Cisco NXOS License

Cisco NXOS License (Cisco NX-OS License) is the core software foundation for Cisco Data Center Networking (DCN) on Nexus 9000 switches. It enables high-performance Layer 2/Layer 3 services, automation and deep visibility for modern enterprise data centers and multi-site architectures.

Who is this for?

• Data center architects
• Enterprise network engineers
• Service providers

Whether you run a mission-critical data center or a growing environment, Cisco NX-OS licensing options – from NXOS PLR (perpetual) to DCN Essentials, Advantage and Premier subscription – give you the flexibility to align features, budget and lifecycle.

Cisco NX-OS License Use-Cases:

• Build resilient fabrics for Nexus 9300 and 9500 in single-site or multi-site data centers.
• Integrate advanced security, automation and telemetry into your DCN design.
• Support hybrid cloud and multi-tenant environments with VXLAN and overlay services.
• Simplify entitlement and compliance with Cisco NXOS Smart Licensing for data center devices.

You can access Data Center Networking Software Subscriptions with Cisco NX-OS, which simplify operations, cut expenses, and secure your IT investments for the future. You can choose the best licensing path to fit your company’s technical needs and procurement strategy from perpetual to subscription-based models.  fabrics, you can combine this solution with the Cisco Nexus Dashboard License to unlock NDFC, NDI and NDO services from a single management platform.

Cisco NXOS Features

A comprehensive feature set designed for next-generation data centers is provided by Cisco NXOS. Because of its modular architecture, businesses can activate advanced capabilities as their needs change, guaranteeing operational agility and efficiency.

Cisco NX-OS Highlighted Features:

Cisco NXOS provides a rich feature set for next-generation data centers running Nexus 9000 series switches:

• Fabric Management with Cisco DCNM/NDFC for centralized DCN orchestration.
• Storage Networking for high-performance SAN fabrics.
• DCI Overlay for secure Data Center Interconnect.
• High-speed Switching & Routing for critical workloads.
• Telemetry and real-time analytics for proactive operations.

Strong add-ons like network database (NDB) features, storage, and security are also supported by Cisco NXOS. Cisco Smart License can be used to activate these, guaranteeing compliance and management simplicity. The platform is perfect for businesses with a range of infrastructure requirements because it is designed to support both single-site and multi-site deployments.

Typical Scenarios

• Migrating from classic Nexus licensing to Cisco DCN subscriptions

• Expanding Nexus 9000 fabrics with new feature add-ons

Cisco NXOS License Types

Basically, Cisco NX-OS Licensing Options Guide provides three main models, each designed to address specific operational and financial preferences:

• NXOS PLR License (Perpetual): permanent access to full feature set; ideal for customers that prefer CapEx and long-term stability.
• Subscription License: time-based DCN Essentials, Advantage and Premier subscriptions with predictable OpEx.
• Add-on License: security, storage and analytics add-ons such as C1-N9K-SEC and C1-N9K-STRG to expand capabilities when needed.

Example Add-on Features:

• Security enhancements (ACI-SEC-XF, ACI-SEC-XM)
• Storage and NDB capabilities (ACI-STRG, NXOS-NDB)
• Day 2 Operations for ongoing network optimization

The Essentials, Advantage, and Premier subscription packages for Cisco Nexus 9500/9300/9200 and 3000 series switches are designed for particular deployment scenarios like ACI, NX-OS, single-site, and multi-site environments.

List of Cisco NXOS License Part Numbers for Nexus 9000 Series Switches:

For Cisco Nexus 9300 and 9500 switches, the following Cisco NX-OS license SKUs map to DCN Essentials, Advantage, Premier and feature add-ons. Contact us if you are unsure which NX-OS license part numbers match your configuration.

• DCN Essentials Subscription:
  • C1E1TN9300
  • C1E1TN9500
• DCN Advantage Subscription:
  • C1AITN9300
  • C1AITN9500
• DCN Premier Subscription:
  • C1A1TN9300
  • C1A1TN9500
• NXOS Subscription:
  • C1-N9K-DP0PS-FXD
  • C1-N9K-SEC-XF
  • C1-N9K-SEC-XM
  • C1-N9K-STRG-XF
  • C1-N9K-STRG-XM
  • C1-N9K-NDB-MDF
  • C1-N9K-NDB-MDL
  • C1-N9K-SEC-XF

For the Nexus 9000 series, these part numbers correlate to different Cisco NX-OS licensing options and data center networking software subscriptions, such as Essentials, Advantage, Premier, and feature add-ons.

Need Help Choosing the Right Cisco NXOS License?

Not sure which Cisco NX-OS license or DCN subscription tier fits your Nexus 9000 project? Our data center team at Nethorizon Cisco-focused data center team can review your hardware, required features and growth plan and help with Smart Licensing and registration the correct NXOS PLR, Essentials, Advantage or Premier licenses.
Use the inquiry form to share your switch models and requirements, and we’ll come back with a tailored Cisco NXOS licensing proposal and best available pricing.