Every network device needs configuration backups. When a switch dies, you need its config to restore service quickly.
Backup methods: Manual (copy configs to a file server), scheduled scripts (cron jobs via SSH/TFTP), or network management tools like RANCID, Oxidized, or SolarWinds NCM.
What to back up: Running configuration, startup configuration, firmware version, and license files if applicable.
Backup frequency: Back up after every change. At minimum, back up daily. Store days of history so you can compare configs over time and find when a problem was introduced.