We are inventing numerous configuration files that attempt to simplify network configuration but instead making it harder.

The idea is to use ip (iproute) and dump route and addr and whatever is needed to some location. We are configuring the router in runtime, modifying routing table and/or ip addresses. Then, when we are done we just dump the configuration (much like cp run-config to boot-config in IOS). Later on this file is used by some parser to reconstruct the original commands and applies them.

With iptables it is even easier - iptables-save/restore.

This parser should be advanced enough to track the order in what links should be up, i.e. analyze device portion of route and bring all prerequisites first.

ip route > /etc/config/route
ip addr > /etc/config/addr
iptables-save > /etc/config/iptables

No idea what to do with ppp and wireless links so far though.