rConfig

rConfig is network configuration management software for teams that need controlled, recoverable device configurations. It suits organizations comfortable running infrastructure themselves as well as regulated networks needing stronger controls and support. The free Core edition is unusually open on device count, while paid tiers trade higher cost for defined capacity, compliance tooling and vendor backing.

Overview

rConfig grew from an open-source project started in 2010 and released publicly in 2012. Core remains MIT-licensed and runs on your hardware, making it a practical route for teams that can operate their own deployment. Paid editions are tailored deployments rather than downloadable packages, so buyers should confirm how the delivery model fits their operations.

V8 combines configuration backup with historical change tracking, configuration comparison, drift validation, scheduled backups and automated rollback. That combination moves it beyond archival: operators can identify unexpected differences, retain an audit history and restore a known configuration. Compliance-ready reports and auditing make the platform more relevant to regulated environments than a backup-only utility.

Key features

Configuration control

Backups and scheduled jobs support routine protection of device settings, while comparison and drift validation help expose changes that need investigation. Rollback and restore functions provide a recovery path when a deployment causes problems. Policy checks and compliance functions are included in the paid Starter and Standard plans, giving those tiers a clearer governance role than Core.

Security and access

V8 includes role-based access control, audit trails, encryption and compliance reporting. V8 Pro adds SAML single sign-on, immutable audit logs, encryption at rest and optional air-gapped deployment, a meaningful step up for teams with strict identity, evidence-retention or isolation requirements.

Integrations and API

Device synchronization is listed for Zabbix, NetBox, Nautobot, Statseeker, AKIPS, Checkmk, PRTG and Infrahub, with HashiCorp Vault credentials and SAML/OIDC identity integration. Production connectors are included in V8 Pro, Enterprise and Vector without per-connector licenses or extra modules. LibreNMS and Observium are planned connectors, while CyberArk and Delinea Secret Server are on the bench, so environments dependent on those systems should plan around that gap. V8 Pro describes a REST API exposing every platform action, which suits automation-heavy IT teams.

Pricing

Core — free. The MIT-licensed edition runs on your hardware with no device limit. It is the strongest value for teams able to self-manage and willing to operate without the paid tiers' stated support and controls.

Starter — $3,900, paid once. Capacity is up to 300 devices. Restore and deployment of configuration changes, policy checks, compliance and five-business-day support are included. This fits smaller production networks that need governance features but can stay below the device cap.

V8 Pro — €3,999 a year, billed €3,999/year. It covers up to 1,000 devices, with Year 1 updates and priority support included; the license becomes perpetual after Year 1, with renewal needed for continued support and updates. Pro is aimed at IT teams and regulated networks, especially those needing SAML SSO, immutable logs, API access and the included production connectors.

Standard — $6,500, paid once. Up to 1,000 devices are supported, alongside restore and deployment, policy checks, compliance, built-in AI and script automation, and 8x5 next-business-day support. It offers broader automation than Starter, but its one-time price is higher and the published package does not state Pro's enhanced security set.

Enterprise / MSP — custom pricing. This tier is priced per device beyond 1,000 and includes 24x7 support with a four-hour response. It is designed for large, distributed, regulated networks and managed service providers; organizations below that scale may find the per-device model unnecessary.

Platforms

rConfig is offered across API, Linux, self-hosted and web environments. Core explicitly runs on customer hardware; paid Pro, Enterprise and Vector editions are tailored deployments. The overall deployment model is hybrid, so teams should align the chosen edition with their hosting and operational responsibilities.

Who it's for

Choose rConfig when configuration recovery, drift visibility and compliance evidence matter across a mixed network. Core suits technically capable teams seeking an open-source, no-device-limit foundation. Starter and Standard fit smaller or mid-sized operations that need policy checks and support, while Pro targets regulated IT teams requiring identity and audit controls. Enterprise/MSP is the logical route for distributed estates above 1,000 devices and providers managing multiple customers.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Core has no device limit and runs on customer hardware under the MIT license.
• Pro: V8 combines backups, comparison, drift validation, rollback and compliance reporting.
• Pro: Pro includes production connectors without per-connector licensing and exposes a full-action REST API.
• Con: Paid offerings have sharply different device caps, currencies and deployment formats, complicating like-for-like budgeting.
• Con: LibreNMS and Observium connectors are planned, while CyberArk and Delinea Secret Server remain on the bench.
• Con: Enterprise pricing is custom and per-device, making costs harder to forecast for large estates.

Alternatives

For a broader shortlist, see Network Configuration Management Software.

ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager is worth choosing when a two-device free edition, free trial and Windows, macOS, Android or iOS access matter more than rConfig's no-device-limit Core.

Unimus suits teams wanting a 10-device free tier with no time limit and all features except Compliance and SAML/OIDC.

Netpicker is an option for unlimited devices with a single-user free Foundation plan and professional features for 10 devices.

Oxidized is a free, Apache-2.0, self-hosted alternative for configuration management.

RANCID is a free self-hosted choice with no paid plans or usage limits stated.

Arista NG Firewall is a web-based freemium security and connectivity product rather than a direct configuration-management match.

NetKeep is a free AGPL-3.0 option for Linux amd64 or arm64 self-hosted servers.

Gluware offers a renewable Community Edition for up to 20 devices with its application suite except Topology.

Verdict

rConfig is best for network teams that value self-hosted control and need a path from basic backup to policy, compliance and stronger security. Core is the standout starting point because it removes device-count limits; look elsewhere if you require a connector still on rConfig's roadmap, a simpler fully packaged deployment, or more predictable large-scale pricing.