United States
Q
What is a Cisco license?
A
A Cisco license is a software entitlement that enables specified features and capacity levels on Cisco devices, ensuring compliance and unlocking advanced functionality.
Q
What types of Cisco licenses are available?
A
Cisco offers Perpetual, Subscription, Evaluation, and Free licenses. Perpetual grants permanent rights; Subscription provides time-bound access; Evaluation is a trial; Free includes limited features.
Q
How do I choose the right Cisco license for my network?
A
Assess your business requirements, device count, and feature needs, then map them to Cisco’s licensing models (Perpetual vs. Subscription, Smart Licensing, DNA). Consult Cisco’s licensing guides or a certified partner for precise alignment.
Q
What is Cisco Smart Licensing and how does it work?
A
Cisco Smart Licensing centralizes license management via the Cisco Smart Software Manager (CSSM), providing automated compliance reporting, real-time usage tracking, and streamlined renewals across all registered devices.
Q
How do I activate a Cisco license?
A
Register your devices in CSSM, create or assign a Smart Account, then generate and install license tokens or apply Product Authorization Keys on the device CLI or GUI to activate features.
Q
How can I check my Cisco license status?
A
Run the show license status command on the device CLI or log into CSSM to view active, expired, or in-use licenses and review consumption reports in real time.
Q
Can I transfer Cisco licenses between devices?
A
Most Subscription and Smart Licenses are transferable within the same Smart Account. Perpetual PAK-based licenses require a formal transfer request via an authorized Cisco partner.
Q
How do I renew a Cisco license?
A
Order a renewal term through your Cisco partner, then upload the renewed license token to your device or CSSM before expiration to maintain uninterrupted service.
Q
What is Cisco DNA Licensing?
A
Cisco DNA Licensing is a subscription model for Digital Network Architecture that bundles automation, analytics, and security in tiered plans (Essentials, Advantage, Premier) to streamline network operations.
Q
What happens if my Cisco license expires?
A
Upon expiration, licensed features revert to a restricted mode or disable entirely. Network performance may degrade and technical support access is suspended until renewal.
Q
What is a Cisco Product Authorization Key (PAK)?
A
A PAK is a unique code provided at purchase that you redeem in your Smart Account or on-device to generate a license certificate and activate Cisco software features.
Q
How do I upgrade a Cisco license to a higher tier?
A
Order the desired upgrade, receive the corresponding PAK or token, then apply it via CLI, GUI, or CSSM to unlock additional features and capacity.
Q
What is Cisco Software Support Service (SWSS)?
A
SWSS provides technical support, software updates, and warranty services for Cisco software under active subscriptions or Smart Licensing, ensuring continuous feature access and security patches.
Q
Can I evaluate Cisco software before buying a license?
A
Yes. Cisco offers time-limited Evaluation Licenses (often up to 90 days) for many products, enabling full-feature testing via a PAK or CSSM-generated token.
Q
How do I purchase Cisco licenses?
A
Buy licenses through authorized Cisco partners, resellers, or Cisco’s online portal. Select the correct license type, term, and support level based on your network requirements.
Q
What is the difference between Perpetual and Subscription Cisco licenses?
A
Perpetual Licenses grant indefinite feature use with optional support contracts; Subscription Licenses provide time-limited access to software, updates, and support for the purchased term.
