Technical data
FastIron Ethernet Switch Administration Guide 119
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Software-based licensing overview
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• For FCX and ICX devices, the license unlocks the licensed feature and it becomes available
immediately. There is no need to reload the software.
• For FSX devices, the license unlocks the ability to upload the software image (for example,
Premium Layer 3) onto the device. Once the software image is installed and the software is
reloaded, the license unlocks the licensed feature.
• When a trial license expires, the commands and CLI related to the feature are disabled, but the
feature itself cannot be disabled until the system reloads.
Seamless transition for legacy devices
In this chapter, the term legacy device refers to a Brocade device that was shipped prior to the
introduction of software-based licensing, has an EEPROM installed, and is running pre-release
07.1.00 software.
The transition to software-based licensing is seamless for legacy devices. When upgraded to a
release that supports software-based licensing, these devices will continue to operate as
previously configured.
NOTE
There are special considerations and instructions for legacy FastIron devices in need of replacement
(by way of a Return Merchandise Agreement [RMA]). For details, refer to “Special replacement
instructions for legacy devices” on page 143.
License types
The following license types are supported on FastIron devices:
• Application-related – Enables premium or advanced features on the device, for example
advanced Layer 3 for the FCX, premium and advanced Layer 3 for ICX 6610, premium Layer 3
for ICX 6450, and full Layer 3 for the FSX 800, and FSX 1600.
• Trial license – Also called a temporary license, this enables a license-controlled feature to run
on the device on a temporary basis. A trial license enables demonstration and evaluation of a
licensed feature and can be valid for a period of 45 days. For more information about a trial
license, refer to “Using a trial license” on page 139.
• Normal license – Also called a permanent license, this enables a license-controlled feature to
run on the device indefinitely.