Does Smart License Out-of-Compliance (OOC) Mode Affect Features 3850

[awaistariq63]

Hello ,

I need some clarification regarding Smart Licensing and Out-of-Compliance (OOC) Mode on Catalyst 3850 switches running IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.12.

From my understanding, when a Cisco device enters OOC Mode, it should continue to function normally with all licensed features intact. However, I have come across conflicting information stating that certain advanced features may stop working after 90 days, including:

• Layer 2 Features: VLANs beyond 16, MSTP/RSTP, Private VLANs, Advanced QoS
• Layer 3 Features: Static routing, RIP, EIGRP, OSPF, BGP, DHCP Server/Relay, HSRP, VRRP, GLBP
• Other Features: Application Visibility and Control (AVC), Flexible NetFlow, Cisco TrustSec, SD-Access

I want to confirm:

1. Has anyone specifically experienced licensed features stopping on a 3850 after 90 days in OOC Mode?
2. Does the switch continue to function normally with just compliance alerts, or does it truly disable any of the mentioned features?
3. Does Cisco officially differentiate between OOC Mode behavior on the 3850 versus newer models (e.g., 9000 series)?

Any insights from those who have tested or encountered this in production environments would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

[Leo Laohoo]

If I remembered correctly, once Evaluation License expires, the feature rolls back to the base level license.  

Everything else is Perpetual.  

[awaistariq63]

@Leo Laohoo 

I am considering upgrading my Cisco Catalyst 3850 switch from IOS XE 03.07.04E to Gibraltar 16.12.12 MD and need clarification regarding the long-term impact of Smart Licensing on feature availability.

Currently, my license summary output is:

EN-CRSW01#show license right-to-use summary
License Name Type Count Period left
-----------------------------------------------
ipservices permanent N/A Lifetime
apcount base 0 Lifetime
apcount adder 0 Lifetime

--------------------------------------------

License Level In Use: ipservices
License Level on Reboot: ipservices
Evaluation AP-Count: Disabled
Total AP Count Licenses: 0
AP Count Licenses In-use: 0
AP Count Licenses Remaining: 0

Will my switch lose any functionality if I upgrade to 16.12.12 and do not register for Smart Licensing?

• I have a permanent, lifetime IP Services license under Right-to-Use (RTU) licensing.
• Will it remain active, or will the switch enforce Smart Licensing in a way that restricts access to Layer 3 features after 90 days?
• I have seen conflicting information. Some sources state that licensed features stop working, while others indicate that the switch continues operating normally but generates compliance alerts.
• Catalyst 3850 specifically, does OOC Mode disable features like:
  • Advanced Layer 2: VLANs beyond 16, MSTP/RSTP, Private VLANs, Advanced QoS?
  • Layer 3 Routing: Static routing, RIP, EIGRP, OSPF, BGP, DHCP Relay, HSRP, VRRP, GLBP?

[Leo Laohoo]

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@awaistariq63 wrote:
I am considering upgrading my Cisco Catalyst 3850 switch from IOS XE 03.07.04E to Gibraltar 16.12.12 MD

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Why?

What business case &/or feature do you seek in 16.12.X in exchange for the stability of the switch/stack?

[awaistariq63]

Just to ensure compliance with the Information Security Management System and clear the audit to keep the IOS up to date on all devices.