Is Junos Pulse client backwards compatible?

[michael.saw_]

Hi all,

Is Junos Pulse backwards compatible?

If we have a Junos Pulse Client connecting to MAG on 7.3, then one fine day we would connect to a SA running 7.1 or 6.3...

Can we use Junos Pulse client to connect to 7.1 after 7.3?

Do share, if there's any kb or doc links...

[dcvers_]

You also need to be careful all features you use are backwardly compatible, e.g from the release notes for Pulse 3.0:

"Host Checker support with Junos Pulse 3.0 is not compatible with Pulse Secure Access servers prior to version 7.2"

[zanyterp_]

The backwards compatibility of Pulse does not apply to Network Connect.

If JIS is installed, yes, it should allow for upgrade of the client; I am not sure if testing has been done for downgrade, but it should work.

[zanyterp_]

Yes, it is backwards compatible; however, you lose features that were introduced in the newer version match (for example, sign-in notification support requires Pulse 3.1 and 7.3R1). I will look for the link and update you.

[spuluka]

I don't have a documentation link, but I know from experience that if your pulse client is not the version loaded and offered by the IVE appliance you will be offered the "upgrade" to the IVE appliance version.  This occurs even if your pulse version is higher than the version on the appliance.

You can ignore the prompt and the connection will proceed normally and did work.

Naturally, if host checker looks for a pulse version that could deny access in a mismatch.

[michael.saw_]

Does this apply to Network Connect client?
If JIS is installed, does the client "auto-upgrade" or "auto-downgrade" by itself?