Checking your Cisco device license is crucial for ensuring network compliance and avoiding feature disruptions. You can verify your Cisco device license using the CLI directly on the device and through online tools like Cisco Smart Software Manager (SSM). For most Cisco IOS devices, use commands such as show version, show license all, or show license summary to quickly check your Cisco license status.
Why Should You Check Your Cisco Device License?
Verifying your Cisco device license ensures your network infrastructure is compliant and functions as expected. Regular checks confirm you are using the correct license level, preventing service disruptions due to expired or missing licenses. Advanced features or additional ports may require specific licenses for activation and continued use.
Methods to Check Cisco Device Licenses
There are two main ways to check your Cisco device license:
- Using the device's CLI for local checks.
- Using Cisco's Smart Software Manager for online license management.
1. Using CLI to Check Licenses
CLI is the most direct method for verifying licenses, especially for Cisco routers and switches running IOS.
Checking Cisco IOS License Level
Use the show version command to determine the IOS license level and type:
Router# show version
...
License Level: adventerprise
License Type: RightToUse
Next reload license Level: adventerprise
...Key outputs:
- License Level: Current IOS license level.
- License Type: Indicates if it is RightToUse, Permanent, or Evaluation.
You can also use show running-config to check the configured boot level:
Router# show running-config
...
license boot level adventerprise
...Checking License Details
Use show license all for detailed license information, including evaluation periods and usage:
Router# show license all
License Store: Primary License Storage
License Store: Built-In License Storage
StoreIndex: 0 Feature: adventerprise Version: 1.0
License Type: EvalRightToUse
License State: Active, In Use
...
Use show license udi to check the device's Universal Device Identifier (UDI) when purchasing or registering new licenses:
Router# show license udi
SlotID PID SN UDI
* ASR1002-HX JAE1931098U ASR1002-HX:JAE1931098U
Port Licensing
Some Cisco devices require licenses to activate specific ports. Enabling a port with no shut may consume a license count, while shut may release it.
Crypto Throughput Licensing
Check your crypto throughput license with:
Router# show platform hardware crypto-throughput level
...
The current crypto throughput level is 8000000 kbps
...
2. How to Check Smart Licensing Status
Cisco Smart Licensing simplifies license management through centralized Smart Accounts.
Using CLI for Smart Licensing
Run show license summary on Smart Licensing-enabled devices:
Router# show license summary
Smart Licensing is ENABLED
Registration:
Status: REGISTERED
License Authorization:
Status: AUTHORIZED
License Usage:
License Entitlement tag Count Status
ASR_1000_OC3-2-4 (ASR_1000_OC3-2-4) 1 AUTHORIZED
...
Using Cisco Smart Software Manager (SSM)
- Log in to Cisco Software Central with your Cisco account.
- Navigate to Smart Software Manager under "Manage licenses".
- Select your Smart Account and Virtual Account.
- Go to the “Licenses” tab to view all assigned licenses and details.
CLI Command Reference Table
| Command/Tool | License Type | Purpose |
show version |
Traditional, Smart Licensing | Displays IOS license level and type |
show license all |
Traditional, Smart Licensing | Detailed license information |
show license summary |
Smart Licensing | Registration and authorization status |
show license udi |
All licenses | Displays Universal Device Identifier (UDI) |
show platform hardware crypto-throughput level |
Crypto licenses | Check current crypto throughput level |
| Cisco Smart Software Manager | Smart Licensing | Online centralized license management |
FAQ
Q1.How can I check the license status on my Cisco switch?
Use CLI commands such as show version, show license all, and show license summary for Smart Licensing-enabled devices.
Q2.What command shows license details on Cisco devices?
show license all provides a comprehensive view of installed and built-in licenses.
Q3.What is Cisco Smart Licensing?
It is a centralized license management system allowing you to manage all Cisco software licenses through the Smart Software Manager portal.
Q4.How can I verify Cisco device licenses through a web portal?
Log into Cisco Software Central, navigate to Smart Software Manager, select your Smart Account and Virtual Account, and review licenses under the “Licenses” tab.
Q5.What is an EvalRTU license?
EvalRTU (Evaluation Right-to-Use) licenses offer a limited trial period (typically 60 days) after which the license converts to RTU requiring a purchased license for compliance.
Conclusion
Checking your Cisco device licenses ensures your network remains compliant and feature-ready. Use the CLI or Cisco Smart Software Manager to verify licenses periodically.
For Cisco devices, licenses, and detailed configuration guidance, visit router-switch.com to optimize your network operations.