United States
Q
What license tiers are available for Cisco Catalyst 3650 switches?
A
Cisco Catalyst 3650 offers two software tiers: IP Base for advanced Layer 3 routing and QoS, and IP Services for full MPLS, advanced security, and enhanced multicast features.
Q
How do I activate a Cisco Catalyst 3650 license?
A
Log in to Cisco Smart Software Manager, register your Cisco Smart Account, add the switch’s UUID, and assign the appropriate license tokens to activate your Catalyst 3650 license.
Q
What is the difference between IP Base and IP Services licenses?
A
IP Base supports core routing (OSPF, EIGRP), QoS and basic security; IP Services adds full MPLS, advanced multicast, BGP, and higher scalability for complex enterprise networks.
Q
Are Cisco Catalyst 3650 licenses perpetual or subscription-based?
A
IP Base and IP Services on Catalyst 3650 are perpetual licenses, while Cisco DNA subscriptions (Essentials or Advantage) are term-based and require renewal.
Q
Do I need a Cisco DNA license for Catalyst 3650 functionality?
A
DNA licenses are optional for traditional switching; choose DNA Essentials or Advantage only if you require automation, analytics, SD-Access and assurance features.
Q
How can I upgrade from IP Base to IP Services on a Catalyst 3650 switch?
A
Purchase additional IP Services license tokens, register them in Smart Software Manager, then apply them to the switch’s UUID to complete the upgrade.
Q
How do I install the Security license on a Cisco Catalyst 3650?
A
Obtain Security license tokens from your Cisco Smart Account, assign them to the switch UUID in Smart Software Manager, and reboot if prompted to enable advanced security features.
Q
Can I evaluate Cisco Catalyst 3650 features before buying a license?
A
Yes, use the built-in 60-day evaluation license triggered via the CLI under ‘license boot module all’ to trial IP Services or Security functionality.
Q
How do I convert an evaluation license to a permanent license?
A
After purchasing the permanent license token, register it in Cisco Smart Software Manager, assign it to your switch UUID, and the evaluation license will convert automatically.
Q
What happens if a Catalyst 3650 license expires or is removed?
A
Perpetual licenses do not expire; if a temporary license lapses, the switch reverts to IP Base or a feature-restricted state until a valid license is re-applied.
Q
How do I verify the license status on my Catalyst 3650 switch?
A
Use the ‘show license summary’ and ‘show license status’ commands in the switch CLI to display installed, active, and evaluation licenses.
Q
Do I need a separate license for each switch in a stack?
A
No. In a stack, one license token applied to the stack master covers all member switches running identical hardware and software versions.
Q
Can I transfer a Cisco Catalyst 3650 license to another device?
A
Yes, de-register the switch’s UUID in Cisco Smart Software Manager and then re-assign the license token to the new device’s UUID.
Q
Is a support contract required for Cisco Catalyst 3650 licenses?
A
A valid Cisco SMARTnet or Cisco DNA support contract is required to manage, renew and receive updates for Catalyst 3650 licenses via Smart Software Manager.
Q
How does Cisco Smart Licensing benefit Catalyst 3650 deployments?
A
Smart Licensing centralizes license management, automates compliance tracking, and provides real-time usage visibility across all Catalyst 3650 devices.
Q
Can I use Catalyst 3650 licenses for virtual switch instances?
A
No. Catalyst 3650 licenses apply only to physical switch hardware and cannot be transferred to virtual switch software or appliances.
