Frequently asked questions on SonicWall UTM firmware

This article covers frequently asked questions for SonicWall UTM firmware. Topics include: different firmware releases, how to check for new firmware, how to upgrade firmware, remote upgrading, and support contracts.

1. Question: What are the different release models of SonicOS firmware?
   

   
   Answer:
   General Release: General Release software is a mature, widely deployed and proven release, suitable for typical use cases and is the software of choice for reliability. General Releases are used for production environments.

   Feature Release: Feature Release software is a new release that introduces major new features in the product. A Feature Release has gone through multiple & thorough engineering, quality, alpha, and beta test cycles and is being launched for general availability. A Feature Release is a candidate to move to General Release after the maturity criteria is met. Please refer to the release notes for list of major features.

   Maintenance Release: Maintenance Release software includes bug fixes and enhancements made to a previous release. Maintenance Release is gone through engineering & quality test cycles and is launched for general availability. Maintenance Release is a candidate to move to General Release after the maturity criteria is met. Please refer to the release notes for full details.

   Initial Release: Initial release software is the first release of a new product.It is recommended to upgrade to General Release upon availability.

   Hotfix Release: Hotfix releases contain the latest fixes and patches, and are provided to customers who are looking to address specific issues. Eventually hotfixes releases are integrated into the Maintenance/General release.

2. Question: Why should I upgrade my firmware?
   
   Answer: Each new firmware contains feature enhancements, performance enhancements, hotfixes and resolutions to known issues for your product. Many issues can be resolved by upgrading your SonicWall appliance to the latest firmware.
   
   
3. Question: Where do I go to find the latest version of firmware?
   
   Answer: The latest firmware version is available at MySonicWall.com. Once logged in navigate to Downloads | Download Center. Under Software Type select your firewall to see the latest firmware releases.
   
   
4. Question: How do I check the firmware version of my firewall?
   
   Answer:
   For SonicOS 6.2 and earlier: navigate to System | Status. The firmware version is located under System Information.
   For SonicOS 6.5 and later: navigate to Monitor | System Status. The firmware version is located under Firmware Version.
   
   
5. Question: If I upgrade my firmware will it in any way affect my settings/configuration?
   
   Answer: No, you can upgrade to a new firmware for your SonicWall appliance and keep your current configuration.
   
   
6. Question: Will there be a network downtime when the firmware is being upgraded?
   
   Answer: Yes. There will be a short network downtime of about 3-5 minutes while your appliance reboots with the newly uploaded firmware image.
   
   
7. Question: How do I upgrade my firmware?
   
   Answer: Please refer to How to Upgrade SonicOS Firmware.
   
8. Question: Where do I get the release notes for the latest firmware?
   
   Answer: You can find the release notes of new firmware by going to the MySonicWall.com Document Library.
   
   
9. Question: Do I need a MySonicWall account to download the latest firmware?
   
   Answer: Yes. Every SonicWall appliance is required to be registered to a MySonicWall.com account. By logging into this account you can check for the latest firmware available for your device.
   
   
10. Question: Can I perform the upgrade from a remote location?
    
    Answer: You can upgrade the SonicOS image remotely if the WAN interface is configured for management access. It is highly recommended to save a backup of your configuration settings and export them to a file on your local management station before performing the upgrade. For best performance or when using an unstable internet connection, it is recommended that the unit be upgraded locally.
    
    
11. Question: Do I need a support contract to download the latest firmware?
    
    Answer: No, but every SonicWall appliance requires a Software and Firmware Update license in order to download and upgrade firmware.
    
    
12. Question: I have purchased a new SonicWall UTM appliance through the secure upgrade program; do I have to re-configure the settings?
    
    Answer: Check whether your older device had SonicWall OS Standard or Enhanced. If you had a Gen4 or Gen5 device check the Support Matrix before importing settings into the new device.