Cisco network equipment uses a smart license as a license authentication method. Smart licenses are usually used by applying them to devices, but there is also an evaluation mode
that allows you to use the license functions on a trial basis. There are a few things to keep in mind when using Smart Licensing evaluation mode. Therefore, this time, we will explain an overview of Smart Licensing and points to note when using Cisco equipment in evaluation mode.
What is Smart Licensing?
Smart licenses are computerized licenses used for Cisco equipment. Introduced in 2018, smart accounts are now mandatory for most Cisco devices.
What you need for Smart Licensing
When purchasing Cisco equipment that supports Smart Licensing, it is necessary to specify the following two items when placing an order.
smart account
A smart account is a personal account for managing smart licenses.
Centrally manage your Cisco product licenses with Smart Accounts.
virtual account
A virtual account is a sub-account that can be used like a folder to organize licenses.
Access permissions can be set for each Virtual Account.
How to use Smart Licensing
There are two ways to use Smart Licensing: “Smart Licensing” and “Smart Licensing Using Policy”.
Usage methods differ depending on the OS version, and the Smart Licensing Using Policy mechanism is the mainstream for devices currently in circulation.
Smart Licensing
Smart Licensing is a method of authenticating licenses activated on Cisco devices on the portal site. The license authentication status on the portal site is also reflected on the device side.
With Smart Licensing, even after activating the license when starting to use the device, it is necessary to synchronize the information and reauthorize the license every 30 days.
Smart Licensing Using Policy
Smart Licensing Using Policy does not require license authentication, and the license can be used from the time the device is started.
Smart license authentication method
There are several types of smart license authentication methods.
Direct cloud access method
The direct cloud access method is a method of connecting directly to Cisco’s portal site on the Internet from the device. It is the easiest authentication method to implement.
Satellite server method
The satellite server is a method of building a server for license management on-premises. The device manages licenses through the server.
License reservation method
The license reservation method is a method of manually registering the authentication code issued on the Cisco portal site to the device. Please note that the equipment available is limited.
Differences from traditional licenses
With conventional Cisco licenses, it was necessary to manually register a key called PAK to each device, but smart licenses do not have this procedure. Instead, you will need to activate your license using one of the methods introduced above.
In addition, smart licenses link the expiration date and purpose of use with the device. As a result, it has become difficult to use the recovered equipment for other purposes.
What is smart licensing evaluation mode?
Smart Licensing evaluation mode is a mode that allows Cisco equipment to operate without a license that should be applied.
Evaluation mode allows you to add licenses to your device for a limited period of time. You can use the device even when you want to try out the features of the device or when it takes a long time to assign a license.
Precautions when using a smart license in evaluation mode
The points to be aware of when using Smart Licensing evaluation mode are introduced below.
The evaluation mode has an expiration date
The evaluation license counts down from the date it is activated. After the evaluation mode period expires, it will no longer be available. Therefore, the original smart license must be applied before the expiration date. It is also effective to take measures such as turning off the power of the equipment when not in use.
May not be available depending on the OS version
It depends on the model, but from IOS-XE 17.3.2 and 17.4.1 onwards, a new mechanism called Smart Licensing Using Policy has appeared in place of conventional Smart Licensing.
Note that Smart Licensing Using Policy does not have a traditional evaluation mode.
