[USG FLEX H] How to import parts of configuration?

Zyxel_Melen · June 2

This FAQ addresses the possibility of importing specific parts of a configuration file, particularly after using the Configuration Converter, and the implications of editing configuration files before importing them on Zyxel devices.

Background

Zyxel devices allow users to import configuration files to quickly set up or restore device settings. The Configuration Converter tool assists in migrating configurations between different Zyxel device models. However, users may sometimes want to import only specific sections of a converted or existing configuration instead of the entire file.

Scenario

Imagine you've upgraded from a USG Flex 700 to a USG Flex 700H and used the Configuration Converter to migrate your settings. You are primarily interested in transferring the IPsec VPN tunnel configurations from your old USG Flex 700 to the new 700H. Manually recreating these tunnels would be time-consuming, so you'd like to extract the relevant configuration snippets and import them.

Main Content

Q: Can I import only a specific part of a configuration file into my Zyxel device?

A: No, Zyxel devices require a complete configuration file to be imported. Partial configurations are not supported for direct import.

Q: How can I import only the IPsec VPN tunnel configurations after converting my configuration file?

A: To achieve this, follow these steps:

Download the current configuration file from your USG Flex 700H. This will serve as the base configuration.
Open both the complete converted configuration file (from the USG Flex 700) and the downloaded configuration file (from the 700H) using a text editor.
Identify and copy the relevant section(s) from the converted configuration file. In this scenario, locate the configuration blocks related to the IPsec VPN tunnels.
Paste the copied section(s) into the downloaded configuration file (from the 700H) at the appropriate location. Ensure the pasted configuration is properly formatted and nested within the existing configuration structure.
Save the modified configuration file.
Import the modified configuration file to your USG Flex 700H.

Q: Is it permissible to edit the configuration file before importing it into my Zyxel device?

A: Yes, you can edit the configuration file before importing it. Editing the configuration file is essential when trying to import "partial" configurations as described above.

Q: Is there a way to validate a configuration file before importing it?

A: Yes, many Zyxel devices have a "Test" button within the configuration import section. Clicking this button will analyze the configuration file for errors before committing the changes to the device. Look for a similar function, typically found near the file upload option, as shown in the screenshot.

Additional Information

Backup: Always back up your current configuration before importing a new one. This allows you to easily revert to a known working state if something goes wrong.
Configuration Structure: Be mindful of the configuration structure. Improperly placed configuration snippets can lead to errors or device instability. Familiarize yourself with the device's configuration syntax.
Typos: Pay close attention to detail while editing the configuration file. Even small typos can cause import failures or unexpected behavior.
Factory Reset: If you encounter persistent issues after importing a configuration, consider performing a factory reset and starting over.

What Could Go Wrong

Import Failure: If the configuration file is invalid, the import process may fail. Double-check the file for errors, missing parameters, or incorrect syntax. Use the "Test" or "Check" feature if available.
Device Instability: A corrupted or incompatible configuration can lead to device instability, such as reboots, connectivity issues, or feature malfunctions. Restore a previous backup or perform a factory reset to resolve these issues.
Conflicting Settings: Ensure that the imported configuration sections don't conflict with existing settings on the device. Overlapping IP addresses, conflicting routing rules, or duplicate object names can cause problems. Review the configuration carefully before and after importing.
Incomplete Configuration: When manually editing and merging configurations, ensure that all necessary dependencies and related settings are included. Missing elements can lead to features not working as expected.