How to get a F5 BIG-IP VE Developer Lab License

(applies to BIG-IP TMOS Edition)


To assist DevOps teams improve their development for the BIG-IP platform, F5 offers a low cost

developer lab license. This license can be purchased from your authorized F5 vendor.  If you do not have an F5 vendor, you can purchase a lab license online:

 

Once completed, the order is sent to F5 for fulfillment and your license will be delivered shortly after via e-mail.  F5 is investigating ways to improve this process.

To download the BIG-IP Virtual Edition, please log into downloads.f5.com (separate login from DevCentral), and navigate to your appropriate virtual edition, example:

Note: There are also 1 Slot versions of the above images where a 2nd boot partition is not needed for in-place upgrades. These images include _1SLOT- to the image name instead of ALL.

The below guides will help get you started with F5 BIG-IP Virtual Edition to develop for VMWare Fusion, AWS, Azure, VMware, or Microsoft Hyper-V.  These guides follow standard practices for installing in production environments and performance recommendations change based on lower use/non-critical needs fo Dev/Lab environments.  Similar to driving a tank, use your best judgement.

 

Note:  F5 Support maintains authoritative Azure, AWS, Hyper-V, and ESX/vCloud installation documentation.  VMware Fusion is not an official F5-supported hypervisor so DevCentral publishes the Fusion guide with the help of our Field Systems Engineering teams.
Updated May 14, 2024
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  • Alan_Wijntje's avatar
    Alan_Wijntje
    Icon for Nimbostratus rankNimbostratus
    Sep 10, 2024

    Wanted to upgrade my lab to version 17 unfortunately this is not supported on my lab license (goes up to version 16 according to Permitted Versions).

    Is there a new version that allows going over version 16?

    Also is there a lab version for the big-ip next?

    • KeesvandenBos's avatar
      KeesvandenBos
      Icon for MVP rankMVP
      Sep 10, 2024

      Hi,

      Yes there is a V18 version.
      Next LAB VE license is not available a.t.m.

      Cheers,

      Kees

  • nansen's avatar
    nansen
    Icon for Nimbostratus rankNimbostratus
    Sep 02, 2024

    I'm in Asia and the F5 partners said that the license cannot be sold for personal use. does anyone can help me to get a VE lab license to learning, I can pay for creditcard only, thanks

    • KeesvandenBos's avatar
      KeesvandenBos
      Icon for MVP rankMVP
      Sep 10, 2024

      If you can pay via a bank transfer, I can help you out.
      Send me a PM for more details.
      Cheers,
      Kees

  • Joe_M's avatar
    Joe_M
    Icon for Nimbostratus rankNimbostratus
    Jan 31, 2024

    I have been trying to renew support of my Lab-VE license through CDW, who I bought it from, but their consumer division is HORRIBLE and incompetent when it comes to F5 renewals. Is there any other reseller in the US that will renew support for a Lab-VE license for an individual, NOT a company? I originally tried to buy my VE license through SHI, but they don't sell to individuals.

    • KeesvandenBos's avatar
      KeesvandenBos
      Icon for MVP rankMVP
      Jan 31, 2024

      I don't think you will find a company in the US that is willing to help you. Send me a PM and I wil help you.

      Cheers,

      Kees

  • bkintz's avatar
    bkintz
    Icon for Nimbostratus rankNimbostratus
    Oct 25, 2023

    Will I be able to test SSLO with the lab license? 

  • KeesvandenBos's avatar
    KeesvandenBos
    Icon for MVP rankMVP
    Jun 01, 2023

    Hi,

    Subscriptions are not included in the LAB VE license. DDOS, Brute Force will be included, Datasafe isn't part of the license.

    CDW only sell's to buyers in the US. The rest of the world can contact me.