The "Recommended Releases" documentation for the Catalyst 3850 switch states that the recommended version is 16.9.4. However, there is a note at the bottom that says "If you are not prepared for smart licensing, then 16.6.7 is the recommended version for Catalyst 3850 and 3650".
Why is that? What happens if I use 16.9.4 without smart licensing?
Thank you.