Typically, the Manager and the Sensors under it are of the same major version. The term major version refers to the first two digits of a release. For example, in the case of Manager 10.1.7.4, the major version is 10.1. For Manager 9.2.7.53, the major version is 9.2.
If the Manager and the Sensors are of the same major version, it is referred to as a homogeneous environment. In a heterogeneous environment, the Manager and the Sensors are of different successive major versions. This applies to the Central Manager and the Managers as well.
Note
The terms heterogeneous and homogeneous environments are used with respect to the software versions only and have no relevance to the device model numbers.
Notes:
- A Manager must always be of the same or higher version than the corresponding Sensors. Therefore, a 9.2 Manager managing 10.1 Sensors is not a valid scenario. Similarly, the Central Manager must be of the same or higher version than the corresponding Managers.
- The latest
10.1 Manager can manage only the NS-series and M-series, Mxx30-series, XC Cluster devices, and NTBA devices on the following software versions — 9.1.x.x and 9.2.x.x. Similarly, a
10.1 Central Manager can manage 9.1.x.x, 9.2.x.x, and 10.1.x.x Managers.
Note
The 10.1 Sensor software images for M-series, Mxx30-series, and XC Cluster is not available. You can manage the 9.1 Sensor software version for M-series, Mxx-30 series, and XC Cluster Sensors using Manager version 10.1.
- For release 10.1, Virtual IPS Sensors are not supported in a heterogeneous environment.
To use the information in this section, familiarize yourself with the following terms:
- Homogeneous Manager environment — The major version of the Central Manager and all the Managers are the same.
- Heterogeneous Manager environment — At least one Manager is of an earlier major version than the Central Manager.
- Homogeneous device environment — The major version of the Manager and all the devices are the same.
- Heterogeneous device environment — At least one device is of an earlier major version than the Manager.