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Q
What is a Cisco Router IOS License?
A
A Cisco Router IOS License is a software entitlement that authorizes specific features and capabilities on Cisco routers, enabling tailored functionality and compliance management.
Q
What are the different Cisco IOS license levels?
A
Cisco IOS license levels include IP Base, Security (SEC), Unified Communications (UC), Application Experience (AppX), Advanced Security (ADVSEC), and Advanced IP Services (ADVIPS), each unlocking distinct feature sets.
Q
How do I check the current IOS license on my Cisco router?
A
In privileged EXEC mode, run the commands show license status or show license all to display installed licenses, their status, and expiration details.
Q
How do I enable or upgrade a Cisco IOS license?
A
Purchase the required PAK or Smart account entitlement, install it via CLI using license install or register with Smart Licensing, then save the config and reload if prompted.
Q
What is the difference between permanent and evaluation Cisco IOS licenses?
A
Permanent licenses provide indefinite access to features, while evaluation licenses grant temporary, time-limited access for testing before full purchase.
Q
How does Cisco Smart Licensing work for router IOS?
A
Smart Licensing automates registration, entitlement tracking, and compliance by connecting your router to Cisco Smart Software Manager using a token linked to a virtual account.
Q
How do I register a Cisco IOS license in Smart Software Manager?
A
Generate an entitlement token in Cisco Smart Software Manager, then on the router run license smart register idtoken <your_token> to complete registration.
Q
Can I transfer a Cisco IOS license between routers?
A
Yes. Revoke the license from the source device in Cisco Smart Software Manager or Licensing Portal, then assign it to the target router following the transfer process.
Q
What happens when my Cisco IOS license expires?
A
Upon expiration, the router reverts to the next lower feature set or evaluation mode, potentially disabling unlicensed features until renewal or replacement.
Q
How do I troubleshoot Cisco IOS license compliance issues?
A
Verify Smart account registration, run show license all for error messages, synchronize with Cisco SSM using license smart sync, and resolve any token or connectivity errors.
Q
How do I convert a Cisco License PAK to a Smart Account entitlement?
A
Redeem the PAK in Cisco Smart Software Manager by creating a new virtual account or selecting an existing one; the portal converts the PAK into a digital entitlement automatically.
Q
How long does it take to activate a Cisco IOS license?
A
Activation usually completes within minutes after installing the PAK or registering via Smart Licensing, provided the router has internet access to Cisco servers.
Q
Where can I purchase a Cisco Router IOS License?
A
You can buy Cisco Router IOS Licenses through authorized Cisco partners, the Cisco Commerce Workspace, or directly from Cisco’s online store.
Q
What are the benefits of Cisco IOS Security licenses?
A
Cisco IOS Security licenses enable advanced threat defense, firewall, VPN, intrusion prevention, and secure access features to protect enterprise network edges.
Q
How do I remove or deactivate a Cisco IOS license?
A
In CLI, use the license clear <package_name> command followed by write memory, or revoke the entitlement in Cisco Smart Software Manager to deactivate the license.
Q
What is Cisco IOS feature on-demand licensing?
A
Feature on-demand licensing allows dynamic enabling or disabling of software features on supported routers without hardware changes, based on purchased entitlements.
Q
How do I upgrade from IP Base to Advanced Security license on Cisco routers?
A
Order the ADVSEC PAK or entitlement, install it via license install or Smart Licensing, save the configuration, and reload the router to activate Advanced Security features.
