Example for Accessing Files on Other Devices Using TFTP

Overview

After a switch is configured as a TFTP client, it can access the remote TFTP server to upload and download files on the TFTP server. When you access other devices using TFTP, you do not need to enter the user name or password, simplifying information exchange. TFTP has no authorization or authentication mechanism and transfers data in plaintext, which brings security risks and is vulnerable to network viruses and attacks. Exercise caution when using TFTP.

On a good-performance LAN in a lab, TFTP can be used for the system software loading and upgrade.

Configuration Notes

Before accessing files on the TFTP server, ensure that routes are reachable between the switch and TFTP server.
The switch can only function as a TFTP client.
The TFTP mode supports only file transfer, but does not support interaction.
TFTP has no authorization or authentication mechanism and transfers data in plaintext, which brings security risks and is vulnerable to network viruses and attacks.
This example applies to all versions of all S series switches.

The following uses the command lines and outputs of the S5720-EI running V200R008C00 as an example.

Networking Requirements

As shown in Figure 1, the remote server at IP address 10.1.1.1/24 functions as the TFTP server. The switch at IP address 10.2.1.1/24 functions as the TFTP client and has reachable routes to the TFTP server.

The switch needs to be upgraded. You need to download the system software from the TFTP server to the switch and back up the current configuration file of the switch to the TFTP server.

Figure 1 Networking diagram for accessing files on another device using TFTP

Configuration Roadmap

The configuration roadmap is as follows:

Run the TFTP software on the TFTP server and set the TFTP working directory.
Upload and download files on the switch using TFTP commands.

Procedure

Run the TFTP software on the TFTP server and set the TFTP working directory. For the detailed operations, see the help document of the third-party TFTP software.

Upload and download files on the switch using TFTP commands.

<HUAWEI> tftp 10.1.1.1 get devicesoft.cc   //Download devicesoft.cc.
Info: Transfer file in binary mode.                                                                                                 
Downloading the file from the remote TFTP server. Please wait...                                                                    
|                                                                                                                                   
TFTP: Downloading the file successfully.                                                                                            
106616955 byte(s) received in 722 second(s).
<HUAWEI> tftp 10.1.1.1 put vrpcfg.zip   //Upload vrpcfg.zip.
Info: Transfer file in binary mode.                                                                                                 
Uploading the file to the remote TFTP server. Please wait...                                                                        
100%                                                                                                                                
TFTP: Uploading the file successfully.                                                                                              
7717 byte(s) sent in 1 second(s).

Verify the configuration.

# Run the dir command on the switch to check whether the system software is downloaded to the switch.

<HUAWEI> dir
Directory of flash:/

  Idx  Attr     Size(Byte)  Date        Time       FileName
    0  -rw-             14  Mar 13 2012 14:13:38   back_time_a
    1  drw-              -  Mar 11 2012 00:58:54   logfile
    2  -rw-              4  Nov 17 2011 09:33:58   snmpnotilog.txt
    3  -rw-         11,238  Mar 12 2012 21:15:56   private-data.txt
    4  -rw-          7,717  Mar 12 2012 21:15:54   vrpcfg.zip
    5  -rw-             14  Mar 13 2012 14:13:38   back_time_b
    6  -rw-    106,616,955  Mar 13 2012 14:24:24   devicesoft.cc
    7  drw-              -  Oct 31 2011 10:20:28   sysdrv
    8  drw-              -  Feb 21 2012 17:16:36   compatible
    9  drw-              -  Feb 09 2012 14:20:10   selftest
   10  -rw-         19,174  Feb 20 2012 18:55:32   backup.cfg
   11  -rw-         43,496  Dec 15 2011 20:59:36   20111215.zip
   12  -rw-            588  Nov 04 2011 13:54:04   servercert.der
   13  -rw-            320  Nov 04 2011 13:54:26   serverkey.der
   14  drw-              -  Nov 04 2011 13:58:36   security
...
509,256 KB total (52,752 KB free)

# Check whether the file vrpcfg.zip is stored in the working directory on the TFTP server.

Configuration Files

None