Access point DNA license

[wirelessbloger09]

We have IW6300, 1562, 3800 series APs currently connected to the AirOS WLC 3504 and were having AP licenses installed on the 3504 WLC and now wants to migrate this AP's to new Catalyst WLC 9800, but we haven't had DNA licenses procured earlier.

Will this IW6300, 1562, 3800 series APs will register to the catalyst WLC 9800 or should we need to procure additional DNA licenses for this AP's so they can be registered successfully?

[marce1000]

 - Ref :  https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/wireless/catalyst-9800-series-wireless-controllers/nb-06-cat9800-ser-wirel-faq-ctp-en.html

 >...

Cisco Catalyst 9800 Series Wireless Controller licensing

Q.  Do I need any licenses for the Cisco Catalyst 9800 Series Wireless Controllers?

A.   There are no licenses required to boot up a 9800 Series wireless controller. However, in order to connect any access points to the 9800 Series controller, Cisco DNA licenses are required. Each access point that connects to the 9800 Series controller requires a Cisco DNA license to be entitled to connect.

Q.  Is it mandatory to have Cisco DNA licenses for every access point to connect to the Cisco Catalyst 9800 Series controllers?

A.   Yes. It is mandatory to have a Cisco DNA license for every access point that is connected to the Cisco Catalyst 9800 Series Wireless Controllers. If there are not sufficient Cisco DNA licenses to cover all the access points connected to a Cisco Catalyst controller, an out-of-compliance message will be displayed. This out-of-compliance message will be purely informational and will not impact the functionality of the wireless deployment.

 M.

[Arshad Safrulla]

Yes, for any AP to register in to the 9800 WLC's AIR-DNA licenses are mandatory. You can order Premier/Advantage or essential flavor depending on your requirement.

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/wireless/catalyst-9100ax-access-points/guide-c07-742134.html

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/software/one-wireless-subscription/nb-06-dna-sw-sub-wl-data-sheet-ctp-en.html

As of now license restrictions are not enforced in any 9800 physical WLC's, so until you buy the licenses you can run the WLC without licenses. But please make note of the legal complications due to this.

[Rich R]

Adding to what @Arshad Safrulla said: from 17.7.1 there is some enforcement on 9800-CL:
https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/controller/9800/17-7/release-notes/rn-17-7-9800.html#Cisco_Concept.dita_36dcc319-36c4-4368-b1db-da5660b72211
"Starting from Cisco IOS XE Cupertino 17.7.1, the Cisco Catalyst 9800-CL Wireless Controller will not accept more than 50 APs if the smart licensing is not connected and up."
Cisco could add something similar for physical WLCs at any time.