike binary backups, which are designed for the exact same physical device, export files can be edited and applied to different models or updated versions of RouterOS. Core Export Commands and Options

You can run an export from the New Terminal at any level of the menu hierarchy. Running it from the root (/) exports everything, while running it within a submenu (like /ip firewall) only exports that specific section.

Critical Flaw with hide-sensitive config export - MikroTik Forum

1. The Compact Export (Default)

Command: /export Usage: This is the standard output used for viewing the configuration. It shows only the parameters that have been changed from their default values. Why use it? It creates a clean, concise script that is easy to read. By omitting default settings, it reduces file size and visual clutter. Backup and Recovery : Exporting the configuration allows

4. Order of Operations

Exported scripts are generated in the correct order (interfaces first, then IP addresses, then firewall). However, if you manually edit the script, you might break dependencies. Example: adding a firewall rule that references a non-existent address list. Test edited scripts in a lab or virtual CHR first.

5. Security Considerations

| Practice | Reason | |----------|--------| | Never use show-sensitive in production logs | Exports PPP secrets, WiFi passwords, VPN keys | | Remove exported .rsc files from router after transfer | Files remain in RAM/storage and could be retrieved | | Encrypt exported files externally | Use zip -e or GPG before storing or emailing | | Redact default credentials (admin/"") before sharing | Attackers could use known defaults |

Saving to a File

To export the entire configuration to a text file stored on the router’s filesystem:

/export file=my-config

This creates a file named my-config.rsc in the router’s root directory (/). You can then download this file via WinBox, FTP, or SCP for safekeeping.

Export Only DHCP Server Settings

/ip dhcp-server export file=dhcp-config