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Cisco MDS 9132T showing "incorrect" port license quantity. Reference Dell Knowledge Base Article # 189077. This video was created to: Demonstrate why Cisco MDS 9132T shows "incorrect" port license quantity.
This video presents the following: Cisco MDS 9132T Fiber Channel Switches have 16 32-Gbps FC ports from interfaces fc1-16 in the base chassis, and 16 32-Gbps FC ports on the Linecard Expansion Module from interfaces FC 17 to 32. MDS 9132T comes with only eight licensed ports from fc1/1-16 as part of the base chassis.
When to do this: Cisco MDS 9132T shows only eight ports under "show license usage," and 24 ports with an acquired license under "show port license".
That is, eight ports from the base chassis plus 16 ports from the LEM. This is because the command "show license usage" only takes into account port license for the base chassis.
Ports 17 to 32 are available only with Linecard Expansion Module option. These 16 ports in the LEM come with a license by default. You can move any of the port licenses on the base chassis to another native port, so any of fc1/1-8 to any of fc1/9-16.
Unfortunately, port licenses are not movable between the base chassis and the LEM module. Here is the demonstration. Run the command "show license usage".
It only shows eight ports under "license count". Run the command "show port license". It shows 24 ports with an acquired license. Eight ports from the base chassis plus 16 ports from the LEM.
Show license usage only takes into account the port license for a base chassis. Ports 17 to 32 are available only with Linecard Expansion Module option.
These 16 ports in the LEM come with a license by default. This explains why you might only see eight ports under "show license usage", even though you have purchased LEM.
Important notes: The Linecard Expansion Module is field replaceable in the Cisco MDS 9132T switch. However, this module is not hot swappable.
The switch must be powered down before removing or inserting it. LEM is a pluggable expansion module for the Cisco MDS 9132T switch. You can purchase a Port OnDemand License for ports fc1/9-16, and this will allow you to use all 32 ports. No POD is needed for the LEM.
Refer to the following for more information: Dell Knowledge Base Article # 189077. Cisco MDS 9132T Fiber Channel Switch Hardware installation Guide. Cisco MDS 9000 Series Licensing Guide, Release 8.x.
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