Cisco Universal IOS Packaging Explained

The abridged packaging model will streamline Software Management via four IOS enforced technology package licenses which will allow the complete suite of IOS software functionality. IOS technology package upgrades can be made by activating a new license key, minimizing the requirement for truck-rolls to distant locations. This model backs the “pay as you grow” concept by permitting purchase of upgrades as and when you need them by using the Cisco Software Licensing.

The Universal IOS image is pre-installed by Cisco manufacturing on all their routers prior to shipment. IOS Universal Image comprises of all the IOS features. The feature sets which are a part of the universal image can be activated by using licensing keys. For example, the level of IOS functionality obtainable is identified by the license activated on the hardware device. A new license only requires to be activated to enhance the IOS functionality on the Cisco router. Maintenance upgrades of IOS include transitioning from one IOS universal image version to another and do not need a new licensing key. A reboot of the router is licensing apparent as well.

Each hardware device is shipped with the Universal image. IPBase, DATA, UC (Unified Communications) and SEC (Security) technology packages are activated in the universal image by the use of Cisco Software Activation licensing keys. Each licensing Key is exclusive to a specific hardware device and is acquired from Cisco by giving the product ID and serial number of the hardware router along with a Product Activation Key (PAK), which is given by Cisco at the time the Software is purchased. Cisco installs license key(s) for software identified at the time that the router is initially purchased.

Every shipped device has an IP Base software activation key pre-installed on it by default. Supplementary keys are installed by manufacturing contingent on the client order.

The latest Cisco ISR routers also include a Software Activation feature license and Right to Use Feature licenses. The Software Activation feature licenses employ the same Software Activation model as the Technology package licenses, whereas the Right to Use Feature licenses are not prescribed. Feature licenses work in tandem with technology package licenses so that the SSLVPN feature license necessitates the SEC technology package license.

To find out more, please speak with our Cisco Licensing Specialists here.

Guidelines on Licensing for the Cisco ISR G2

1. Universal images have the “universalk9” term in the image title: This universal image gives all the Cisco IOS benefits along with robust crypto benefits including VPN payload, Secure UC etc.

2. Universal images containing the ‘’universalk9_npe” term in the image title: This strong licensing encryption resolution supplied by Cisco Software Activation placates necessities for the export of encryption abilities. Some nations have import necessities which stipulate that the device does not provision any robust crypto abilities like VPN payload etc. in any way. To mollify the import laws of such nations, this universal image will not provide support to any robust payload encryption like VPN payload, secure voice etc. This image does however support risk protection facilities through the SECNPE-K9 license.

Unique Device Identifier (UDI)

The Unique Device Identifier comprises of two constituents: The Product ID (PID) and Serial Number (SN). The Serial Number is an 11-digit number that exclusively recognizes a device. The Product ID recognizes the type of the device. This info can be identified by utilizing the “show license UDI” command on the router’s CLI. It is also present on a pull-out label tray located on the actual device. We might need to remove “V01” that comes after the PID. For example, use just “CISCO2921/K9”, instead of “CISCO2921/K9 V01”.

Software Activation License (SAL)

A Software Activation License is supplied by Cisco by identifying the Product ID, the Serial Number of the hardware and the Product Activation Key (PAK). Hence the Product ID + Serial Number + PAK = Software Activation License. New hardware is shipped bundled with the Software Activation License pre-installed for features ordered with the router. New functions can be activated with a new SAL. A Software Activation License (SAL) allows definite functions. Hence the DATA technology package license allows DATA technology functions in the IOS Universal image. Each SAL is exclusive to a specific device and is incompatible with a different device. A technology package or feature set is acquired via a “Product Activation Key” (PAK).

To find out more please contact one of our Cisco Licensing Specialists here.