United States
Q
What is a Cisco Catalyst 3850 Switch License?
A
A Cisco Catalyst 3850 Switch License is a software entitlement that unlocks specific features—such as IP Base, IP Services, or Advanced Security—on 3850 Series switches.
Q
What are the key Cisco Catalyst 3850 license tiers?
A
Cisco Catalyst 3850 licenses come in three tiers: IP Base (layer 2–3 features), IP Services (advanced routing, multicast), and Advanced Security (threat defense, TrustSec).
Q
How do I determine which license tier I need for my network?
A
Choose IP Base for basic switching, IP Services for complex routing and virtualization, and Advanced Security if you require integrated threat protection and policy enforcement.
Q
Can I upgrade my Cisco Catalyst 3850 license after purchase?
A
Yes. You can upgrade between IP Base, IP Services, and Advanced Security by ordering an upgrade license and applying it through Cisco Smart Software Manager or CLI.
Q
How do I install a Cisco Catalyst 3850 Switch License?
A
Install via CLI: import your license file, then use the 'license install' command. Finally, reload the switch to activate the new feature set.
Q
What is Cisco Smart Licensing for Catalyst 3850?
A
Cisco Smart Licensing provides centralized license management via Cisco Smart Software Manager, automating compliance, provisioning, and reporting across Catalyst 3850 devices.
Q
How can I verify my Catalyst 3850 license status?
A
Use the CLI command 'show license status' to view active feature sets, license usage, expiration dates, and compliance status on your switch.
Q
What happens if my license on Catalyst 3850 expires?
A
When an evaluation or subscription license expires, the switch reverts to IP Base feature set, disabling any higher-tier functionalities until renewed or upgraded.
Q
Is there an evaluation license for Cisco Catalyst 3850?
A
Yes. Cisco offers a 60-day evaluation license for IP Services or Advanced Security, enabling full feature testing before you commit to a permanent purchase.
Q
Can I transfer a Catalyst 3850 license to another switch?
A
You can transfer permanent and some subscription licenses by returning the existing license in Cisco Smart Software Manager and reapplying it to the new device.
Q
Do I need separate licenses per switch module or per device?
A
Licenses are applied per switch stack member or standalone device; no additional module-based licenses are required for Catalyst 3850 feature sets.
Q
How do Cisco Catalyst 3850 subscription licenses work?
A
Subscription licenses provide time-based entitlements (1–3 years) for advanced features; they auto-expire unless renewed and simplify forecasting and budgeting.
Q
What are the licensing requirements for StackWise on Catalyst 3850?
A
StackWise does not require additional licensing—any switch in the stack must share the highest active license tier to enable uniform feature access across all members.
Q
Where can I purchase Cisco Catalyst 3850 Switch Licenses?
A
Purchase through authorized Cisco partners, resellers, or directly via Cisco Commerce Workspace to ensure valid licensing and support entitlements.
Q
How do I renew a Cisco Catalyst 3850 subscription license?
A
Renew through Cisco Smart Software Manager or your Cisco partner portal before expiration to maintain continuous access to advanced feature sets.
