Cisco releases new lines for routers and switches. For routers, the new lines are 1900, 2900, 3900, and ASR series. These new lines should be considered as how Cisco keep up with future demands of more powerful equipments to push more traffic yet secure.

One new aspect with these new lines is the IOS images they run. On these new lines, you can no longer run Advanced IOS images when the equipments are only licensed to run Base IOS images, based on Smartnet contract the equipments are under.

Further, there is only one IOS image for each line which Cisco calls Universal IOS image. Depending on Smartnet contract the equipments are under, the Universal IOS image may only unlock basic commands or features. Should you need specific feature or advanced commands, then you may be able to utilize them as trial within certain period.

By issuing "show license all" command, you can find out what the equipment is currently licensed as. The command also inform you should certain features that are not currently licensed permanently already trigger the trial period.

When you start using features or commands that are not permanently licensed, you trigger the trial period. Once you decide to keep those features or advanced commands after the trial period expires, then you may need to upgrade the license to something that offer such features or commands permanently.

As illustration, certain features like IPSec VPN may require Advanced Security license which is above the Base license. To have the Security license, you need to contact your Cisco reseller or representative to upgrade your Smartnet contract to support the Security license. Check out the following Cisco websites for more info.

Cisco’s Integrated Services Routers Generation Two Licensing and Packaging
Network Security Features for Cisco Integrated Services Routers Generation 2 Platform

Some discussions:

»Cisco dual WAN router in front of ASA
»SMARTnet

For those who like to know more of the Universal IOS image and license upgrade process, check out the following FAQ.
»Cisco Forum FAQ »New Platform: Routers, Switches

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by aryoba
last modified: 2012-07-16 21:48:32