United States
Q
What license options are available for the Cisco Catalyst 4500-X switch?
A
The Catalyst 4500-X supports three main licenses: IP Base (Layer 2 switching and basic Layer 3 routing), IP Services (advanced routing protocols and MPLS), and Performance Upgrade (increased forwarding capacity up to 720 Gbps).
Q
How do I upgrade from IP Base to IP Services on the Catalyst 4500-X?
A
Purchase the Catalyst 4500-X IP Services upgrade PAK, apply the PAK code in the Cisco Licensing portal, then install the new license via the CLI command “license install <license-file>.”
Q
Can I transfer a Catalyst 4500-X license to a new chassis?
A
Yes. Use the Cisco License Reservation and Transfer tool to return the existing license, then rehost it to the new chassis by applying the PAK code through the Cisco Smart Software Manager.
Q
What is a Performance Upgrade license on the Catalyst 4500-X?
A
The Performance Upgrade license unlocks additional forwarding capacity—each license increments throughput by 120 Gbps, up to a maximum of 720 Gbps per chassis.
Q
How do I verify my Catalyst 4500-X license status?
A
Run “show license status” or “show platform hardware throughput level” in the CLI to display installed licenses, their state, and current forwarding capacity.
Q
What is the evaluation license and how do I enable it?
A
The evaluation license temporarily unlocks full IP Services and maximum throughput for 60 days. Enable it with “license boot module c4500x all level evaluation” followed by a reload.
Q
How do I renew or extend my Catalyst 4500-X license support?
A
Renew through your Cisco account or authorized partner by extending your Cisco SMARTnet contract, which covers software updates and license entitlement support.
Q
Is a separate Security license required on the Catalyst 4500-X?
A
No. Security features such as ACLs, MACsec, and TrustSec are included in the IP Base and IP Services licenses at no extra charge.
Q
What is Cisco DNA Advantage licensing for the Catalyst 4500-X?
A
Cisco DNA Advantage is a subscription license that adds advanced software-defined networking features like automation, analytics, and assurance on top of the IP Services license.
Q
How are software images tied to my Catalyst 4500-X license?
A
The installed license level determines which IOS XE software image features are active; ensure your license covers the image version you deploy through Cisco’s software download portal.
Q
Can I mix IP Base and IP Services cards in a single 4500-X chassis?
A
No. All line cards in a Catalyst 4500-X chassis must operate at the same license level; you must upgrade the entire chassis to IP Services if any card requires advanced features.
Q
What happens if I exceed my licensed throughput on the 4500-X?
A
Traffic beyond your licensed forwarding capacity is subject to drop or policing. To avoid congestion, upgrade your Performance Upgrade licenses to meet projected bandwidth requirements.
Q
How do I install a license PAK on the Catalyst 4500-X?
A
Log into Cisco’s licensing portal, redeem the PAK, download the .lic file, copy it to the switch via TFTP/FTP, and run “license install flash:<filename>.lic.”
Q
Are feature upgrades on the Catalyst 4500-X permanent or temporary?
A
All Catalyst 4500-X licenses are permanent once installed, except for the 60-day evaluation license which reverts to the previously installed level upon expiration.
Q
How do I troubleshoot a license installation failure on the 4500-X?
A
Check the switch clock, verify PAK validity in the Cisco portal, confirm file integrity, and use “license clear” before reinstalling. Review “show logging” for specific error codes.
Q
What is the difference between a PAK and a BYOL license for Catalyst 4500-X?
A
A PAK (Product Authorization Key) is Cisco’s traditional paper-based license code. BYOL (Bring Your Own License) allows direct entitlement via Cisco Smart Account without a PAK code.
