Does Cisco Smart Licensing supports Right to Use Licenses?

[Aldo.zavala@gmail.com]

Hi all, I recently upgraded a C3850 to IOS-XE 16.12.5b but I realized that Cisco Smart Licensing is mandatory for that release, I was able to convert the ipbase license to Smart on the switch but I realized that it was missing the apcount adder licences. I assume that the Right-To-Use licenses are not valid in smart?  Is there a way to convert them? or how can I use them on latest IOS-XE?

As for now, I had to downgrade to 16.3.9 in order to recognize the licenses:

C3850#show lic right-to-use
Slot# License Name Type Count Period left
-------------------------------------------------------
1 ipbase permanent N/A Lifetime
1 apcount adder 5 Lifetime

License Level on Reboot: ipbase

Thanks in advance!

[Leo Laohoo · Accepted solution]

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Aldo.zavala@gmail.com wrote:

Right now I am practicing for learning purposes with a 3850 and three AP3500i

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Converged Access 1.0 is dead.  Converged Access 2.0 is very, very different from CA 1.0.  
eWLC (embedded WLC on Switches or on AP) has very little commercial significance.  It is predominantly aimed at SMB/SOHO and not at an enterprise-level deployment.  

If you want something to "learn" for the future, look at virtual WLC (free to download, free to use) and then use AP2800 because they are starting to show up in used market. If you want to learn, learn that.  Do not waste any more time and money in CA 1.0 &/or APs that are not supported on vWLC.

[Aldo.zavala@gmail.com]

Does embedded WLC on on AP's need special licensing?
What AP's does support eWLC mode?
 I am interesting on that method of deployment...

thanks!

[Leo Laohoo · Accepted solution]

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Aldo.zavala@gmail.com wrote:

Does embedded WLC on on AP's need special licensing?

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It is called Mobility Express. 

No, it does not require any licenses. 

Remember, Mobility Express has very basic features and ,like eWLC, it is aimed at SOHO/SMB. 

I have never come across Mobility Express in an enterprise-level deployment.  

[Aldo.zavala@gmail.com]

Thanks everybody for your invaluable answers. I appreciate it and I feel proud of being a little part of this community.

[Aldo.zavala@gmail.com]

Leo Laohoo, you mentioned that the virtual WLC is free to download, I am looking here and it says "60 day evaluation license", also there is a "add to cart" icon besides it; was that what you refereed to? So is it free for 60 days only or am I looking at the wrong section of downloads?

Also when I click on download link it says: "Log In and Service Contract Required" I don't have any service contract with Cisco, all I have is a buuuuunch of used gear that I have been using for my certs, for personal use and for learning purposes.

Can please brief me a little more about how to obtain the free copy of virtual WLC?

Thanks!!!

Note: I don't know how to tag users on this community I tried to tag you so you will receive a notification that I am mentioning your name.

[Rich R]

It's Cisco licensed software so no free copy.

You can try searching for the exact image names you see on the download pages.

I'd still recommend 9800-CL rather than vWLC but your choice really.

AireOS is still widely used at the moment but 9800 IOS-XE is rapidly gaining market share and many customers migrating.

The latest APs will not be supported on AireOS at all and that will drive more moves to 9800.

[Aldo.zavala@gmail.com]

Leo Laohoo said "virtual WLC (free to download, free to use)", I rapidly went to Cisco website and look for the download but found the same thing as always (need a support contract), a while ago I downloaded a WLC iso image that I am able to run in GNS3, I also have a wlc2504 personally but I was thinking that there maybe is a vWLC free to download free to use as Leo said. I will go ahead and try to download a 9800-CL

Thanks!!

[Leo Laohoo]

Sorry, me bad. 

I should've said "CL" is free to download and free to use.

[Aldo.zavala@gmail.com]

so is the 9800-CL downloadable with a Cisco Support Contract only as well?

[Rich R]

The shopping cart is just for if you want to add multiple files to a basket before downloading them all at once. 

It's the little padlock next to the filename that tells you they're restricted.  They didn't used to be but you're right they're all restricted now.  Same advice applies - search.

[Rich R · Accepted solution]

We've already provided all the info and suggestions you need Aldo.zavala@gmail.com - you need to go and read for yourself.

Forget about converged access - just never mention it again.

EWC is a compact form of 9800 WLC (IOS-XE) which can run on 9100 series APs or some switches.  It is designed for single sites and the WLC and APs must be on the same LAN/VLAN/broadcast domain.

Mobility Express (ME) was a very cut down version of AireOS WLC which runs on Wave 2 APs (1800/2800/3800 etc).  Personally I would not recommend this.  If you want to learn current technology then concentrate on the IOS-XE based platforms.

Like I already suggested my recommendation is EWC on 9100 AP or 9800-CL for a full featured WLC.

Don't waste your time trying to run it on a switch (which will cost more anyway).  You can keep your 3850 as a switch and upgrade to the latest IOS without wireless.

If you run a full WLC (9800 series) then you need a DNA license per AP which you purchase with the AP - all done through smart licensing.

[Aldo.zavala@gmail.com]

Super helpful comment as all the others. I appreciate it too much.