Licensing

Before you can start a simulation, a valid license token must be provided. To apply the license token, log into the CML UI using a supported web browser.

To apply a license, you must be running a CML VM and must have already completed the Initial Set-up so that you have network access to the CML server’s management IP address from your local system.

Note

The regular smart licensing requires an active connection to the CSSM (Cisco Smart Software Manager). If your CML server does not have access to the CSSM and the SLR (Specific License Reservation) is enabled in your smart account, you can license your CML server using the SLR - Specific License Reservation.

Caution

If you want to delete, move, or redeploy a licensed CML VM, you must deregister the instance first. Only one CML deployment may be associated with each valid license.

Failure to deregister the CML server will result in a license that is considered to be in use with no way for you to release the license from CML itself. You will not be able to authorize a different CML server with the license in that state.

If you delete the CML VM without deregistering the CML server first, your license will be unusable until you remove the deleted instance in the Cisco Smart Software Manager (CSSM), which requires the assistance of CLN Store Support (for CML-Personal licenses) or your Smart Account Administrator (for CML-Enterprise licenses).

Procedure

Connect to the CML server by navigating to its assigned IP address, which is shown in the VM’s console window.

Open https://nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn in your web browser.

Log in using the initial user credentials defined during initial deployment or any application account with administrator privileges.

After successful login, the Lab Manager page is shown.

Click on Tools ‣ Licensing in the menu bar at the top of the Lab Manager page.

Click on Register.

Paste the Smart Licensing Token in the provided text field, and click Register.

Wait for your CML server to register itself with your Smart Licensing account on Cisco’s licensing servers.

The Registration Status will change to Registered.

(CML-Enterprise only) If you have purchased any CML - Expansion Nodes licenses, click on Choose Licenses.

The Choose Smart Licenses popup dialog will open.

(CML-Enterprise only) In the Choose Smart Licenses dialog, check the checkbox next to CML - Expansion Nodes.

The count for the CML - Expansion Nodes license becomes editable.

(CML-Enterprise only) Enter the number of CML - Expansion Nodes that you want to use on this CML installation.

(CML-Enterprise only) Click Save in the Choose Smart Licenses dialog.

The Choose Smart Licenses dialog will close, and your new CML - Expansion Nodes count will be shown in the Smart License Usage table.

Wait for your CML server to authorize the number and type of licenses that you have configured.

The License Authorization Status will change to Authorized after a few minutes. The Smart License Usage table will show the number of each license that it has authorized for use.

Note

To facilitate offline usage, after the CML server successfully authorizes the license, it will not release the license even if you stop the VM. Therefore, the Smart license servers will consider the license to be in use even when the CML VM is not running.

Before you delete, move, or re-deploy a CML VM, you must deregister the CML server to release its license. Only one CML deployment may be associated with each valid license.

You can deregister your CML server in the CML UI:

  • Visit the Licensing page.

  • Click Actions ‣ Deregister.

  • Click the Deregister button in the confirmation dialog.

Once the deregistration is complete, your license will be free and available for use on another system.

After validation, your CML server is now ready to run simulations.