RANCID
What it is
RANCID monitors network-device configurations, keeps a revision-controlled history of configuration and hardware or software changes, and emails detected differences. It logs in to devices, runs commands, filters out data that changes or increments without reflecting a meaningful configuration change, then commits updates to version control. The product page lists CVS, Subversion, and Git for maintaining that history. Login scripts can connect over Telnet or SSH, and included looking-glass software provides device access. Listed equipment includes Allied Telesis, Cisco, Juniper, Catalyst, Foundry/Brocade, Redback, ADC, Alteon, and HP Procurve, among others. RANCID is free and open source, with Linux, macOS, and self-hosted options. The maker identifies version 3.14 as the current release. It has no configuration GUI or web interface, though separate tools can display diffs and repositories. Setup instructions generally assume basic Unix and tool knowledge, and version 2.3 and later requires Expect 5.40 or later.
For and against
For
- Free and open source
- Tracks configuration and hardware/software history
- Emails detected differences
- Supports CVS, Subversion, and Git
- Connects over Telnet or SSH
Against
- No configuration GUI or web interface
- Setup assumes basic Unix and tool knowledge
- Version 2.3 and later requires Expect 5.40 or later
- Contributed modules are not maintained by the maker
The verdict
RANCID provides device configuration tracking, versioned history, and email change alerts without a configuration GUI. Its documented setup assumptions and Expect requirement are important to consider before deployment.
Who it suits
RANCID suits administrators who need configuration backups, change comparisons, and email alerts across supported network devices. Its setup assumptions make basic Unix and tool knowledge useful.
Plans and prices
Free
No paid plans or usage limits stated
Read 8 Oct 2026 · shrubbery.net
On the record
- Access permissions
- The FAQ says RANCID needs permission to read device configurations and other data, while TACACS+ can restrict which commands its user may run.shrubbery.net · read 8 Oct 2026
- Change alerts
- RANCID emails configuration differences to a mailing list and commits changes to a revision control system.shrubbery.net · read 8 Oct 2026
- Collection workflow
- It logs in to devices, runs commands, reformats output to remove oscillating or incrementing data, emails differences, and commits changes to version control.shrubbery.net · read 8 Oct 2026
- Company location
- Shrubbery Networks lists its address as 1111 NW 53rd Dr, Portland, Oregon 97210-1033, USA.shrubbery.net · read 8 Oct 2026
- Contributed modules
- Modules for unsupported devices in the contrib directory are not supported or tested by the maker.shrubbery.net · read 8 Oct 2026
- Current version
- The maker's page identifies version 3.14 as the current release.shrubbery.net · read 8 Oct 2026
- Device access
- RANCID's login scripts can connect to devices using telnet or SSH.shrubbery.net · read 8 Oct 2026
- Device support
- The maker lists support for devices including Allied Telesis, Cisco, Juniper, Catalyst, Foundry/Brocade, Redback, ADC, Alteon, and HP Procurve, plus others.shrubbery.net · read 8 Oct 2026
- Extra device modules
- Community modules for unsupported devices are available in the contrib directory, but the maker says it does not support or maintain them.shrubbery.net · read 8 Oct 2026
- Latest listed release
- The product page identifies version 3.14 as the current version and links to its download.shrubbery.net · read 8 Oct 2026
- License
- The published license permits redistribution and use in source and binary forms subject to its stated conditions.shrubbery.net · read 8 Oct 2026
- Looking glass
- RANCID includes looking-glass software that connects to devices using Telnet or SSH login scripts.shrubbery.net · read 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- RANCID monitors network-device configurations, records configuration and hardware/software history in a revision control system, and emails detected differences.shrubbery.net · read 8 Oct 2026
- Requirements
- The product page says RANCID version 2.3 and later requires Expect version 5.40 or later.shrubbery.net · read 8 Oct 2026
- Security and warranties
- The license provides the software 'as is' and disclaims express or implied warranties.shrubbery.net · read 8 Oct 2026
- Setup knowledge
- The maker says the distribution's setup instructions generally require or assume basic Unix and tool knowledge.shrubbery.net · read 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker directs users to [email protected] and the rancid-announce and rancid-discuss mailing lists for problems, contributions, and suggestions.shrubbery.net · read 8 Oct 2026
- Supported operating systems
- The site provides getting-started links for FreeBSD, Linux, OS X, and Solaris.shrubbery.net · read 8 Oct 2026
