Licensing/Service Contract for Nexus 5000 for homelab use

[duncantallon]

I am looking at purchasing either a Nexus 5010 or Nexus 5020 switch for homelab use. As I do not represent a business for this purpose, I am having a bit of trouble regarding a license/service contract which to my understanding is necessary to operate the switch. Could you point me in the right direction and possibly give a hint to what pricing may be like so I know if this is even financially viable?

[Reza Sharifi · Accepted solution]

For home use, you would have to contact a Cisco Re-seller if you need service contract and specific feature set license. For the most part, when you purchase one of these switches, they come with basic license and functionally out of the box, but for example, if you need layer-3 routing, you would need to install a layer-3 card and a layer-3 license for it.

HTH 

[duncantallon]

So if I don't need layer 3 routing, then I don't need a license?

[Reza Sharifi]

Than you get most or all of the basic layer-2 functionalities right out of the box.ox.

BTW, before purchasing ask the re-seller about the license that comes with the switch.

HTH

[duncantallon]

Awesome, thanks!

[Reza Sharifi]

I get a call every week from someone with a company called "CMS communications". They claim they have good prices.  You may want to give them a call or visit.

www.cmsc.com

Good luck!