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rConfig V8 Core Documentation rConfig V8 Core Documentation rConfig V8 Core Documentation

rConfig V8 Core Overview: Free Network Config Management

After reading this page, I can explain what rConfig V8 Core is, what the free edition includes, how it differs from V8 Pro, and where to go next to install and configure it.

rConfig V8 Core is a free, open-source Network Configuration Management (NCM) platform. It automates configuration backups across any vendor, versions every config and records the diff between versions, and runs entirely self-hosted on infrastructure you control.

The V8 Core dashboard

Section titled “The V8 Core dashboard”

The dashboard is the landing view after sign-in. It summarises recent backup activity, job outcomes, and device status across your network.

rConfig V8 Core dashboard showing recent backup activity, job outcomes, and device status across the network

What does rConfig V8 Core include?

Section titled “What does rConfig V8 Core include?”

Config versioning and diff

Every backup is automatically versioned and the change is recorded as a diff. Browse full per-device config history, view inline and side-by-side diffs, compare any two configs, exclude noise with regex rules, and receive email alerts on change. See the config diffs guide.

Free and open-source

No fees, no device limits, no license keys. V8 Core is free with unlimited devices and backups, and full source code access to extend, fork, or embed in your workflow.

Automated configuration backups

Schedule recurring jobs or trigger on-demand backups across routers, switches, firewalls, wireless controllers, and more, with consistent collection across your network.

Multi-vendor support

Manage Cisco, Juniper, Aruba, Fortinet, Palo Alto, MikroTik, HP, Ubiquiti, and hundreds more. Any device, any vendor, any protocol, without restrictive vendor lists.

Self-hosted and secure

Deploy on-prem, offline, or in your own cloud. You keep full control over where configuration data lives, with encrypted credential storage and air-gapped deployment support.

Modern architecture

Built on PHP and Laravel for stability and clean integrations, with active development and a clear roadmap.

REST API

Trigger backups, pull configurations, and integrate with existing tooling programmatically through the REST API.

SSO integration

Single Sign-On support to authenticate against your existing identity providers for centralised user management. See the SSO overview.

What’s new in V8 Core

Section titled “What’s new in V8 Core”

V8 Core brings modern architecture and a refreshed interface to the open-source edition:

  • Modern UI built on shadcn/ui for a cleaner, more accessible interface
  • Laravel 12 foundation for improved performance, security, and maintainability
  • Refreshed icon library for a consistent look throughout the platform
  • Configuration visibility with clear job outcomes and timestamps
  • Flexible scheduling: recurring backup jobs plus on-demand execution
  • Encrypted credential storage with role-based access controls
  • SSH-driven collection with predictable scheduling across all vendors
  • Job monitoring and logs viewable directly in the UI
  • SSO integration for authentication against existing identity providers

These changes make V8 Core easier to deploy and use, so network teams can automate configuration backups without the complexity of commercial tooling.

How does V8 Core compare to V8 Pro?

Section titled “How does V8 Core compare to V8 Pro?”

V8 Core is the free base edition. V8 Pro, Enterprise, and Vector are separate paid editions documented at docs.rconfig.com.

What V8 Core includes (free)

Section titled “What V8 Core includes (free)”
  • Unlimited device backups
  • Multi-vendor CLI support
  • Config diff and versioning
  • REST API for integration
  • Configuration visibility
  • Job scheduling and automation
  • SSO integration
  • Self-hosted deployment
  • Open-source license
  • Inventory import from CSV, SolarWinds NCM, RANCID, and others

What the paid editions add

Section titled “What the paid editions add”

The following are not part of V8 Core. They are covered in the Pro, Enterprise, and Vector documentation:

  • AI Copilot and Agent for assisted configuration reviews and automated changes
  • Change Management (Change Pulse and Change Forge) for compliance-ready tracking and rollbacks
  • Vector Enterprise: distributed architecture for MSPs and global networks
  • Real-time alerts and monitoring
  • Compliance and reporting for SOC 2, HIPAA, and PCI audit trails
  • Enterprise support with SLAs and dedicated account management
  • Deeper integrations with ITSM, SIEM, and network monitoring tools
  • Advanced automation: custom workflows, API triggers, and AI-driven management
Compare Core vs Pro See the full feature comparison and pricing options.

A platform that grows with you

Section titled “A platform that grows with you”

rConfig has been trusted for over 16 years, managing millions of network devices across enterprises, governments, and service providers. V8 Core brings professional-grade configuration management to the open-source community, free and with no artificial limits. When you need more than backups, V8 Pro offers a seamless upgrade path with enterprise features and support.

What’s next

Section titled “What’s next”