Aruba CX Switches & Checkpoint Auto Commands

When configuring switches remotely, having a rollback option is essential. Cisco provides an efficient way to test configuration changes using the reload in and reload cancel commands. By setting a timed reload, Cisco switches can automatically revert to a stable state if new configurations cause problems. For instance, if you set reload in 5, the switch will restart in five minutes with the last saved configuration if you don’t cancel it manually. This safety net prevents permanent issues due to misconfigurations.

However, Aruba CX switches offer a different and equally powerful approach to safely testing changes: checkpoint auto commands. With Aruba’s system of checkpoints and automatic reversion, you can test changes more thoroughly before committing them. Let’s dive into how you can use checkpoints to manage configuration changes on Aruba CX switches effectively.

Using Checkpoint Auto Commands on Aruba CX

What are Checkpoints on Aruba CX?

A checkpoint in Aruba CX switches acts like a snapshot of your current configuration. You can create checkpoints manually or set them to occur automatically at regular intervals. Once a checkpoint is created, you can revert to it if the new configurations don’t work as expected. This checkpoint-based approach gives you control over which configuration to restore, allowing for finer granularity and more robust testing compared to a timed reload.

Setting Up Auto Checkpoints for Testing Configurations

The checkpoint auto <minutes> command enables you to set a timer for testing configuration changes. If the new configuration isn’t confirmed within the specified time, the switch will automatically revert to the last checkpoint. This command provides an added layer of security and flexibility during configuration testing.

Here’s how to use checkpoint auto for testing configurations:

1. Initiate the Auto Checkpoint:

checkpoint auto <minutes>

For instance, running checkpoint auto 5 will start a five-minute timer. If the configuration isn’t confirmed within this time, the switch will automatically revert to the previously saved configuration state.

2. Make Your Configuration Changes:

After setting the checkpoint auto timer, you can proceed with your configuration changes. These changes will be active but temporary unless confirmed.

3. Confirm the Configuration:

Once you’re satisfied with the changes, you can confirm them to stop the auto-reversion timer and save the changes permanently. To confirm, use the following command: checkpoint confirm

This command applies the configuration changes permanently, cancelling the automatic rollback.

4. Automatic Reversion if Changes are Unsuccessful:

If the changes are not confirmed within the specified time (e.g., 5 minutes), the switch will revert to the previous checkpoint automatically. This ensures that any issues introduced by the changes won’t persist, allowing you to make adjustments without risking long-term network disruptions.

Advantages of Using Checkpoint Auto Commands

The checkpoint system on Aruba CX offers several benefits for safely testing and managing configurations:

• Controlled Configuration Testing: The checkpoint auto command allows you to try out new configurations without a long-term commitment, as unconfirmed changes will automatically revert.
• Error Prevention: This method ensures you won’t be locked out due to a misconfiguration. If the configuration isn’t confirmed, the switch reverts, preserving network stability.
• Flexibility and Precision: Unlike Cisco’s timer-based reload method, Aruba’s checkpoints and auto commands let you manage configurations with more granular control, enabling multiple snapshots if necessary.

Example Workflow for Safe Configuration Testing on Aruba CX

Here’s a quick workflow to illustrate safe configuration testing with Aruba CX:

1. Run checkpoint auto 5 to set a five-minute window for configuration testing.
2. Make the desired configuration changes and monitor for any issues.
3. Confirm changes if they work as expected, stopping the auto-revert timer. If not, allow the switch to automatically revert to the previous configuration after five minutes.

Conclusion

While Cisco’s reload in and cancel reload commands offer a straightforward way to revert configuration changes, Aruba CX switches provide a more robust, checkpoint-based rollback system. With checkpoint auto and other checkpoint commands, Aruba CX allows network administrators to safely test changes without risking permanent misconfigurations, adding flexibility and control. Whether you’re working on small adjustments or larger configuration updates, checkpoint auto commands on Aruba CX ensure that your network remains stable, adaptable, and secure.

Have any questions about checkpoint auto commands on Aruba CX or anything about network security? Please reach out to our experts at any time!