What You Need to Know About PLR License
Cisco’s Permanent License Reservation (PLR) is a smart solution for businesses operating in highly secure environments. The PLR license system is designed to help organizations manage licensing for devices without regular internet access or in cases where connecting to the Cisco Smart Licensing portal isn’t an option. Here’s a breakdown of what PLR licensing is, how it works, and why it’s beneficial.
Understanding PLR Licensing
PLR licensing offers a straightforward, long-term option that eliminates the need for frequent license renewals. Businesses using PLR licenses can activate all premium features on Cisco devices with a single authorization code, meaning there’s no need to repeatedly renew or manage licenses online.
Key Benefits of Cisco PLR Licenses
No Internet Requirement
Unlike Cisco’s Smart Licensing, which requires online connectivity, PLR licensing operates offline. This is essential for companies managing secure networks in restricted environments.
Full Feature Access
A PLR license allows you to unlock all available features on Cisco products in one go. There’s no need to obtain individual licenses for different functions or to renew periodically. Once activated, all features remain accessible as long as they’re required.
Simplified License Management
The PLR license provides a single, permanent activation code, so companies avoid the hassle of managing multiple, often complex, licenses. So simplify IT operations considerably for organizations with large Cisco device deployments.
Setting Up PLR Licensing
PLR licensing can be applied to several Cisco products, such as those in the NX-OS, IOS XE/XR, and Secure product lines. Here’s a simplified guide for setting up PLR licensing on two common platforms:
Cisco Firepower Device Manager (FDM)
To set up PLR on Firepower, connect to the device, configure the necessary IP settings, and choose local management. Within the Smart License tab, you can opt for “Switch to Universal PLR.” This will generate a code to activate all premium features after verification with your Cisco vendor.
Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)
For ISE, the PLR setup begins after deployment. You can navigate to the “Licensing” section, generate a code for PLR, and share it with Cisco sales to receive an authorization code. Applying this code will enable full features without any further online connection.
PLR Licensing for Air-Gapped Networks
For secure networks that aren’t connected to the internet, often called air-gapped networks, PLR offers a viable alternative to Smart Licensing. After selecting PLR mode on the device, obtain a request code and submit it to Cisco’s licensing team.
An authorization code will be provided, which you can use to activate your device offline. This way, all premium features stay enabled without needing an internet connection.
Resetting or Cancelling PLR Licensing
In case there’s a need to switch back to Smart Licensing, cancelling a PLR license is possible. Devices can be unregistered from PLR mode, returning them to their original licensing setup. To confirm, just go to the device settings, choose “Cancel PLR,” and then follow the instructions.
Why Choose PLR Licensing?
Cisco’s PLR license provides a reliable solution for companies that need secure, long-term, and easy-to-manage licensing. It ensures that all necessary Cisco features are available without the need for ongoing license management, making it especially useful for organizations with secure networks or limited internet access.
By simplifying the license activation and removing renewal needs, PLR helps companies focus on their core operations while maintaining robust, compliant network security.
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