Release Notes

12
Release Notes for Cisco Intrusion Prevention System 5.1(7)E1
OL-8492-01
Before Upgrading to Cisco IPS 5.1(7)E1
Patch Release
Used to address defects that are identified in the upgrade binaries after a software release. Rather than
waiting until the next major or minor update, or service pack to address these defects, a patch can be
posted. Patches include all prior patch releases within the associated service pack level. The patches roll
into the next official major or minor update, or service pack.
Before you can install a patch release, the most recent major or minor update, or service pack must be
installed. For example, patch release 5.0(1p1) requires 5.0(1).
Note Upgrading to a newer patch does not require you to uninstall the old patch. For example, you can upgrade
from patch 5.0(1p1) to 5.0(1p2) without first uninstalling 5.0(1p1).
For More Information
For a table listing the types of files with examples of filenames and corresponding software releases, see
5.1 Software Release Examples, page 14.
Signature/Virus Updates and Signature Engine Updates
Figure 2 illustrates what each part of the IPS software file represents for signature/virus updates.
Figure 2 IPS Software File Name for Signature/Virus Updates,
Signature/Virus Updates
Executable file containing a set of rules designed to recognize malicious network activities. Signature
updates are released independently from other software updates. Each time a major or minor update is
released, you can install signature updates on the new version and the next oldest version for a period of
at least six months. Signature updates are dependent on a required signature engine version. Because of
this, a req designator lists the signature engine required to support a particular signature update.
A virus component for the signature updates is packaged with the signature update. Virus updates are
generated by Trend Microsystems for use by the Cisco Intrusion Containment System (Cisco ICS). Once
created for use by Cisco ICS, they are later be incorporated into standard Cisco signature updates.