What is the Difference Between IP Base and IP Services Licenses?

Among users of Cisco switches, Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching appear to be hot topics, so it is important to understand the primary Cisco IOS Software feature licenses when discussing Layer 2 or Layer 3 switching. There are four standard Cisco IOS Software feature licenses available that are compatible with Cisco Catalyst 2K and 3K switches – LAN Lite, LAN Base, IP Base, and IP Services. In this article, we will discuss the IP Base and IP services Licenses and the key differences between them.

The IP Base e-licenses are available for the Standard Multilayer Software Image switches. They provide complete access to layer 2 switching and enterprise-level access to layer 3 switchings. The IP Services licenses are used for Enhanced Standard Multilayer Software Image Switches and provide complete access to layer 2 switching, similar to IP Base Licenses. However, IP services licenses are designed for advanced-level layer 3 switching solutions in comparison to the enterprise-level solutions in IP Base licenses.

IP Base Layer 3 Licenses

IP Base is a basic enterprise services license from Cisco for its line of 3560-X and 3750-X switches that support dynamic routing. Users will find all layer 2 functionalities along with several layer 3 features and compatibilities, including static routing, OSPF for Routed Access, EIGRP stubs, and more. It also comes with a ‘Device Sensor’ – a new and exciting security feature from Cisco. Cisco also added new management capabilities to the IP Base image, that enables script customization for onboard automation and real-time network event detection. Additionally, MediaNet support enables you to customize and troubleshoot if required with your business applications.

Key Features of IP Base License

• Advanced Quality of Service (QoS)
• Rate Limiting
• Access Control Lists (ACLs)
• Static Routing Functions
• Routing Information Protocol (RIP) functions
• IP Services Layer 3 Licenses

IP Services is your complete enterprise services license with advanced functionalities and capabilities. It supports everything that IP Base provides. Users will have full compatibility without any restrictions on routing table size or network topology. This is the hottest functionality of IP services licenses that most enterprise-level users look for when choosing a Cisco IOS Software Feature License. In addition to these capabilities, IP Services Images have the following key features that are not part of IP Base.

• Dynamic IP routing protocols
• BGPv4 routing protocols
• Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP)
• IPv6 support
• OSPFv3 support
• Complete PIM support for IP multicast routing
• VRF-lite support
• Web Cache Coordination Protocol (WCCP)
• Policy-based routing (PRB) support

IP Services image offers a more extensive selection of features fit for businesses. IPv6 support is quickly turning into a top priority requirement for the networks at enterprise-level solutions as many business users are running out of IPv4 addresses.

Now you know what an IP Base and IP Services License offer for network switching to support advanced business services and applications. If you are looking for IP Services or IP Base e-licenses for advanced networking solutions,

Author: TechBlonHub

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