What is rconfig?

This Network Configuration Management platform automates backups across diverse vendor equipment. It works with many manufacturers using SSH and Telnet. Core capabilities include scheduled backups, configuration versioning with visual diffs, multi-term search, a REST API for automation, and secure credential handling. The software runs on Linux distributions such as Rocky, CentOS, RHEL, Ubuntu, Alma, and AWS Linux, deployable through Docker Compose or a guided native installer. External dependencies are MariaDB/MySQL and Redis. A paid Pro edition adds compliance policies, change alerts, advanced workflows, single sign-on, and priority support.

Should you self-host rconfig?

rconfig scores 49/100 on selfhost.directory (how scoring works) and ranks #21 of 34 in Network Management. It has 221 GitHub stars.

It shipped 29 stable releases in the past year. The latest, core-8.2.19, came out on 27 October 2026. New versions land roughly every 1 days.

Setup is moderate: expect some configuration beyond a single command. An official Docker image is available. It is GPL-3.0-licensed and written mostly in PHP.

Its closest alternative on selfhost.directory is oxidized (65/100, 3 631 stars). It scores higher overall, so compare the two before you pick. See rconfig vs oxidized side by side.

Features

Config Compare
Configuration Backup
Configuration Search
Config Versioning & Diff
Data Import (Oxidized, RANCID, NetMRI, SolarWinds)
Multi-vendor Support
Notifications
REST API (v1 & v2)
Scheduled Tasks
SSO (SAML/OIDC/OAuth)Available in Core per env configuration; Pro adds priority support
Unlimited Devices

FAQ

What does a typical V8 Core deployment look like?

V8 Core runs on Linux and can be deployed quickly using the guided installation process from the GitHub repository. Administrators add devices, organize infrastructure using tags and groups, schedule backup jobs, and begin collecting configurations. Most teams implement automated backups within the first day.

Does V8 Core have an API for automation and integration?

Yes, V8 Core includes a REST API that enables teams to automate backups, retrieve configurations, manage devices, and integrate with existing operational workflows and popular automation tools.

Where does V8 Core store configuration backups?

All device credentials, configuration files, and backup data remain within your own environment. Deployments can be hosted on-premises, in private cloud, or in air-gapped networks. No data is transmitted to rConfig or third-party cloud services.

Can V8 Core replace RANCID, Oxidized, or homegrown backup scripts?

Yes, V8 Core was designed as a modern alternative to legacy tools such as RANCID, Oxidized, Kiwi CatTools, and custom Python or Netmiko-based backup scripts, replacing fragile script-based workflows with a dedicated NCM platform.

How is V8 Core different from rConfig V8 Pro?

V8 Core provides free, open-source network configuration backup and management. V8 Pro builds on the same architecture and adds enterprise features: configuration compliance policies, change detection alerts, advanced automation workflows, single sign-on (SSO), and priority support.

What kinds of devices can V8 Core back up in multi-vendor environments?

V8 Core uses CLI-based collection through SSH and Telnet and supports a wide range of vendors including Cisco, Juniper, Aruba, Fortinet, Palo Alto, MikroTik, HP, Ubiquiti and many others. It can back up routers, switches, firewalls, wireless controllers, and OT devices.

Is rConfig V8 Core really free and open source?

Yes, V8 Core is fully open source and free to use with no license keys, per-device limits, or mandatory paid add-ons. It aligns with the Open Source Definition and can be deployed on-premises, in private cloud, offline, or in air-gapped networks.