what is Honor based licensing.

[sathyajith]

Hi Guys,

I recently found on my nexus 9504 switch when i run the command sh license usage it shows the one in use and "honor starts 255D 20H" why is it showing like that? I am attaching with the screenshot of the same. 

[Flavio Miranda · Accepted solution]

Hi @sathyajith 

 Here is the definition of Honor for cisco license

"As all NX-OS licenses are honor based, even if a device does not report license consumption to Cisco or the licenses expire, the functionality of the device is not affected in any way and all features will operate optimally. This ensures that critical business operations of our customers are not impacted."

https://blogs.cisco.com/datacenter/cisco-nx-os-licensing-gets-smarter-simplified-license-management-using-policy

[sathyajith]

Thank you for responding did you check with the screenshot does that means i am using a feature which is not supported by that license and i am using it?

[Flavio Miranda]

That means the "LAN_ENTERPRISE_SERVICES_PKG" will keeping working whether you install a license for it or not. 

But lets be honest, this is a switch and a Nexus, which is expensive, if lan base requires license to work, what the hell, right? 

[M02@rt37 · Accepted solution]

Hello @sathyajith,

The "honor starts" value is commonly associated with Cisco Smart Licensing. Cisco Smart Licensing involves a mechanism where the switch "honor" the license entitlement for a certain period, even if it loses connectivity to the Smart Licensing server. During this "honor period," the switch can continue to use the licensed features as if it's still connected to the Smart Licensing server.

In your case, "255D 20H" means that the switch has been operating in the license honor period for approximately 255 days and 20 hours. This period reflects the duration during which the switch is allowed to operate without being able to communicate with the Smart Licensing server. Once this honor period expires, the switch will need to reestablish communication with the Smart Licensing server to continue operating with the licensed features.

If the switch cannot communicate with the Smart Licensing server and validate its license within the required timeframe, it might enter a "grace period."

During the grace period, the switch may still continue to operate with the licensed features, but it could be limited in terms of functionality or performance.

Review your license entitlements and the features you are using. If you find that you are using a feature that requires a different or additional license, you should address the licensing situation accordingly by obtaining the appropriate license from Cisco.

[sathyajith · Accepted solution]

Thank you, much appreciated. 

[M02@rt37]

You're so welcome @sathyajith 

[jpittinger1]

What you saying here seems to contradict the other gentleman's statement. I have the honor entry reported on my switch as 101D 2H.  about 3 hours ago it was reporting 100D 23H. therefore my honor timer is going up.  Your explanation seems to contradict itself stating: "In your case, "255D 20H" means that the switch has been operating in the license honor period for approximately 255 days and 20 hours. This period reflects the duration during which the switch is allowed to operate without being able to communicate with the Smart Licensing server. Once this honor period expires, the switch will need to reestablish communication with the Smart Licensing server to continue operating with the licensed features"  So how long it has been operating OR the period it is allowed to operate before needing to check in?  It can't be both- Can you please clarify.  Thank you