Oxidized Case-Network Device Configuration Backup Tool
For modern enterprises, network device configuration management is no small matter. A minor configuration error could lead to network outages or even disrupt business operations. So, is there a way to make configuration management smarter and more efficient? The answer is a network management tool—Oxidized!
To help our team better understand Oxidized, on February 27, 2025, Sinokap organized an internal training session to explore how to achieve automated network device configuration management using Oxidized. Today, let’s review the key takeaways from this session and discover the power of this tool!
What is Oxidized?
Simply put, Oxidized is an automated network device configuration backup tool. In traditional IT operations, administrators have to manually log in to each device, download configurations, store files, and manage history records. This process is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to errors. As a network management tool, Oxidized automates this process by connecting to network devices, retrieving configurations, and storing them in a Git repository, making network device management more efficient and secure.
How does Oxidized work?
Oxidized follows a 6-step process for network device configuration management:
Retrieve device list
Supports manual import or automatic synchronization with CMDB.
Connect to devices
Supports remote access via SSH or Telnet.
Fetch configuration files
Executes commands automatically to retrieve the latest device configurations.
Store in a Git repository
Every change is recorded, ensuring a fully traceable version history.
Change notifications (optional)
Detects configuration changes and alerts administrators via Webhook & API.
Integration with enterprise IT systems
Seamlessly integrates with Zabbix, CMDB, and CI/CD pipelines.
Key features of Oxidized
Automated Backup
Periodically and automatically backs up network device configuration files.
Multi-Device Support
Supports various network devices, including Cisco, Juniper, HP, and more.
Version Control
Integrates with Git and other version control systems for easy tracking of configuration changes.
REST API
Provides API endpoints for seamless integration with other systems, such as Zabbix, CMDB, etc.
Plugin Extension
Supports plugin extensions to adapt to more device types and functionalities.
Advantages vs. Traditional Management
Compared to traditional manual network configuration management, Oxidized offers a more efficient, automated, and secure solution.
Operation
In terms of operation, Oxidized enables automatic backups and integrates with Git for version control, whereas traditional methods require IT personnel to manually log in to each device and perform backups individually, which is time-consuming and inefficient.
Change Tracking
When it comes to change tracking, Oxidized maintains a fully traceable version history, allowing administrators to compare past configurations and roll back if necessary. In contrast, manual management does not maintain historical records, making it difficult to track and revert configuration changes.
Efficiency Standpoint
From an efficiency standpoint, Oxidized allows users to configure the system once and automatically synchronize backups across all devices, significantly reducing labor and minimizing the risk of human error. Traditional management, however, requires repetitive manual work, making it prone to mistakes and inconsistencies.
Security
Finally, in terms of security, Oxidized can automatically detect configuration changes and notify administrators via Webhooks or APIs, ensuring that all modifications are monitored. Manual management, on the other hand, relies on IT staff to manually check for changes, increasing the likelihood of missing critical updates or security breaches.
Overall, Oxidized provides a smarter, faster, and more reliable way to manage network device configurations, making it an essential tool for modern IT operations.
Limitations of Oxidized
While Oxidized brings significant convenience to network device configuration management, and it also has certain limitations that enterprises need to consider before implementation：
Requires Ruby and Networking Knowledge
Oxidized is developed and runs on Ruby, meaning that the initial deployment may require a basic understanding of programming and network management. For IT teams unfamiliar with Ruby, there may be additional learning costs before fully utilizing the tool.
May Require Optimization for Large-Scale Device Management
When managing hundreds or even thousands of devices, Oxidized can consume considerable system resources. In such cases, enterprises may need to optimize database storage, enhance query efficiency, or implement a distributed deployment to ensure stability and scalability.
Additional Configuration May Be Required for Some Devices
Although Oxidized supports a wide range of mainstream network devices, certain special models or custom-built devices may require the development of additional plugins for full compatibility. This can add extra maintenance efforts and costs.
Values For Enterprises
Despite some technical requirements and limitations, Oxidized remains an ideal tool for IT enterprises to enhance operational efficiency and optimize network management. And it provides the following key benefits:
Enhancing IT Automation
By enabling automated network device configuration backups, Oxidized reduces manual intervention, allowing IT teams to focus on higher-value tasks rather than spending time on repetitive, manual backup processes.
Reducing Human Error Risks
Since Oxidized tracks all configuration changes, it effectively prevents issues like configuration loss or accidental modifications that often occur in manual management. This significantly enhances network security and stability for enterprises.
Improving IT Infrastructure Visibility
With Git-based version control, IT teams can easily review configuration history, quickly identify issues, and ensure better control over enterprise IT assets.
Supporting DevOps and CI/CD Pipelines
Oxidized integrates seamlessly with DevOps and CI/CD workflows, working alongside Zabbix, CMDB, Jenkins, and other tools. This allows enterprises to automate network configuration changes and enhance overall IT operations efficiency.
Reducing IT Operational Costs
By automating network management and minimizing manual labor, Oxidized helps enterprises cut operational costs and improve overall team productivity, making it a key enabler for digital transformation in modern IT enterprises.
Oxidized presents certain challenges in initial deployment and large-scale management, its value in automation, change management, and network security far outweighs these limitations. For enterprises looking to implement intelligent and automated IT solutions, Oxidized is an indispensable tool that can drive efficiency, security, and scalability in network operations.
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