For those deploying Cisco Catalyst 9300L switches, a common query arises regarding Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) functionality and its licensing requirements. Yes, to fully utilize BGP on a Cisco Catalyst 9300L switch, you need the Network Advantage license. This license is crucial for enabling full Layer 3 routing capabilities, including advanced protocols like BGP.
What Is BGP on C9300L?
BGP, or Border Gateway Protocol, serves as an exterior gateway protocol (EGP) essential for establishing an interdomain routing system. This system ensures the loop-free exchange of routing information between different autonomous systems (AS).
The Cisco Catalyst 9300L series switches are Layer 3 managed switches that support BGP-4. BGP's primary function is to exchange network reachability information, including details about AS paths, helping determine AS connectivity, prevent routing loops, and enforce AS-level policy decisions. BGP uses TCP on port 179 as its transport protocol.
Key BGP features supported on Cisco Catalyst 9300L with the appropriate license include:
- Nonstop Forwarding (NSF) for continuous packet forwarding during failures.
- Routing policy changes with hard and soft resets.
- Customizable BGP decision attributes (weight, local preference, AS path length, MED).
- Route maps for controlling and modifying routing information.
- BGP filtering using AS-path filters, prefix lists, and community filtering.
- BGP neighbors and peer groups for configuration efficiency.
- Support for aggregate routes and CIDR for minimizing routing table size.
- Routing domain confederations and route reflectors to reduce IBGP mesh complexity.
- Route dampening and conditional BGP route injection for stability and traffic engineering.
- BGP peer templates and next-hop self options for advanced policy control.
Do You Need a License for BGP on C9300L?
Yes, BGP functionality on Cisco Catalyst 9300L switches requires the Network Advantage license.
Cisco’s licensing model for Catalyst 9300L involves:
- Perpetual Licenses: Network Essentials (basic Layer 3) and Network Advantage (full Layer 3 including BGP).
- Subscription Licenses: DNA Essentials and DNA Advantage for Cisco DNA Center advanced features.
Network Essentials allows basic routing protocols like RIP, EIGRP Stub, and OSPF (limited to 1000 routes) but does not support full BGP. Network Advantage enables comprehensive BGP support and advanced Layer 3 routing, ensuring interdomain routing and network segmentation capabilities.
DNA subscriptions are often mandatory with new switch purchases but BGP functionality remains tied to the perpetual Network Advantage license even if the DNA subscription expires.
How to Enable BGP on Cisco 9300L
To enable BGP, ensure your 9300L switch is running the Network Advantage license, then follow these CLI steps:
Device> enable
Device# configure terminal
Device(config)# ip routing
Device(config)# router bgp 45000
Device(config-router)# network 10.108.0.0
Device(config-router)# neighbor 10.108.1.2 remote-as 65200
- Use
show ip bgpto verify the BGP routing table. - Use
show ip bgp neighborto check peer states. - Configure route maps and advanced BGP policies as needed for production environments.
Pros and Cons of Adding BGP License (Network Advantage)
Pros:
- Unlocks full Layer 3 routing capabilities including BGP, full EIGRP, and OSPF.
- Supports advanced segmentation with VRF, VXLAN, and MPLS.
- Enables NSF and GIR for operational continuity.
- Perpetual licensing ensures BGP remains active for the switch’s lifetime.
Cons:
- Higher initial cost compared to Network Essentials.
- Requires deeper networking expertise for advanced routing configurations.
License Comparison for Cisco Catalyst 9300L (Focusing on Routing)
| License Type | Feature Unlocked | Hardware Support for L3/BGP |
| Network Essentials | Basic L3 Routing (RIP, EIGRP Stub, OSPF - limited to 1000 routes), PIM Stub, QoS, MACsec-128 | Does not support full BGP |
| Network Advantage | Full L3 Routing (BGP, full EIGRP, OSPF, IS-IS, VRF, VXLAN, MPLS, etc.), advanced segmentation | Enables comprehensive BGP support |
| DNA Essentials | Enhances management and automation via Cisco DNA Center | Does not directly enable BGP |
| DNA Advantage | Advanced telemetry, security (ETA), SD-Access, enhanced analytics | Complements Network Advantage but does not directly enable BGP |
FAQ Section
Q1: Does Cisco 9300L support BGP without a license?
No, Cisco Catalyst 9300L requires the Network Advantage license for full BGP support. Network Essentials does not enable BGP.
Q2: What is the difference between Network Essentials and Network Advantage for routing?
Network Essentials provides basic Layer 3 routing, while Network Advantage enables full routing protocols including BGP, full EIGRP, IS-IS, and advanced segmentation features.
Q3: Are DNA licenses mandatory for BGP on Cisco 9300L?
DNA licenses are often mandatory during purchase for Cisco DNA Center integration, but BGP is tied to the Network Advantage perpetual license and remains active even if the DNA subscription expires.
Q4: What does BGP enable on C9300L?
BGP enables interdomain routing, advanced routing policies, filtering, route reflectors, and NSF for stability on the Cisco 9300L.
Q5: Can I upgrade my Cisco Catalyst 9300L from Network Essentials to Network Advantage?
Yes, you can upgrade by purchasing the Network Advantage license, often via a DNA Advantage upgrade, enabling BGP and advanced Layer 3 features.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Enabling BGP on Cisco Catalyst 9300L requires the Network Advantage license, providing advanced routing and segmentation capabilities essential for scalable networks. For Cisco Catalyst 9300L licenses, devices, and detailed configuration guides, visit router-switch.com today to optimize your network environment.