How do I activate a Cisco license?

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.

How can I check my Cisco license status?

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.

Can I transfer Cisco licenses between devices?

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.

How do I renew a Cisco license?

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.

What is Cisco DNA Licensing?

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.

What happens if my Cisco license expires?

Upon expiration, licensed features revert to a restricted mode or disable entirely. Network performance may degrade and technical support access is suspended until renewal.

What is a Cisco Product Authorization Key (PAK)?

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.

How do I upgrade a Cisco license to a higher tier?

Order the desired upgrade, receive the corresponding PAK or token, then apply it via CLI, GUI, or CSSM to unlock additional features and capacity.

What is Cisco Software Support Service (SWSS)?

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.

Can I evaluate Cisco software before buying a license?

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.

How do I purchase Cisco licenses?

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.

What is the difference between Perpetual and Subscription Cisco licenses?

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.

Cisco Licenses for Enterprise Networks

Enhance network security and performance with verified Cisco licenses crafted for enterprise-grade connectivity, scalable solutions, and comprehensive management. Boost ROI and ensure regulatory compliance with our industry-leading licenses.

Talk to an expert

Sub Categories of Cisco Licenses

Cisco Router 10000 Series Licenses

(11)

Cisco 10000 Series router licenses extend broadband edge platforms for provider access networks with PPPoE, MPLS, and IPv6 services

Cisco Licenses for Enterprise Networks

Sub Categories of Cisco Licenses

Cisco Router 10000 Series Licenses

Cisco Nexus 7000 Switch Licenses

Cisco 3750 Switch Licenses

Cisco 3560 Switch Licenses

Cisco Asa 5500 Anyconnect Licenses

Cisco Asa 5500 Content Security License

Cisco Asa 5500 Security Contexts Licenses

Cisco Asr 1000 Router Licenses

Cisco Asr 9000 Licenses

Cisco Catalyst 3650 Switch Licenses

Cisco Catalyst 3850 Switch License

Cisco Catalyst 4500E Switch Licenses

Cisco Catalyst 4500-X Switch Licenses

Cisco Catalyst 9000 Switch Licenses

Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Point Licenses

Cisco Firepower Licenses

Cisco Ip Phone License

Cisco Isr 900 Licenses

Cisco Isr 1100 Router License

Cisco Isr 4000 Licenses

Cisco Nexus 3000 Switch Licenses

Cisco Nexus 5000 Switch Licenses

Cisco Nexus 9000 Switch Licenses

Cisco Router Ios License

Cisco Router Sslvpn Licenses

Cisco Unified Cm Device Licenses

Cisco Unified Communication Licenses

Cisco Wireless Controller Licenses

SL-900-APP (APPX LICS FOR ISR 900)

SL-900-SEC (SEC LICS FOR ISR 900)

SL-1100-2P-SEC (SECURITY LICS FOR ISR 1109 2P SERIES)

ASA-CSC10-USR-100 (ASA 5500 CONTENT SEC SSM-10100 U LIC)

C3560X-24-L-S= (Cisco Catalyst 3560-X Series License C3560X-24-L-S= C3560X-24 LAN Base to IP Base Paper License)

L-C3560X-24-L-S= (Cisco Catalyst 3560-X Series License L-C3560X-24-L-S= C3560X-24 LAN Base to IP Base E-License)

SL-4330-UC-K9 (UNIFIED COMMUNICATION LICENSE FOR CISCO ISR 4330 SERIES)

AC-PLS-P-25-S (ANYCONNECT 25U PLUS PERPETUAL LICENSE)

SL-4330-SEC-K9 (Security License for Cisco ISR 4330 Series)

C3560X-48-L-S= (Cisco Catalyst 3560-X Series License C3560X-48-L-S= C3560X-48 LAN Base to IP Base Paper License)

L-C3560X-48-L-S= (Cisco Catalyst 3560-X Series License L-C3560X-48-L-S= C3560X-48 LAN Base to IP Base E-License)

L-C3650-48-L-S (C3650-48 LAN BASE TO IP BASE ELECTRONIC RTU LICS)

FL-VPERF-4P-100 (IPSEC PLUS 100MBPS LICS FOR ISR 1100 4P SERIES)

FL-SRE-WLC-5A (5 AP Adder Licenses for WLC on SRE)

ASA-CSC10-PLUS (Cisco ASA 5500 Content Security License ASA-CSC10-PLUS)

FL-44-PERF-K9 (FL-44-PERF-K9 Increases the performance from base performance 1 Gbps to 2 Gbps)

FL-VPERF-8P-200 (IPSEC PLUS 200MBPS LICS FOR ISR 1100 8P SERIES)

C3560X-24-S-E= (Cisco Catalyst 3560-X Series License C3560X-24-S-E= C3560X-24 IP Base to IP Services Paper License)

ASA-CSC20-PLUS (Cisco ASA 5500 Content Security License ASA-CSC20-PLUS)

ASA-CSC10-250-500 (Cisco ASA 5500 Content Security License ASA-CSC10-250-500)

Questions & Answers

What is a Cisco license?

What types of Cisco licenses are available?

How do I choose the right Cisco license for my network?

What is Cisco Smart Licensing and how does it work?