Duplicate the configuration of virtual servers on Big-IP LTM

[Yhum]

Hello everyone,

I have approx. 50 existing virtual servers on Big-IP LTM. I need to create an exact copy of each virtual server but with different virtual-server's IP. creating 50 copies from GUI seems very difficult and tedious task. so I wanted to ask if there is a better way to duplicate the virtual servers.

One of the possible options I can think of is using CLI. capture the existing configuration of virtual-server by running 'list ltm virtual <virtual-server-name>', change the IP and push it back via CLI. I have never done before so not sure if it is safe to use CLI for such bulk configuration changes?

If anyone knows a useful KB, document, please let me know.

Thanks all,

[KeesvandenBos · Accepted solution]

Hi,

You can use an scf backup and load it via the cli.

save /sys config file my-scf no-passphrase

Look for it in /var/local/scf

Loading it back after the modifiations:

load sys config from-terminal merge verify
or
load /sys config merge file <filename> verify 
if it runs without errors
load sys config from-terminal merge
or
load /sys config merge file <filename> 
save sys config

https://support.f5.com/csp/article/K13408

https://support.f5.com/csp/article/K81271448

Cheers,

Kees

[Yhum]

Thank you Kees, that's very helpful. Is this procedure safe? looks like I'm backing up the entire configuration and then loading it back with changes. I'm afraid if I mess up while editing it, it can have huge ramifications.

[KeesvandenBos]

Hi,

With an SCF backup you get a txt file. Modify the entries you need and remove the rest.

With the verify command you make sure that you are not messing up.

Cheers,

Kees