If you’re using Trellix (formerly McAfee Enterprise) Network Security products in your organization, understanding the EOS (End of Sale) and EOL (End of Life) schedules is critical. Having accurate information is essential to prevent security gaps from sudden support termination and to develop appropriate migration plans.
This guide provides comprehensive details on Trellix Network Security product EOS/EOL schedules and license policies. It will help you verify the support status of your current products and establish future planning strategies.
1. Trellix Network Security Platform Overview and Recent Changes
Trellix was formed in 2022 through the merger of FireEye and McAfee Enterprise, creating a dedicated cybersecurity company. During this process, McAfee’s existing Network Security Platform (NSP) product line was also integrated under the Trellix brand.
Major Changes:
- ServicePortal Discontinuation: The legacy ServicePortal was completely discontinued on December 1, 2024, with migration to Thrive Portal
- KB Documentation Migration: All technical documentation was migrated to the Trellix Thrive Knowledge space starting May 14, 2024
- Rebranding: Product names like McAfee IntruShield and McAfee IPS were changed to Trellix IPS and Trellix Network Security
What is Trellix Network Security?
Trellix Network Security is an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) that analyzes network traffic in real-time to detect and block advanced cyber threats. The main components include:
- Sensor Appliances: Hardware devices that monitor actual network traffic and block threats
- Network Security Manager (NSM): Central management system that manages sensors and deploys policies
- I/O Modules: Hardware accessories for extending network connectivity of sensor appliances
These changes require customers to adapt to new portals and support systems while carefully reviewing the EOL schedule for each product.
2. Trellix Network Security Products Already End-of-Life – Immediate Replacement Required
Network Security Manager (NSM)
| Product/Platform | EOL Date | Status | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows-based NSM Appliances | April 1, 2023 | EOL Complete | Immediate migration to Linux-based NSM |
Important Notes:
- Manager software version 10.1 does not support Windows-based appliances
- Products already past EOL cannot receive security patches or technical support, creating serious security risks
NS9000 Series Sensor Appliances
| Model | EOL Date | Status | Replacement Product | Exception |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NS9100 | September 30, 2024 | EOL Complete | NS7600/NS9600 series | US Federal customers exception |
| NS9200 | September 30, 2024 | EOL Complete | NS7600/NS9600 series | US Federal customers exception |
| NS9300 | September 30, 2024 | EOL Complete | NS7600/NS9600 series | US Federal customers exception |
Reference Document: KB91760
Exception Details: US Federal customers have special support schedules that differ from general commercial customers.
3. Trellix Network Security Products Scheduled for EOL – Migration Planning Required
NS9500 Series Sensor Appliances and I/O Modules
| Category | Model | EOS Date | EOL Date | Replacement Product |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sensor Appliance | NS9500 (10 Gbps) | July 15, 2025 | July 15, 2030 | NS7600 (10/15 Gbps) or NS9600 (20 Gbps) |
| I/O Module | NS9500 I/O modules | July 15, 2025 | July 15, 2030 | Built-in modules in new appliances |
| I/O Module | NS7500 I/O modules | July 15, 2025 | July 15, 2030 | Built-in modules in new appliances |
Exception: US Federal customers have separate support schedules
Compact Sensor Appliances
| Model | Current Status | Replacement Product | Reference Document |
|---|---|---|---|
| NS-5100 | EOS/EOL announced | NS3200 or latest NX series | KB93610 |
| NS-5200 | EOS/EOL announced | NS3200 or latest NX series | KB93610 |
| NS-3500 | EOL notice published | NS3200 or latest NX series | KB94314 |
Hardware Accessories
| Product Name | SKU | EOL Date | Replacement Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 GigE 10GBASE-LR SM Active Fail-Open Module | IAC-AF131010-KT1 | September 30, 2025 | IAC-4P10FOLR-KIT |
| 10 GigE 10GBASE-SR MM Active Fail-Open Module | IAC-AF85010-KT1 | September 30, 2025 | IAC-4P10FOSR-KIT |
Reference Document: KB93336
4. Trellix Product License and Support Policy Analysis
Trellix has clarified its product lifecycle management approach through the official EOL policy updated in September 2022.
