About SonicOS 8
Table of Contents
Changing Between Classic Mode and Policy Mode
SonicWall NSv series firewalls can be configured to operate in either Classic mode or Policy mode. The ability to select or switch between Classic and Policy modes is supported on the NSv series starting with SonicOS 8.2.1 for the following use cases:
- Fresh deployments of SonicOS
- Upgrading an existing deployment to a later version of SonicOS
- Switching an existing deployment from Classic mode to Policy mode
- Switching an existing deployment from Policy mode to Classic mode
If you have existing NSv deployments running SonicOS 8.2.1 or later, the ability to switch modes provides flexibility to upgrade seamlessly in Classic mode while evaluating or preparing for a transition to Policy mode.
Closed-network NSv deployments also support both Classic and Policy modes. In a closed network, the lack of internet access prevents the NSv from communicating with the SonicWall License Manager, so the Manual Keyset option is used to apply security services and other licensing on the firewall. You can select the mode when obtaining the license keyset in MySonicWall. If you switch between modes, you must obtain and apply a new license keyset for your NSv.
The option to switch between Classic and Policy modes is visible in SonicOS only after it is enabled in MySonicWall. Log in to your MySonicWall account and enable Firewall Mode Switching for the respective firewall serial number.
The Settings screen on the NETWORK | Firewall > Advanced page displays the Classic and Policy options for Security Services enforcement.
The current mode is indicated by a black button. These buttons can be used to initiate a mode change.
For more information, refer to:
