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nbctcp_179485's avatar
nbctcp_179485
Icon for Nimbostratus rankNimbostratus
Nov 02, 2016

Lab License $99

Hi,

 

I bought BIGIP Lab License from CDW US for $99 last year. I only used it once. Just now I install new BIGIP 12.1.1.1 qcow in Unetlab and want to activate the license using DOSSIER. Activation failed because my "Service check date : 20150416".

 

QUESTIONS 1. Is Lab License only valid for version 11.6 2. I can't remember $99 is for LTM only or have additional things. Can I use BIGIP-11.6.1.1.0.326.ALL.qcow2.zip for thatlab license

 

thanks

 

  • LAB License is valid for all versions of BIGIP later than v11. The service check date is set to the day you licensed it. In order to upgrade to a version of BIGIP which has a "release date" later than the service check date you need to renew the license which costs nothing. However to renew the license you need a support agreement with F5. This is why there are ongoing costs with a lab license as you have to pay a small amount each year to maintain a support agreement. When you bought the license it should have been paired with a support contract or at least recommended.

     

    If I were you I would just call support, say you want to move to a new bigip with the license. They can release it from the existing hardware profile so you can re-use it as it is a permanent license after all. Note they may or may not do this without a support agreement. I am not clear if it's required.

     

    • Kevin_Davies_40's avatar
      Kevin_Davies_40
      Icon for Nacreous rankNacreous
      1. No idea sorry. Raise a case with F5 or reboot your image if its a LAB license. That should come up licensed.
      2. I do not know.
      3. Not sure, never used it.
  • THi's avatar
    THi
    Icon for Nimbostratus rankNimbostratus

    Q1: From the pic it looks like you have lab version for only GTM? You can check you license and support status at: F5 Licensing Tools --> Product Information Request. Fill in your e-mail and the Lab license registration key (or last part of it, or serial number if hw appliance).

     

    After a while you should get an e-mail with information of the license and support status and history.

     

    I would advise to take say 3 years support with, whenever one buys a lab license. The cost is minimal compared to work and efforts needed to renew the support. Keep in mind that the BIG-IP sw is constantly evolving and upgrading outside warranty (3 months?) typically requires valid support contract.

     

    Q2 & 3: haven't used that environment. Check their website? There may be advice: for example: http://www.unetlab.com/2015/01/im-running-out-of-space-how-can-i-add-more-storage-to-unetlab-vm/

     

  • Just a brief info to anyone setting up BigIP LAB in their own PC/Laptop

     

    Use Hyper-V if you're on Windows 10; use KVM (libvirt) if you're on Linux. Both available for free, but Hyper-V requires Windows 10 Pro license. Both hyper-visors in my experience are equally good comparing to VMWare Fusion/Workstation PRO. The resource-usage overhead difference is barely noticeable. Strongly recommend to avoid Oracle VirtualBox and VMWare Player.