In this post, we will learn about the license of AOS 8.
As of now (November 2022), AOS 8.11 has been released, but, ACMA Certification (HPE6-A70)Since the questions are based on AOS 8.6, we will explain them accordingly. Therefore, please be aware that there may be slight differences.
License Classification
Each license is Evaluation or Permanent It can be divided into licenses.
A perpetual license permanently activates the desired software module on a specific Aruba controller. Perpetual licenses can only be obtained through the Aruba purchasing process. Perpetual software license keys Sent via e-mailIt will work.
A trial license allows unlimited functionality of the software module on a specific controller. For 90 days(available in three 30-day increments). Trial licenses are added to the Mobility Master (Conductor) and can be shared within the license pool.
Remove all license keys write erase all Expired evaluation licenses remain in the license database until you reset the controller using the command.
You can check the remaining period of your trial license by clicking the warning flag in the UI title bar on the web. The web UI displays information about the trial license status.
When the evaluation period expires, the controller automatically backs up its startup configuration and reboots at midnight (system clock). All permanent licenses are unaffected. Expired evaluation license features are no longer available and are marked as "Expired" in the Web UI.
Additionally, subscription licenses are feature-specific licenses that must be installed for each additional feature as needed.
For example, the WebCC (Web Content and Classification) license is a subscription license that allows you to use WebCC features only for the duration of the subscription period (1, 3, 5, 7, or 10 years). The subscription period begins when you generate a time-based license key on the licensing website.
License Types and Assignments
MM (HMM) License
Starting with Aruba OS 8.0.1.0 Mobility Master (Conductor)To manage the controller or AP MM LicenseIf there is not enough MM license or the AP does not obtain a license, the AP will obtain an IP address. I can connect to that controller, but it doesn't broadcast the SSID.
Each device (AP/Controller) connected to MM uses one MM license.
HMM LicenseThe license is pre-installed on the Mobility Master (Conductor) hardware appliance and works with ArubaOS 8.1.0 and later versions.
Currently, instead of MM licenses, you can purchase HMM-style hardware or virtual machine appliances. Use only the licenses pre-installed on the appliance.do.
AP License
Any AP using one or more BSSIDs (virtual APs) AP LicenseThis means that each AP (Campus AP/RAP/Mesh AP) advertising a BSSID, whether connected to LAN, Mesh or Remote AP, uses one AP license.
PEF License
PEF LicenseEnables APs to use Policy Enforcement Firewall (PEF) features, such as intelligent application identification, policy-based traffic management and control, or stateful firewalling. Each AP (Campus AP/RAP/Mesh AP) that uses a firewall policy consumes one PEF license.
RFP License
RFProtect Licenseis required to enable one or more RF protection features on each AP, such as frequency analysis, wireless intrusion protection (WIP), and MultiZone.
Starting with Aruba OS 8.2.0.0, the Data Zone Management Device (MD) does not consume licenses, Only the Primary Zone Management Device (MD) consumes the license.Prior to Aruba OS 8.2.0.0, APs connected to the Data Zone management device used PEFNG licenses. When the AP boots, the management device checks whether the Primary Zone management device requires an RFP license. If not, MultiZone is disabled on that AP.
Each AP (Campus AP/RAP/Mesh AP) that uses the RF Protect feature consumes one license.
VIA License
Each VIA (Virtual Intranet Access) or third-party VPN client requires one VIA license. However, Site-to-Site VPN does not require a VIA license.
Each client session where traffic flows through a VPN (VIA tunneling) uses a VIA license.When using user licensing, each user must purchase a license for the exact number of users. VIA also supports centralized licensing, allowing you to distribute licenses to the required number of devices (MDs) rather than to users.
WebCC License
The Web Contents Classification license is subscription-based and provides WebCC functionality to APs for the duration of the subscription period.
Each AP using WebCC consumes one license.
ACR License
The ACR license enables ArubaOS Advanced Cryptography features. A license is required for each active client connection using a Suite-B algorithm or protocol.
Each client session uses one license.
So far, we have looked at the types of AOS 8 licenses and how they are used/consumed.
In the next post, we will look at how to manage and activate licenses.
