Cat 9500-40X stackwise virtual - only on network advantage?

[codflanglers2]

Purchased a couple of these with network essentials (they aren't here yet) and was waiting for the software update to allow stackwise virtual. Now the software is out and it looks like (from the release notes) that stackwise virtual is only available on network advantage? 

In my opinion stacking capability is a basic requirement and should be allowed on network essentials as well. 

Can anyone confirm this?

[mmcsweeny]

The release notes confirm your findings:

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/switches/lan/catalyst9500/software/release/16-8/release_notes/ol-16-8-9500.html

Cisco StackWise Virtual

Cisco StackWise Virtual is a network system virtualization technology that pairs two switches into one virtual switch to simplify operational efficiency with a single control and management plane. Starting with this release, the feature is also supported on the following models of the Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches: C9500-24Q C9500-12Q C9500-40X C9500-16X   (Network Advantage)

[Chris McCann]

Yeah I found this too, not sure what the point is in the Network Essentials.