How to Backup MikroTik Routers: RIF vs. RSC - Understanding Their Benefits , Best Practices and differences

Backup MikroTik Routers: RIF vs. RSC - Understanding Their Benefits and Differences.

In MikroTik RouterOS, backups can be made using two main types of files: RIF (RouterOS Information File) and RSC (RouterOS Script Configuration). The RIF file is often referred to as a binary backup, while RSC is a human-readable script export. These backups serve different purposes and have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Here I have summaries of both files and the backup system.

 

RIF (RouterOS Information File)

Purpose and Usefulness:

• Complete System Backup: RIF files provide a full binary backup of the router's configuration, including system settings, user credentials, and other sensitive information.
• Quick Restoration: These backups can be quickly restored to the same or an identical router, ensuring that the router is brought back to its exact previous state.
• Inaccessible Data: Since it's a binary file, it cannot be easily read or modified outside of MikroTik's system.

Command to Create an RIF File:

                                /system backup save name=my-rif-backup

Command to Restore from an RIF File:

                            /system backup load name=my-rif-backup

Advantages:

• Complete Backup: Includes all configuration details, making it a reliable way to restore the entire system.
• Ease of Use: Simple backup and restore commands.

Disadvantages:

• Router-Specific: RIF files can generally only be restored on the same router model with the same RouterOS version.
• Inaccessibility: The contents of the backup are not human-readable and cannot be modified or inspected without restoring it to a router.
• Inflexibility: Not suitable for migrating configurations between different router models or RouterOS versions.

RSC -RouterOS Script Configuration.

Purpose and Usefulness:

• Human-Readable: RSC files are plain text files that contain the configuration commands, making them easy to read and edit.
• Flexibility: They can be used to replicate configurations on different routers, even with different models or RouterOS versions.
• Selective Restoration: You can edit the RSC file to restore only specific parts of the configuration.

Command to Create an RSC File:

                                            /export file=my-export-backup

Command to Restore from an RSC File:

                                        /import file-name=my-export-backup.rsc

Advantages:

• Readability:  The text format allows for easy inspection and modification.
• Portability: Can be used across different devices and RouterOS versions.
• Selective Editing:  Allows for restoring specific parts of the configuration.

Disadvantages:

• Partial Backup: May not include all system settings, particularly those related to security and users.
• Manual Editing: May require manual adjustments when migrating configurations, especially if there are hardware or software differences.

 Here the support Video that is for a better understanding of the  Backup and Restore of Mikrotik Router. 

Comparison summary of RIf and RSC file backup system. 

Feature	RIF (Binary Backup)	RSC (Script Export)
Format	Binary	Plain text
Purpose	Full system backup	Configuration script export
Readability	Not human-readable	Human-readable
Portability	Specific to router model/OS version	Can be used on different models/versions
Restoration	Quick, full restoration	May require manual adjustments
Flexibility	Less flexible (exact same router needed)	More flexible (can be edited)
Sensitive Data	Includes sensitive information	May exclude some sensitive information
Use Case	Complete system recovery	Configuration replication and editing

Conclusion

• Use RIF (Binary Backup): When you need a complete and quick restoration of the exact same router, including all settings and user data.
• Use RSC (Script Export): When you need to migrate configurations, replicate settings on different routers, or make modifications to the configuration before restoring.

Choosing the right backup method depends on your specific needs for flexibility, readability, and the level of detail required in the backup and if you have any queries please don't hesitate to comment and contact me.