Describes the purpose and benefits of Software Maintenance Upgrades (SMUs) for addressing critical bugs with minimal disruption. Provides context for installation and compatibility on cEdge Routers.
A software maintenance upgrade (SMU) is a point fix in a released software that
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applies patch fixes or security resolutions to released Cisco IOS XE images,
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attempts to minimize disruption to the router, if possible,
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minimizes device disruption during critical fixes, and
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allows immediate issue resolution instead of waiting for future software releases.
An SMU is not designed to replace a maintenance release.
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SMUs are provided as package files for each release and component of Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN.
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Each SMU image filename includes a base image version and the defect ID related to the fix.
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The package contains metadata describing its content and the fix for a reported issue.
Cisco might release a package that provides a fix for a reported issue without waiting for the fix to become available in the next release.
Types and benefits of SMU
SMU types determine how the installed package affects the device, and SMUs offer several operational benefits.
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Hot SMU (non-reload): Enables an SMU package to take effect after activation without rebooting the Cisco IOS XE Catalyst SD-WAN device.
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Cold SMU (reload): Enables an SMU package to take effect after rebooting the Cisco IOS XE Catalyst SD-WAN device.
SMUs provide operational advantages for network maintenance.
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Address network issues quickly while reducing testing time and scope. The Cisco IOS XE Catalyst SD-WAN device validates SMU image compatibility and prevents installation of non-compatible packages.
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Allow installation or activation of only one SMU package at a time to simplify implementation.
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Enable installation of SMU packages on multiple Cisco IOS XE Catalyst SD-WAN device s simultaneously using Cisco SD-WAN Manager. For CLI-based installation, repeat the process for each device.