United States
Q
What is a Cisco Wireless Controller License?
A
A Cisco Wireless Controller License authorizes specific feature sets and access-point capacity on Cisco wireless controllers, enabling centralized management, security enforcement, and advanced network services.
Q
What license tiers are available for Cisco Wireless Controllers?
A
Cisco offers Essentials, Advantage, and Premier (or DNA subscription) tiers, each unlocking progressively advanced services such as enhanced security, analytics, policy enforcement, and automated provisioning.
Q
How do I install or register a Cisco Wireless Controller License?
A
Log into the controller GUI or CLI, paste your PAK or smart-license token under Licensing, then synchronize with Cisco Smart Software Manager to activate the license.
Q
What is Cisco Smart Licensing for wireless controllers?
A
Cisco Smart Licensing provides cloud-based entitlement tracking, automatic compliance reporting, and centralized license management through a Smart Account without manual PAK imports.
Q
How do I migrate from traditional PAK licensing to Cisco Smart Licensing?
A
Register your PAK in Cisco Software Central, generate a Smart Account token, configure the controller’s smart-license settings, and initiate a sync to transfer entitlements.
Q
Can I transfer my Cisco Wireless Controller License between devices?
A
Yes. Deactivate the license on the source controller, return the entitlement via Cisco Smart Software Manager, and then register it on the target device.
Q
How many access points does each Cisco Wireless Controller License support?
A
License capacity varies by model and tier; Essentials typically supports up to 100 APs, Advantage up to 250 APs, and Premier/DNA up to 1,500 APs—verify in Cisco’s data sheet.
Q
What is the difference between Essentials, Advantage, and Premier licenses?
A
Essentials covers basic connectivity and security, Advantage adds mobility services and analytics, and Premier (or DNA) unlocks full software-defined access, automation, and AI insights.
Q
How do I renew or extend my Cisco Wireless Controller License?
A
Purchase a renewal from a Cisco partner, apply the new PAK or update your Smart Account entitlement, then resynchronize the controller for continuity.
Q
How do I check my license status on a Cisco Wireless Controller?
A
In the controller GUI, navigate to Administration > Licensing > Controller. In CLI, use the 'show license all' command to view entitlement and compliance status.
Q
Can I mix license types on the same Cisco Wireless Controller?
A
No. Each controller operates under a single active licensing model (traditional PAK or Smart Licensing) and a single feature tier at a time.
Q
How do I troubleshoot Cisco Wireless Controller License activation errors?
A
Verify Smart Account connectivity, correct system date/time, valid PAK or token, and check Cisco Smart Software Manager for entitlement mismatches or sync failures.
Q
What is the cost structure for Cisco Wireless Controller Licensing?
A
Pricing is based on license tier (Essentials, Advantage, Premier/DNA), AP capacity, and subscription term; contact a Cisco partner for customized quotes.
Q
Do Cisco Wireless Controller Licenses expire?
A
Traditional PAK entitlements are perpetual; subscription-based DNA or Premier licenses require annual renewal based on your selected term.
Q
Is subscription-based licensing available for Cisco Wireless Controllers?
A
Yes. Cisco offers subscription-based DNA and Premier licenses that include software updates, support, and advanced analytics for fixed terms.
Q
How do I upgrade license capacity on a Cisco Wireless Controller?
A
Purchase a higher-tier license or additional AP entitlements, apply the new PAK or update your Smart Account, and then resynchronize the controller to enable the upgrade.
