Cat9k: functionality of "license boot level [...] addon dna-advantage

[Johannes Luther]

Hi board,

I try to understand what's the purporse of the "addon dna-advantage" in a Cat9k config

license boot level network-advantage addon dna-advantage

So the switch license level itself is controlled with "network-advantage" or "network-essentials".

Without knowing anything about DNAC, from my point of view, the switch doesn't care about the DNAC functionality of the switch itself, right?

Or, does the switch tell DNA center: "hey ... I'm a switch and please unlock the DNA advantage functionality within DNA center for the fancy, great and totally superb DNAC features"

Meaning, you must not install and licenses in DNA centers. The switches tell DNA center how they are licensed.

Could someone please enlighten me? I'm totally confused with this licensing stuff.

[ChuckMcF]

Network Essentials or Network Advantage is the license for the switch itself. When you think of these think the old ipbase vs ipadvantage. These licenses are tied to the box and don’t expire. 

DNA Essentials and/or DNA Advantage are the licenses that turn on features supported in an SDA network. Recommend buying DNA Advantage or DNA Premier (Premier is Advantage plus some ISE Base, ISE Plus and Stealth Watch licenses).

So one license is for the switch and the other license is to allow you to use that switch on an SDA network. 
Hope this is helpful,

Chuck

[Preston Chilcote]

Chuck has the right idea, but I wanted to emphasize that the DNA Essentials/Advantage licenses are important to consider even without SDA: for DNA to be able to network assurance and automation.  Here is the best documentation I know of to show which features are included with each license:

https://www.cisco.com/c/m/en_us/products/software/dna-subscription-switching/en-sw-sub-matrix-switching.html?OID=otren019471

-Preston

Cisco Customer Success Specialist

[Johannes Luther]

Hi guys,

thank you for the answers. However, I had a different question (obviously I didn't make it clear - sorry).

Where do you install a DNA advantage license? Is it installed

a) on the switch itself and the switch tells DNA center: Hey... there's a DNA adv license available

b) within DNA center? If this would be the case I don't understand the CLI "... addon dna-advantage"

[ChuckMcF]

There are several options for enabling DNA licenses per device. The best advice I can provide would be to discuss your options with your Cisco Sales rep and/or Sales Engineer. They should be able to provide you with the best method for your specific needs. I can help you with each method however I assume your local Cisco support staff will have a better understanding of your specific needs.

HTH,

ChuckMcF

PS Please don't forget to mark posts that are helpful and that provided the solution to your issue.

[Johannes Luther]

Hi ChuckMcF,

my question was more an a technical level instead of a business level.

How do you license devices in DNAC? Do you install a license in DNAC itself (comparable with Cisco Prime Infrastructure) or does the network device tell DNAC, that there is a valid license available?

Again, the base question was "what's the technical purporse of the "addon dna-advantage" in a Cat9k config".

[ChuckMcF]

There are several ways to register your license in DNAC. For example, one option is to use SLR. Ensure that DNAC is synced with your Smart account and verify that the license is available in your Smart account. Then, in DNAC, go to License Manager-->All Licenses, check the box for your device and then go to Actions-->Manage License Reservation-->Enable License Reservation. Choose SLR then DNAC will verify the license types need. Then choose the Virtual Account where the license is located and click Next. DNAC will verify that the licenses exist and reserve them in your Smart account and enable them on your switch. There will be another Next and a Finish. Check back in a few minutes and the device will show as registered.

Again, though, there are several ways to add licenses (PLR, Manual to name a few) and your local Cisco Support staff will be your best resource for the method that is best for your specific environment. This isn't a business approach, this is your local Cisco team providing you the technical support as you require.

HTH,

ChuckMcF