Cisco Industrial Ethernet (IE) switches use a flexible licensing model designed to match different industrial networking requirements. The model combines permanent base licences with optional Cisco DNA add-on licences that enable advanced automation, visibility and management capabilities.
Base and Cisco DNA Licences
Base licences include Network Essentials, providing core switching functionality, and Network Advantage, which adds enhanced features such as Layer 3 routing and advanced security capabilities including MACsec-256 on supported platforms such as the Cisco Catalyst IE9300 Rugged Series.
Cisco DNA add-on licences require a base licence and provide integration with Cisco DNA Center. DNA Essentials enables foundational automation and management features, while DNA Advantage extends these capabilities with advanced operational tools.
Flexible Licensing Across Industrial Platforms
Cisco IE series switches, including Catalyst IE9300 Rugged, IE3400 Heavy Duty, IE3100 Rugged, IE3x00 and ESS3300 models, support similar licensing structures. DNA licences are typically subscription-based with 3, 5 or 7-year terms, while base licences are generally perpetual.
This approach allows organisations to select the right combination of switching features, security capabilities and centralised management options for industrial environments.
