How to Install RANCID on MXLinux Latest

RANCID is an open-source software tool that helps network administrators to manage their network devices. It can automatically backup, track and document the configuration changes on various network devices like switches, routers, and firewalls.

In this tutorial, we will show you how to install RANCID on MXLinux latest.

Prerequisites

• MXLinux Latest installation
• Superuser Privileges

Step 1: Update the System

Before installing RANCID, update your system by running the following command:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Install Required Packages

Install the necessary packages required for RANCID:

sudo apt install -y rancid cvs cron

Step 3: Configure RANCID

RANCID's configuration file (rancid.conf) is located in the /etc/ directory. We have to modify the following parameters:

• Router access parameters

We must provide the administrative credentials access to the network devices. For instance, the password of a router could be set as follows:

```
add user <username> <password>
```

Replace `<username>` and `<password>` with the username and password of an administrator account on your network devices.

• Device Parameters

  The device name and device type is specified here. The device type must match the entry in /usr/share/rancid/rancid.types.conf for your device.

• Email Parameters

  If you want to receive an email notification when an error in RANCID processing occurs, you can modify the following parameters:

   LIST_OF_GROUPS="<your-email-address>"
   MAILTO="<your-email-address>"
  

  Replace <your-email-address> with the email address you want to receive the email notifications.

Step 4: Initialize RANCID

Initialize RANCID by running the following command:

sudo rancid-cvs

Step 5: Add Devices

Add the devices you want to manage to the RANCID database. Edit the /etc/rancid/routers.conf file and enter your switches, routers or firewalls.

Step 6: Create Crontab Entry

Create cron to automatically run RANCID on a schedule. Add the following line to the crontab:

*/30 * * * * sudo /usr/lib/rancid/bin/rancid-run

This will run RANCID every 30 minutes.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, you learned how to install RANCID on MXLinux latest. Now you can use RANCID to manage your network devices.

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