"https://<DNS name>/cslu/v1/pi/<virtual account name> => can i use the ip addres of my on-prem server, instead of it's DNS name?"  I was NEVER able to get this to work.  Used the URL exactly as published by on-prem.  The only change that did work was...

""So i have to install this additional CSLU utility then, and make with work with CSSM on-prem?""  on-prem will work with BOTH the version 16 and 17 licenses models.  An additional CSLU utility is not required.You may be confusing the transport metho...

I too had to work through various "issues" getting SL policy to work correctly.  I agree it can be confusing.  It's important to understand the overall flow of your environment.  A large number of pieces need to work together.It's not clear to me fro...

The problem that I see with the config is having the same URL for Smart transport as for CSLU.  There is a different URL.See: Solved: Re: Communications failure with the Cisco Smart License Utility (CSLU) - Cisco Community

Just wondering.  Are you aware that the on-prem URL is different for Smart transport than for CSLU transport?  I made this same mistake when upgrading from version 16 to 17.  Go to the on-prem "inventory" page.  Copy the URL there on the page for the...