Welcome to the Triton Rundown, where we give you a snapshot overview of products to improve your network

When deploying Cisco Catalyst Switches, you aren't just buying hardware — you're also choosing a software license tier that defines which features you can use. While previous iterations of the Catalyst product line had distinct Layer 2-only switching (LANBase), simple Layer 3 switching & routing (IP Base), and full-feature Layer 3 switching, routing, and security (IP Services), the 9200 / 9300 / 9500 series switches have a simpler scheme:

• Network Essentials licensing gives you Core networking features - Layer 2 switching and basic Layer 3 routing, with some basic security features - browse our collection of Network Essentials switches here
• Network Advantage licensing gives you full layer 3 routing, advanced & policy-based routing, and advanced security features - browse our collection of Network Advantage switches here

What's Included?

Feature Category	Network Essentials	Network Advantage
Layer 2 Switching	✅ Included	✅ Included
Basic Layer 3 Routing	✅ Static routes, RIP	✅ Full Layer 3 (OSPF, EIGRP, BGP)
Advanced Routing	❌ Not available	✅ Available
Policy-Based Routing	❌ Not available	✅ Available
Security Features	Basic (802.1X, ACLs)	Advanced (TrustSec, SGTs, Encrypted Traffic Analytics)
High Availability	❌ Limited	✅ StackWise Virtual, SSO, NSF
MACsec Encryption	❌ Not included	✅ Included
Virtual Routing	❌ Not supported	✅ VRF-lite supported
Programmability/APIs	Limited	Full support (NetConf, RESTCONF, etc.)
Automation & Analytics	Basic DNA Center capabilities	Full DNA Center automation & telemetry

 

So Which Should I Choose?

Choose Network Essentials for:

• Small to midsize networks that only require Layer 2/limited Layer 3 functionality.
• Cost-sensitive deployments where advanced routing or automation isn't needed.
• Branch offices or access layer switches with simple configurations.

Spring for Network Advantage if you have:

• Large or growing networks that need dynamic routing protocols like OSPF, BGP, or EIGRP.
• Enterprises requiring segmentation, advanced security, or VRF-lite.
• Environments using Cisco DNA Center for policy automation, telemetry, or encrypted traffic analytics.
• Core or distribution layer switches with high-availability requirements.

Can I upgrade?

You can! These switches can be upgraded at any time. 90 day trial license are included on each switch.  There are two license management systems: Smart Licensing and Traditional. Starting from Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.9.1, Smart Licensing became mandatory.

• Smart Licensing offers easy activation, unified management, and license flexibility allowing you to easily transfer licensing between devices.
• Traditional Licensing relies on purchasing product activation keys that can’t be transferred between devices.

 To change from essentials to advantage, go into the configuration mode

• enable (enter password)
• config

and issue the following command

• license boot level network-advantage

then save and reload/reboot the switch. If a license is not purchased a 90 day trial will be activated. After that you'll need to buy and activate the license.

This process also works for advantage to essentials ( license boot level network-essentials ), although you shouldn't need to do that - the network advantage licensing provides everything the essentials license does as well as some extras.

What about service licenses?

Cisco DNA licenses are available in both Advantage and Essentials as well; both types offer 3-, 5-, or 7-year terms. You'll need to have a new device with an unclaimed serial to enable these (frequently referred to as a "clean" serial), or an OEM refurbished device via Cisco Refresh or Cisco Excess. 

These give you automation tools, analytics, health dashboards for the network, its clients, and its applications, and telemetry.

So What's Right For Me?

Ultimately, choosing between the two boils down to the requirements you have for your network - How complex is it? What features do you need? and will those features evolve in the future?

If your network is stable, simple, and doesn’t need advanced routing or policy features, Network Essentials may be enough. But if you're building toward a more dynamic, segmented, or automated environment, Network Advantage gives you the tools to scale and secure with confidence.

Always evaluate your current infrastructure—and your roadmap—to make sure your licensing aligns with your business goals, and if you need further assistance, reach out to our team of experts to help you.