Compare Different Licensing Types and Features

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Updated:November 9, 2023
Document ID:217897

Bias-Free Language

The documentation set for this product strives to use bias-free language. For the purposes of this documentation set, bias-free is defined as language that does not imply discrimination based on age, disability, gender, racial identity, ethnic identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and intersectionality. Exceptions may be present in the documentation due to language that is hardcoded in the user interfaces of the product software, language used based on RFP documentation, or language that is used by a referenced third-party product. Learn more about how Cisco is using Inclusive Language.

    Introduction

    This document describes differences between Traditional, Smart Licensing, and Smart Licensing with Policy on Cisco IOS® XE Routing Platforms.

    Prerequisites

    Requirements

    Cisco recommends that you have knowledge of these topics:

    • Hands-on experience in Cisco IOS XE devices.
    • Basic understanding of the licensing models in Cisco IOS XE is recommended.
    • Experience with Cisco Smart Software Manager (CSSM) portal.

    Components Used

    This document is not restricted to specific software and hardware versions.

    The information in this document was created from the devices in a specific lab environment. All of the devices used in this document started with a cleared (default) configuration. If your network is live, ensure that you understand the potential impact of any command.

    Background Information

    For Cisco IOS XE devices there are 3 licensing models. Based on the platform, there are some optional and mandatory licensing models that are used.
    For the Cisco IOS XE physical routers/platforms (ASR1K, ISR4K, ISR1K and CAT8K) the licensing model adoption is:

    • Traditional Licensing was the first/default licensing scheme in Cisco IOS XE versions since 3.7S up to 16.9.8.
    • Smart Licensing was introduced on version 16.5.1, used as default in 16.10.1 up to 17.3.1 version.
    • Smart Licensing Using Policy (SLP) was introduced and used as default from 17.3.2 and later releases.

    In this document, the acronym SL is used for Smart Licensing and SLP for Smart Licensing Using Policy.

    Note: SLP was introduced on 17.4.1 for cat8000v and C1100 Terminal Services Gateways. For more details, refer to Smart Licensing Using Policy for Cisco Enterprise Routing Platforms. For other Cisco IOS XE platforms, the release notes of the specific model can be referred to.

    Traditional Licensing

    At the time this document is published, the traditional model is considered a legacy and deprecated scheme as the last code it can be used is in End Of Support status.
    In this model, it is used a .lic extension file that contains a Product Authorization Key (PAK). The file has to be installed in the device in order to be entitled to use the licensed features.This license scheme has limitations:

    • The license is node-locked to the hardware.
    • Management can be difficult in case of changes and accounting.
    • Constant entitlement verifications are needed.

    Smart Licensing

    To improve licenses management and accounting, Smart Licensing was developed.
    SL model is flexible as the licenses are not node-locked to the hardware. Transfer a license from one device to another is simpler. SL established the licenses pool system, in the case that a device in the organization requires a license it can be requested and consumed. The licenses can be devided in virtual pools and monitored from a centralized portal always updated.

    Based on the Smart Licensing way of activation, there are some challenges that has to be overcome such as:

    • Permanent communication with Cisco Smart Software Manager (CSSM) is required.
    • Smart License Reservation is needed in the cases of air gapped network or Internet isolated devices.
    • On-prem satellite deployment ( not mandatory ) cost increase.
    • Features can become unavailable if the communication with CSSM is lost and/or the device is not registered.


    Smart Licensing using Policy

    SLP provides another level of flexibility as each license is considered independent. The device now does not require permanent communication with CSSM to have the license in compliance. For most of the common features, it has a Day Zero frictionless deployment.

    Some concepts and terminology changed between SL and SLP. This table compares the deployment types per license scheme. The table can be used as a reference to check the SL and SLP documentation.

    Supported Deployments

    Supported Deployments Traditional Licensing Smart Licensing Smart Licensing Using Policy
    Direct Internet access Hardware local license install Communication directly with CSSM Communication directly with CSSM 
    On-Premises Hardware local license install Communication with CSSM On-Prem Communication with CSSM On-Prem plus Cisco Smart Licensing Utility (CSLU)
    Air-gapped networks Hardware local license install CSSM On-Prem, Specific License Reservation, Permanent License Reservation CSSM On-Prem, CSLU, transport-off

    Differences and Similarities between Licensing Models

    Notes
    		Traditional Licensing
    		Smart Licensing Smart Licensing Using Policy
    Product Instance No CSSM Hostname displayed in CSSM Hostname is no longer displayed on CSSM and License UDI is displayed instead. 17.8.1 to include License UDI and hostname.
    Relationship with CSSM No CSSM Registers with CSSM Creates a trust relationship with CSSM
    Day 0 (Licensing deployment) If no license file is installed, features are not available. No licensing available without registration. Enforced licenses features cannot be used until licenses are authorized after registration with CSSM. Some features permit evaluation period. Licenses are enabled by default. Only export-restricted licenses such as HSECK9 require an authorization code before use. Compliance is still required but not mandatory for the initial deployment.
    Report to CSSM Does not communicate with CSSM SL does not report license usage to CSSM. Instead, it authorizes license requests sent by the router. RUM reports are used as proof of license usage and uploaded to CSSM
    Communication method Does not communicate with CSSM Call-Home  Call-Home or SmartReceiver

    Acronyms used in SLP

    • CSLU - Cisco Smart License Utility
    • CSSM - Cisco Smart Software Manager
    • PI - Product Instance (Physical Product-instance or virtual Cisco IOS XE software instance)
    • RUM - Resource Usage Measurement
    • SA - Smart Account
    • SLAC - Smart License Authorization Code
    • VA - Virtual Account

    Acronyms used in SL

    • CSSM - Cisco Smart Software Manager
    • PI - Product Instance (Physical Product-instance or virtual Cisco IOS XE software instance)
    • PLR - Permanent License Reservation
    • SLR - Specific License Reservation
    • SA - Smart Account
    • SL - Smart Licensing
    • VA - Virtual Account

    Acronyms used in Traditional Licensing

    • FLA - Federal License Authorization
    • PAK - Product Authorization Code
    • RTU - Right To Use

    Related Information

    Revision History

    Revision Publish Date Comments
    2.0
    09-Nov-2023
    Recertification
    1.0
    24-May-2022
    Initial Release
    TAC Authored

    Contributed by Cisco Engineers

    • Manuel Diaz
      Cisco TAC Engineer
    • Yesid Soto
      Cisco TAC Engineer

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