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Cisco Intrusion Prevention System Sensor CLI Configuration Guide for IPS 7.2
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Chapter 3 Setting Up the Sensor
Installing the License Key
For More Information
For the procedure for updating the trusted hosts lists on remote sensors, see Adding TLS Trusted Hosts,
page 3-52.
Installing the License Key
This section describes the IPS license key and how to install it. It contains the following topics:
•
Understanding the License Key, page 3-54
•
Service Programs for IPS Products, page 3-55
•
Obtaining and Installing the License Key, page 3-55
•
Licensing the ASA 5500-X IPS SSP, page 3-57
•
Uninstalling the License Key, page 3-58

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 re quire 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.