United States
Q
What is a Cisco Catalyst 4500E switch license?
A
A Catalyst 4500E switch license is a software entitlement that unlocks advanced Layer 2/3 features, security services, and high-density modules beyond the default IP Base capabilities.
Q
Which license tiers are available for the Catalyst 4500E?
A
Cisco offers two main license tiers for the 4500E: IP Base for basic switching and static routing, and Enterprise Services for full Layer 3, advanced QoS, multicast, and MPLS features.
Q
How do I upgrade the license on a Cisco Catalyst 4500E?
A
Obtain a Product Authorization Key (PAK) from Cisco, register it in the Cisco licensing portal, install the license file via the CLI 'license install' command, and reload the switch.
Q
What features are included in the IP Base license?
A
The IP Base license provides essential Layer 2 switching, static routing, RIP, OSPFv2, EIGRP stub routing, basic QoS, ACLs, and limited security services.
Q
What additional capabilities does the Enterprise Services license provide?
A
Enterprise Services adds full Layer 3 routing (OSPF, EIGRP, BGP), advanced QoS, multicast, MPLS L2VPN, comprehensive security, and service module support.
Q
What is the difference between IP Base and Enterprise Services licenses?
A
IP Base delivers core switching and limited routing; Enterprise Services enables full routing protocols, advanced QoS, multicast, MPLS, and enhanced security features.
Q
Do I need a PAK to activate Catalyst 4500E licenses?
A
Yes. A Product Authorization Key (PAK) must be purchased and registered in Cisco’s licensing portal to activate any Catalyst 4500E license.
Q
Can I transfer the Catalyst 4500E license to another switch?
A
Yes. You can decommission the license on the source device, update the Cisco CCO registration, then install it on the target switch via the licensing portal.
Q
How do I verify the installed license on my switch?
A
Run the CLI command 'show license detail' to display active licenses, feature entitlements, expiration dates, and status information.
Q
Do Catalyst 4500E licenses expire?
A
Perpetual licenses do not expire. Evaluation licenses are time-limited (typically 60 days) and must be replaced with permanent licenses before expiration.
Q
How do I convert an evaluation license to a permanent license?
A
Purchase a full PAK from Cisco, register it to replace the evaluation entitlement in the licensing portal, then install the permanent license file via CLI.
Q
Is StackWise Virtual supported with Catalyst 4500E licenses?
A
Yes. The Enterprise Services license enables StackWise Virtual with multi-chassis link aggregation (MLAG) for high availability and simplified management.
Q
Does the Catalyst 4500E support Cisco DNA subscriptions?
A
Yes. You can deploy DNA Essentials or DNA Advantage subscriptions on the 4500E for network automation, analytics, segmentation, and security services.
Q
How do I troubleshoot license installation issues?
A
Verify connectivity to Cisco Smart Licensing servers, confirm correct device ID and PAK registration, then review 'show license status' for detailed error messages.
Q
Can I upgrade from IP Base to Enterprise Services online?
A
Yes. Order an upgrade PAK through the Cisco licensing portal or Smart Net Total Care, then apply it directly with the 'license install' CLI command.
Q
What support options are included with Catalyst 4500E licenses?
A
Base licenses include 90-day technical support. Smart Net Total Care contracts provide 24×7 hardware replacement, software updates, and priority TAC access.
