Cisco Digital Network Architecture Advantage for C9300 - Term License - 1 Switch

Unlock the full potential of your Catalyst 9300 with Cisco DNA Advantage. This term license, packaged under Cisco Enterprise Agreement (EA), delivers the comprehensive capabilities of Cisco Digital Network Architecture across a single switch. Designed for modern campuses and branch networks, DNA Advantage empowers you with intent-based networking, automated operations, real-time analytics, and robust security features. With this license, your network can shift from reactive maintenance to proactive optimization—driving faster app delivery, improved user experiences, and streamlined IT workflows. This description outlines what the license provides, how it benefits your organization, and practical guidance to deploy it effectively within your existing Cisco ecosystem.

• Intelligent automation and intent-based networking: DNA Advantage translates business requirements into dynamic network policies. On the Catalyst 9300, IT teams can automate repetitive provisioning, policy updates, and changes in micro-segments, reducing manual errors and speeding up project delivery. The result is a more agile network that adapts to new devices, new applications, and evolving user needs without lengthy downtime.
• Comprehensive analytics and assurance: The license unlocks advanced analytics and assurance, delivering real-time telemetry, application performance insights, and end-to-end visibility. With closed-loop assurance, issues are detected early, suggestions are provided automatically, and, in many cases, remediation can be automated, enabling proactive network health management and more reliable service levels for users and critical applications.
• Secure segmentation and policy-based security: DNA Advantage supports SD-Access-inspired segmentation and policy enforcement across campus and branch environments. This feature helps isolate threats, enforce access controls, and simplify compliance without compromising user experience. It enables administrators to implement security zones, apply consistent policies, and monitor cross-segment traffic for anomalies in a scalable way.
• EA-aligned licensing flexibility for a scalable deployment: The term license aligns with Cisco’s Enterprise Agreement program, offering predictable budgeting and streamlined procurement. It is particularly advantageous for organizations scaling DNA deployments on a per-switch basis, with room to add more switches or expand coverage as needs grow within the EA framework.
• Seamless integration with Cisco DNA Center: Centralized management through Cisco DNA Center provides a single pane of glass for policy creation, workflow automation, and performance dashboards. This integration accelerates onboarding, enables standardized configurations, and simplifies ongoing operations by providing automated actions and actionable insights from a centralized console.

Technical Details of Cisco Digital Network Architecture Advantage for C9300

• License Type: Term License. This entitlement enables Cisco DNA Advantage features on one Cisco Catalyst 9300 switch for a defined period, under the Cisco Enterprise Agreement framework.
• License Coverage: 1 Switch. The license is scoped to a single Catalyst 9300 device, granting access to the full suite of DNA Advantage capabilities on that switch.
• Entitlements Included: DNA Advantage features encompassing automation, analytics, assurance, and security policy capabilities designed for intent-based networking and closed-loop operations.
• Delivery Model: Electronic license tied to the Cisco EA program, with activation via the Cisco Licensing portal or DNA Center integration, depending on organizational preferences and deployment method.
• Platform Compatibility: Cisco Catalyst 9300 series switches with compatible IOS-XE versions and an active EA entitlement; optimized for campus and branch deployments seeking policy-driven management at scale.
• Activation and Renewal: Activation is performed through the Cisco Licensing portal or an authorized reseller. Renewal terms align with the Enterprise Agreement, allowing ongoing access to DNA Advantage features beyond the initial term.
• Compatibility Notes: Works in concert with Cisco DNA Center for centralized policy, automation, and assurance. Ensure firmware and DNA Center versions are aligned to support DNA Advantage workflows.

How to install Cisco Digital Network Architecture Advantage for C9300

• Step 1 — Verify prerequisites: Confirm your Catalyst 9300 model and current IOS-XE version support DNA Advantage, and verify that the Cisco Enterprise Agreement entitlement for DNA is active for the device.
• Step 2 — Obtain the license: Through the Cisco EA channel or your authorized reseller, obtain the DNA Advantage term license. You will receive the license file or PAK (Product Authorization Key) as applicable to your region and process.
• Step 3 — Access your licensing portal: Use the Cisco Licensing portal (or your partner portal) to register the license token or upload the license file. Follow the portal prompts to associate the entitlement with the specific switch.
• Step 4 — Apply the license on the switch: Transfer the license file to the Catalyst 9300 by your usual method (USB or network transfer) and use the device’s management interface to install and activate the license according to Cisco’s official guidance for your IOS-XE version.
• Step 5 — Verify activation: After installation, verify the license status with the appropriate show commands or via DNA Center to confirm DNA Advantage features are active and enabled on the device.
• Step 6 — Integrate with DNA Center (optional but recommended): If you use Cisco DNA Center, connect the switch to DNA Center, import DNA templates, and begin building automation workflows and assurance dashboards to realize the full value of the license.
• Step 7 — Plan ongoing management and renewal: Schedule license renewals in line with your EA terms, continuously monitor usage, and leverage DNA analytics to drive ongoing improvements in performance, security, and operational efficiency.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is Cisco DNA Advantage for C9300? A: It is a term license that unlocks Cisco DNA Advantage capabilities—automation, analytics, assurance, and security—on a Catalyst 9300 switch, managed under the Cisco Enterprise Agreement program for streamlined procurement and renewal.
• Q: Do I need an Enterprise Agreement to use this license? A: The license is part of Cisco’s EA program, designed to simplify licensing across devices. You typically procure through EA channels, and renewal terms align with EA guidelines, enabling predictable budgeting.
• Q: How many switches does this license cover? A: This specific license covers 1 Catalyst 9300 switch. If your network requires additional coverage, you can obtain additional licenses or pursue an EA plan that covers multiple devices.
• Q: What are the core benefits of DNA Advantage? A: Core benefits include policy-based automation, real-time analytics, proactive assurance, and integrated security features that help reduce operational costs, accelerate service delivery, and improve overall network reliability.
• Q: How do I renew or upgrade my license? A: Renewal and upgrade processes are managed through the Cisco EA program in collaboration with your partner. You can renew before expiration or add entitlements as your network grows, ensuring continuity of DNA Advantage capabilities.