Key Term Definitions
- EOS (End of Sale): Last day a product is generally available for purchase. Typically announced 6 months in advance
- EOL (End of Life): Last day a product version will be supported according to standard support terms
- EOL Period: Period from EOS announcement date to actual support termination
Software Product Support Policy
Version Management Structure:
- Major Release (x in x.y.z): Major architecture changes, new feature additions
- Minor Release (y in x.y.z): Feature improvements, UI changes, major bug fixes
- Update/Patch (z in x.y.z): Minor bug fixes, security patches
Support Duration:
- 1 year of GA (Generally Available) level support after EOS
- Maximum support period: 3 years from GA release or 1 year after N+2 version release, whichever is shorter
- Example: If version 2.3.x went GA on May 1, 2021, and EOS on July 31, 2022:
- July 30, 2023: GA-level support ends
- April 30, 2024 or v2.5.x GA release: All support ends
Hardware Product Support Policy
Support Levels by Timeline:
| Period | Support Level | Services Provided |
|---|---|---|
| EOS to 3 years | Full Support | Manufacturer warranty, firmware updates, troubleshooting, replacement support |
| 3 to 5 years | Limited Support | Firmware updates, technical support (limited by parts availability) |
| After 5 years | No Support | All support terminates after official EOL date |
Extended Support Service (Custom Software Support)
In special cases, limited paid support is available after EOL:
Eligibility Requirements:
- Valid support contract at EOL date
- Technically supportable environment
- No dependencies on unsupported third-party software vendors
Support Scope:
- Commercially reasonable workaround solutions
- Maintenance of existing functionality only
Not Included:
- New features or functionality
- Hotfixes (except those included in updates)
- Engineering support
- New operating system support
- SLA commitments
5. Effective Migration Strategy and Checklist
Current Product Identification Methods
Via NSM Console:
- Access NSM console → System Information menu
- Hardware → Appliance Information
- Software → Version Information
Via CLI Commands:
show version # Check version information
show system info # Check system information
show hardware # Check hardware information
show license status # Check license status
Migration Planning Checklist
Phase 1: Current State Assessment (4 weeks)
- [ ] Inventory all current Trellix Network Security product models and versions
- [ ] Verify EOS/EOL dates for each product
- [ ] Check current license contract expiration dates
- [ ] Analyze network performance requirements
Phase 2: Replacement Product Selection (2 weeks)
- [ ] Map current products to new product equivalents
- [ ] Verify product specifications meet performance requirements
- [ ] Review budget and implementation timeline
- [ ] Analyze compatibility of existing policies and rules
Phase 3: Migration Execution (4 weeks)
- [ ] Validate new products in test environment
- [ ] Backup and document existing configurations
- [ ] Develop phased replacement plan (minimize operational disruption)
- [ ] Update staff training and operational manuals
Recommended Product Replacement Mapping
| Legacy Product | Recommended Replacement | Key Improvements |
|---|---|---|
| NS9100/NS9200/NS9300 | NS7600/NS9600 series | Enhanced performance, latest threat detection |
| NS9500 (10Gbps) | NS7600 (10/15Gbps) or NS9600 (20Gbps) | Higher throughput, improved management features |
| NS-5100/NS-5200 | NS3200 or NX series | Small environment optimization, efficient resource usage |
| NS-3500 | NS3200 or NX series | Latest threat response, improved performance |
| Windows-based NSM | Linux-based NSM | Enhanced stability, latest feature support |
6. Trellix Thrive Portal Usage and License Management
Trellix Thrive Portal Features
All support operations migrated to Thrive Portal in December 2024:
Key Functions:
- License Status Check: License Management menu
- Technical Documentation Search: Knowledge Base section
- Support Ticket Management: Support Cases management
- Software Downloads: Downloads center
License Renewal Considerations
- EOL Product License Renewal Unavailable: Products past EOL cannot have licenses renewed, requiring migration to replacement products beforehand
- Grant Number Management: Securely store Grant Numbers required for software downloads
- Support Contract Continuity: Transfer support contracts to new products before EOL to prevent service disruption
Cost Optimization Strategies
- Phased Replacement: Implement gradual replacement according to EOL schedules rather than replacing all products simultaneously
- Bundle License Benefits: Leverage discount benefits when purchasing multiple products simultaneously
- Extended Support Service Review: Analyze cost-benefit ratio of Custom Software Support for cases where immediate replacement is challenging
Managing Trellix Network Security product EOL extends beyond simple product replacement and is closely tied to an organization’s overall network security strategy. With cyber threats becoming increasingly sophisticated, applying the latest IPS technology has become essential rather than optional.
Key Action Items:
- Verify EOL schedules for all current Trellix Network Security products
- Establish NS9500 series replacement plans for the first half of 2025
- Learn to utilize the new support system through Thrive Portal
- Ensure operational continuity through phased migration
Most importantly, rather than making hasty decisions driven by EOL deadlines, organizations should build optimized network security infrastructure through thorough review and testing.
For questions or assistance with specific migration planning, contact Trellix official partners or seek expert help through Thrive Portal.