Forcepoint Network Security Platform 7.3 Installation Guide

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Maintenance
To maximize the benefit of Security Engine, upgrade the SMC and Security Engine regularly.
Maintaining the Security Management Center
When there is a new version available, upgrade the SMC before upgrading Security Engines.

Introduction to the Forcepoint Network Security Platform solution
Before setting up Forcepoint Network Security Platform, it is useful to know what the different components do and what Security Engine roles are available. There are also tasks that you must complete to prepare for installation.
Forcepoint Security Management Center deployment
SMC is the management component of the Security Engine system. SMC must be installed and running before you can deploy the Security Engines.
Forcepoint Security Engine deployment
Forcepoint Security Engine deployment consists of adding and configuring engine elements in the SMC, and configuring the Security Engine software on the engine.
Maintenance
To maximize the benefit of Security Engine, upgrade the SMC and Security Engine regularly.
- Upgrading licenses
  You must upgrade licenses if you upgrade the SMC, the SMC Appliance, or the Security Engines to a new major release.
- Maintaining the Security Management Center
  When there is a new version available, upgrade the SMC before upgrading Security Engines.
  - Upgrading the SMC
    You can upgrade SMC components without uninstalling the previous version.
  - Uninstall the SMC
    Usually, it is not necessary to uninstall the SMC, but you can do so if needed.
- SMC Appliance maintenance
  The SMC Appliance has a specific patching process that keeps the SMC software, operating system, and appliance firmware up-to-date.
- Upgrading Security Engines
  When a new version of Forcepoint Network Security Platform introduces features that you want to use, upgrade the Security Engines.
Appendices

SMC maintenance

When there is a new version available, upgrade the SMC before upgrading Security Engines.

Note: For information about SMC Appliance maintenance, see the SMC maintenance chapter.

Upgrading the SMC
You can upgrade SMC components without uninstalling the previous version.
Uninstall the SMC
Usually, it is not necessary to uninstall the SMC, but you can do so if needed.

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