Question 1

What is a Cisco Catalyst 4500E switch license?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Which license tiers are available for the Catalyst 4500E?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

How do I upgrade the license on a Cisco Catalyst 4500E?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

What features are included in the IP Base license?

Accepted Answer

The IP Base license provides essential Layer 2 switching, static routing, RIP, OSPFv2, EIGRP stub routing, basic QoS, ACLs, and limited security services.

Question 5

What additional capabilities does the Enterprise Services license provide?

Accepted Answer

Enterprise Services adds full Layer 3 routing (OSPF, EIGRP, BGP), advanced QoS, multicast, MPLS L2VPN, comprehensive security, and service module support.

Question 6

What is the difference between IP Base and Enterprise Services licenses?

Accepted Answer

IP Base delivers core switching and limited routing; Enterprise Services enables full routing protocols, advanced QoS, multicast, MPLS, and enhanced security features.

Question 7

Do I need a PAK to activate Catalyst 4500E licenses?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A Product Authorization Key (PAK) must be purchased and registered in Cisco’s licensing portal to activate any Catalyst 4500E license.

Question 8

Can I transfer the Catalyst 4500E license to another switch?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

How do I verify the installed license on my switch?

Accepted Answer

Run the CLI command 'show license detail' to display active licenses, feature entitlements, expiration dates, and status information.

Question 10

Do Catalyst 4500E licenses expire?

Accepted Answer

Perpetual licenses do not expire. Evaluation licenses are time-limited (typically 60 days) and must be replaced with permanent licenses before expiration.

Question 11

How do I convert an evaluation license to a permanent license?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

Is StackWise Virtual supported with Catalyst 4500E licenses?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Enterprise Services license enables StackWise Virtual with multi-chassis link aggregation (MLAG) for high availability and simplified management.

Question 13

Does the Catalyst 4500E support Cisco DNA subscriptions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can deploy DNA Essentials or DNA Advantage subscriptions on the 4500E for network automation, analytics, segmentation, and security services.

Question 14

How do I troubleshoot license installation issues?

Accepted Answer

Verify connectivity to Cisco Smart Licensing servers, confirm correct device ID and PAK registration, then review 'show license status' for detailed error messages.

Question 15

Can I upgrade from IP Base to Enterprise Services online?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

What support options are included with Catalyst 4500E licenses?

Accepted Answer

Base licenses include 90-day technical support. Smart Net Total Care contracts provide 24×7 hardware replacement, software updates, and priority TAC access.

Switch Licenses Cisco Catalyst 4500E

C4500E-IP-ES=-C4500E IP TO ENT SVCS LICS

L-C4500E-IP-ES=-Cisco Catalyst 4500E IP Base t o Enterprise Services IOS upgrade license

L-C4500E-LB-ES=-Catalyst 4500E LAN Base to Ent erprise Services IOS upgrade license

C4500E-IP-ES-S=-Cisco 4500E Series Switch IP B ase to Enterprise Services license for spare Sup config

C4500E-LB-IPB=-LAN BASE TO IP BASE LICS SPARE

L-C4500E-LB-IP=-Catalyst 4500E LAN Base to IP Base software upgrade license

L-C4500E-IP-ES-UPG 4500E IP BASE TO ENTERPRIS E SERVICES SOFTWARE LICENSE

C4500E-LB-ES=-Cisco 4500E Series Switch Lan Base to Enterprise Services IOS update paper license

L-C4500E-LB-ES-UPG 4500E LAN BASE TO ENT SVCS SOFTWR LIC ELECTRONICALLY DELIVERED

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Questions & Answers

What is a Cisco Catalyst 4500E switch license?

Which license tiers are available for the Catalyst 4500E?

How do I upgrade the license on a Cisco Catalyst 4500E?

What features are included in the IP Base license?