Azure FMCv License Question

[hurricane05]

We are looking to deploying FMCv in Azure to manage 2 FTDs (using the 2-Device License). If in the future we install additional FTDs, I know we'll have to purchase the 10 or 25 Device licenses. My question is I’m being told that if we go with the 2-Device license and later purchase the 10-Device license, that

• We could not stack the license on current FMCv (which I understand and ok with)
• That if we wanted to use the 10-license pack, we would have to build a new FMCv and then migrate our current FTDs over to the new FMC.
  • Is this true?
  • Can I not just remove the 2-Device license in FMCv and add the 10-License to it and keep the FTDs without having to move them?

Thx in advance for any assistance provided.

[ccieexpert]

hi

they dont stack.

but you can replace a 2 device with a 10 or 25 device without having to reinstall.. just replace the license..

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[lusy26demco]

Hello,hurricane05

Licenses on FMCv Are Not Stackable: Yes, FMCv licenses are not stackable, which means you cannot combine a 2-Device license with a 10-Device license on the same FMCv instance.

Migrating to a New FMCv Instance: Unfortunately, it’s true that if you want to switch from a 2-Device license to a 10-Device license, you will need to deploy a new FMCv instance configured with the 10-Device license. After deploying the new instance, you’ll have to migrate your existing FTDs to the new FMCv.

Replacing the License on the Same Instance: Currently, Cisco FMCv does not allow you to simply "remove" an existing license and replace it with a higher-capacity license on the same instance. This limitation requires deploying a fresh instance for a license upgrade.

You can do : Plan for Scalability Early: If you anticipate needing more than two devices in the future, consider starting with a higher-capacity license (e.g., 10-Device).
Migration Assistance: Cisco provides tools to export configurations from one FMCv instance and import them to another, which can help ease the migration process.

[ccieexpert]

what are you explaining does not apply to smart licensing..the same VM can pickup the 10 device smart license from the smart license portal without any re-install of the FTD vm.. Again with smart licensing it is seamless and nothing else is required other than having the 10 device license in the smart account.

[Marvin Rhoads]

It is true that you cannot "stack" licenses.

The information given re having to replace your FMCv, however, is incorrect. The 2- 10- or 25-device licenses are based solely on the Smart License used. The FMCv itself does not need to change in any other way than licensing.