Filter
Top Products
4-57
Cisco Intrusion Prevention System CLI Sensor Configuration Guide for IPS 7.1
OL-19892-01
Chapter 4 Setting Up the Sensor
Installing the License Key
• Uninstalling the License Key, page 4-61
Understanding the License Key
Although the sensor functions without the license key, you must have a license key to obtain signature
updates and use the global correlation features. To obtain a license key, you must have the following:
• Cisco Service for IPS service contract—Contact your reseller, Cisco service or product sales to
purchase a contract.
• Your IPS device serial number—To find the IPS device serial number in the IDM or the IME, for
the IDM choose Configuration > Sensor Management > Licensing, and for the IME choose
Configuration > sensor_name > Sensor Management > Licensing, or in the CLI use the show
version command.
• Valid Cisco.com username and password.
Trial license keys are also available. If you cannot get your sensor licensed because of problems with
your contract, you can obtain a 60-day trial license that supports signature updates that require licensing.
You can obtain a license key from the Cisco.com licensing server, which is then delivered to the sensor.
Or, you can update the license key from a license key provided in a local file. Go to
http://www.cisco.com/go/license and click IPS Signature Subscription Service to apply for a license
key.
You can view the status of the license key in these places:
• The IDM Home window Licensing section on the Health tab
• The IDM Licensing pane (Configuration > Licensing)
• The IME Home page in the Device Details section on the Licensing tab
• License Notice at CLI login
Whenever you start the IDM, the IME, or the CLI, you are informed of your license status—whether you
have a trial, invalid, or expired license key. With no license key, an invalid license key, or an expired
license key, you can continue to use the IDM, the IME, and the CLI, but you cannot download signature
updates.
If you already have a valid license on the sensor, you can click Download on the License pane to
download a copy of your license key to the computer that the IDM or the IME is running on and save it
to a local file. You can then replace a lost or corrupted license, or reinstall your license after you have
reimaged the sensor.
Service Programs for IPS Products
You must have a Cisco Services for IPS service contract for any IPS product so that you can download
a license key and obtain the latest IPS signature updates. If you have a direct relationship with Cisco
Systems, contact your account manager or service account manager to purchase the Cisco Services for
IPS service contract. If you do not have a direct relationship with Cisco Systems, you can purchase the
service account from a one-tier or two-tier partner.
When you purchase the following IPS products you must also purchase a Cisco Services for IPS service
contract:
• IPS 4240
• IPS 4255