New Cisco Router Licensing Scheme

Earlier this year, Cisco announced replacement switches for the 1841/2800/3800 routers. Older routers haven’t quite reached the end of sale, but newer routers (1941/2900/3900) offer big changes to router licenses.

Because it’s different? Similar to a PIX or ASA, newer routers use license keys and a universal image to determine available features. This new licensing scheme shows a clear difference between the installed IOS version and the installed feature set. You can change them independently and they do not affect each other.

The licensing structure has been simplified as there are only 4 feature sets. None of the packets overlap. They are:

Basic IP: The default feature set. It supports the most common routing protocols (RIP, OSPF, EIGRP, BGP), common WAN technologies (MLPPP, MLFR), and common LAN technologies (802.1q trunking).

Data: The data license adds support for MPLS, ATM, IS-IS, and non-IP L3 protocols.

Voice: The UC (Unified Communications) feature set adds support for voice interfaces, CallManager Express, and Unity Express modules.

Security: The security feature set adds IPSec VPN capabilities, SSL VPN capabilities, and IOS firewall features.

Cisco allows you to pick and choose better based on your application. You will always have to worry about the amount of DRAM and Flash memory installed to make sure you can run the right functions.

Also, check out the performance characteristics of the new upgraded port routers and processor speed. And as an alternative, consider the low price of the older 1841/2800/3800 series. A little thought can save some real bucks here.