Cisco DNA Subscription without DNA Center -- what is the purpose?

brettp · ‎10-25-2022

Hello, I'm sorry, but I simply can not find a clear answer to my question beyond pages and pages of Cisco marketing lingo. I understand with some products, for instance Catalyst 9000 series switches, a Cisco DNA subscription license is required. We currently do not use Cisco DNA Center so my question is, what is the point of requiring the DNA subscription license? What benefit does it give me if I am not using DNA Center? Is the sole purpose for software upgrades (which SmartNet could just as well give me) or is there an actual feature or service that is accessible with the license? That is like the most basic question but I can not find the answer! Thanks!

Leo Laohoo · ‎10-25-2022

@brettp wrote:
Is the sole purpose for software upgrades (which SmartNet could just as well give me) or is there an actual feature or service that is accessible with the license?

All Catalyst 9k switches have free software upgrades.

Cisco Catalyst IOS Software Update Program for Cisco Catalyst 9200/X, 9300/X, 9400/X, 9500/X and 9600/X Series Switches

The purpose to make the Cisco DNA Subscription License a separate line item is to "encourage" customers to ask "what is DNA".

brettp · ‎10-31-2022

Apparently, the DNA license is required as not only do you get some negligible features, it is apparently necessary for actual useful features on the switch -- or so I am told by our Cisco reseller rep (for instance, the DNA Advantage license unlocks the perpetual Network Advantage License which is basically essential if you're actually going to use the hardware you're buying.) Hmm, Cisco hardware is gear and reliable, but the licensing gets more and more flaky every year.

Leo Laohoo · ‎10-31-2022

@brettp wrote:
the DNA license is required as not only do you get some negligible features, it is apparently necessary for actual useful features on the switch

The dealer is confused. That is what Cisco's Licensing is designed to do.

Network License (Network Essentials, Network Advantage) are for "network" features.
DNAC Licenses (DNA Essentials, DNA Advantage and DNA Premium) are good if there is a DNAC appliance.

For those who do not have DNAC appliance, get the DNAC Essentials.

#2 "summarizes" about the new DNAC Premium license