IOS Update Licensing

[dmc020202]

Hi,

Could someone please clarify the rules with regards to upgrading/updating IOS on a Cisco device.

I understand that if one wished to upgrade the feature set on a particular device, for instance from an IPBASE feature set to an IPSERVICES feature set, a licence would need to be purchased from a Cisco reseller.

What if the feature set does not change?

Would a new licence be required to just update the code?

For example, IOS 12.2 (25) SE could be updated to the following:

12.2 (25) [Something other than SE]

12.2 ( [Something higher than 25] ) SE

12.2( [Something higher than 25] ) [Something other than SE]

12.3

12.4

15.0

... and so on ...

Are these upgrades something that would be free of charge?

Any help appreciated,

Thanks,

Dave

[Leo Laohoo]

What if the feature set does not change?

Then you don't need a license and as long as you have a valid Cisco Service Contract, you can download the IOS version to your heart's content.