Cisco Nexus 5000 Series Switch CLI Software Configuration Guide (OL-16597-01, July 2009)

• License enforcement—A mechanism that prevents a feature from being used without first obtaining a
license.
• Node-locked license—A license that can only be used on a particular switch using the switch’s unique
host ID.
• Host IDs—A unique chassis serial number that is specific to each switch.
• Proof of purchase—A document entitling its rightful owner to use licensed features on one switch as
described in that document. The proof of purchase document is also known as the claim certificate.
• Product Authorization Key (PAK)—The PAK allows you to obtain a license key from one of the sites
listed in the proof of purchase document. After registering at the specified website, you will receive your
license key file and installation instructions through e-mail.
• License key file—A switch-specific unique file that specifies the licensed features. Each file contains
digital signatures to prevent tampering and modification. License keys are required to use a licensed
feature. License keys are enforced within a specified time span.
• Missing license—If the bootflash has been corrupted or a supervisor module replaced after you have
installed a license, that license shows as "missing." The feature still works, but the license count is
inaccurate. You should reinstall the license as soon as possible.
• Incremental license—An additional licensed feature that was not in the initial license file. License keys
are incremental. If you purchase some features now and others later, the license file and the software
detect the sum of all features for the specified switch.
• Evaluation license—A temporary license. Evaluation licenses are time bound (valid for a specified
number of days) and are not tied to a host ID (switch serial number).
• Permanent license—A license that is not time bound is called a permanent license.
• Grace period—The amount of time the features in a license package can continue functioning without
a license.
• Support—If you purchased Cisco support through a Cisco reseller, contact the reseller directly. If you
purchased support directly from Cisco Systems, contact Cisco Technical Support at this URL:
http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/687/Directory/DirTAC.shtml
Licensing Model
The licensing model for the Cisco NX-OS software is feature-based. Feature-based licenses make features
available to the entire physical switch. The following table lists the feature-based license packages.
Any feature not included in the Storage Services license package is bundled with the Cisco NX-OS software
and is provided with the switch hardware at no additional charge (See Base Services Package in the table).
Note
Table 6: Feature-Based Licenses
FeaturesFeature License
This package is included with the switch hardware at
no additional charge. It includes all available Ethernet
Base Services Package
Cisco Nexus 5000 Series Switch CLI Software Configuration Guide
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Licensing Model