Secure Mobile Access 1000 series downgrade capabilities
Description
Firmware versions provide downgrade capabilities. But there are limitations.
Any existing configuration is lost in a firmware downgrade. In addition the configuration from the higher firmware version cannot be imported to the SMA running the earlier firmware version, after the downgrade.
12.1.0 supports a downgrade to 11.4.0
Note: 11.4.0 is past its Support Discontinued Date at the End of Support (EOS) . See https://www.sonicwall.com/support/product-lifecycle-tables/sonicwall-secure-mobile-access/software/
12.3.0 supports a downgrade to 12.1.0
12.4.0 when released will support a downgrade to 12.3.0 or 12.1.0.
In no case should an unsupported downgrade be attempted. In particular downgrading to 12.2.0 is not supported. If a downgrade to 12.2.0 is done the SMA will be damaged.
See also: https://www.sonicwall.com/en-us/support/knowledge-base/170502558229507
Cause
The reason for this capability to downgrade is to accommodate customers who are running supported firmware, but receive either an additional new SMA or an RMA that might contain a newer firmware version than they have approved for use.
Resolution
See the KB for firmware downgrade procedures.
https://www.sonicwall.com/en-us/support/knowledge-base/170502558229507
