CHAPTER 15
Software Maintenance Upgrade
The Software Maintenance Upgrade (SMU) is a package that can be installed on a system to provide a fix or
a security resolution to a released image.
• Restrictions for Software Maintenance Upgrade, on page 355
• Information About Software Maintenance Upgrade, on page 355
• How to Manage Software Maintenance Updates, on page 356
• Configuration Examples for Software Maintenance Upgrade, on page 358
• Additional References for Software Maintenance Upgrade, on page 363
• Feature History for Software Maintenance Upgrade, on page 363
Restrictions for Software Maintenance Upgrade
• SMU supports patching using install mode only.
Information About Software Maintenance Upgrade
SMU Overview
The SMU is a package that can be installed on a system to provide a fix or a security resolution to a released
image. An SMU package is provided on a per release and per component basis.
An SMU provides a significant benefit over classic Cisco IOS software because it allows you to address
network issues quickly while reducing the time and scope of the testing required. The Cisco IOS XE platform
internally validates SMU compatibility and does not allow you to install noncompatible SMUs.
All the SMUs are integrated into the subsequent Cisco IOS XE software maintenance releases. An SMU is
an independent and self-sufficient package and it does not have any prerequisites or dependencies. You can
choose which SMUs to install or uninstall in any order.
SMUs are supported only on Extended Maintenance releases and for the full lifecycle of the underlying
software release.
Perform these basic steps to install an SMU:
1. Add the SMU to the filesystem.
System Management Configuration Guide, Cisco IOS XE Bengaluru 17.4.x (Catalyst 9400 Switches)
355