The flash activation key is the SAME as the running key. This platform has an Unrestricted (UR) license. Alternately, the show activation-key command provides this printout: The activation key enables feature-specific information such as interfaces, HA, and type of encryption.įor more information about the activation key, use the show version command, which provides code version information, hardware information, and activation key information. The serial number is based on the flash thus, if you replace the flash, you have to replace the activation key. The activation key is computed by Cisco, depending on what you have ordered and your serial number, which is different for each piece of PIX hardware.

The activation key allows you to upgrade features without acquiring new software, although the process is similar.

Although the hardware is common to all platforms (except certain licenses that can ship with additional memory or hardware accelerators) and the software is common, features differ depending on the activation key. The PIX uses software licensing to enable or disable features within the PIX OS. In Firewall Policies and VPN Configurations, 2006 Software Licensing and Upgrades

Free registration keys for software