What does the command 'copy tftp run (merge)' accomplish?

The command 'copy tftp run (merge)' is specifically designed to facilitate the transfer of configuration files from a TFTP server directly into the device’s running configuration. The term "merge" indicates that the contents being copied from the TFTP server will be combined with the currently active configuration in RAM, rather than replacing it entirely.

This command is particularly useful in scenarios where you want to incorporate configuration settings from an external source without discarding the existing configurations. By merging, you can update or add new settings based on what is available on the TFTP server while retaining the current operational settings that are in RAM. This makes it a flexible tool for network configuration management, allowing adjustments and enhancements without complete overwrites.

Understanding this function is critical for network technicians as it provides a method to effectively manage device configurations, especially in environments where multiple configurations may be utilized or tested.