So far in our Cisco DNA Software Subscriptions blog series, we’ve covered a general overview, Cisco DNA subscriptions in an EA, Switching, and SD-WAN and Routing. Next in the series is Cisco DNA Software for Wireless.
What is the structure?
Similar to the other suites, Cisco DNA Software for Wireless is divided into three tiers: Cisco DNA Essentials, Cisco DNA Advantage and Cisco DNA Premier. As you go up in tiers, the features and capabilities become more robust. Note that the packages are nested, so if you have Cisco DNA Advantage, you also get all Cisco DNA Essentials capabilities. If you have Cisco DNA Premier, you receive Cisco DNA Advantage and Essentials capabilities.
Cisco DNA Essentials, the base tier, offers centralized management and provisioning of wireless network appliances to maximize performance, all through Cisco DNA Center. Cisco DNA Advantage provides advanced automation, assurance and location analytics. Cisco DNA Premier provides full SD-Access capabilities, with the necessary Identity Services Engine (ISE) licenses. Cisco DNA Advantage and Cisco DNA Premier have had the most innovations added. Among these are AI Network Analytics, which cuts down troubleshooting time and makes your network smarter, and Cisco DNA Spaces, a location-based analytics platform. Cisco DNA Spaces has three tiers- See, Act, and Extend. ‘See’ is included in both Cisco DNA Advantage and Cisco DNA Premier. ‘Act’ is available in the Premier tier at a 50% discounted price. The most recent addition is the Cisco DNA Spaces ‘Extend’ tier, a powerful end-to-end, indoor location services cloud platform that extends platform capabilities via integrations and partner applications. This is included in the Cisco DNA Premier tier, and at a 50% discounted price in the Advantage tier.
When you attach a Cisco DNA software subscription to your access points, you will also get the bundled perpetual license: Network Essentials or Network Advantage. Network Essentials is bundled with Cisco DNA Essentials, like the name suggests. Network Advantage is bundled with Cisco DNA Advantage or Cisco DNA Premier.
For a full list of features in each tier, please visit our Cisco DNA Software Wireless Feature Matrix
Why should I purchase a subscription for my access points?
Subscription matters because it gives you faster access to innovation with access to the latest features, and it gives you enhanced agility and better financial planning with license portability and a linear, predictable budget. (Read about the benefits of software subscriptions.) We’ve delivered on our promise of innovation – our Cisco DNA subscribers have received new features such as AI Network Analytics and Cisco DNA Spaces at no additional cost.
I purchased Cisco ONE, what about me?
For Cisco ONE customers, we have you covered for an easy transition to Cisco DNA Software subscriptions. When you renew your SWSS (software support service) contract, we will provide entitlement to Cisco DNA Essentials subscription at no additional cost. If you are interested in an Enterprise Agreement with Cisco, you will receive even more perks and benefits.
What support do I get with the subscription?
With Cisco DNA subscription for wireless, there is embedded software support that includes 24/7 TAC support, new software downloads, and knowledge base access. Please note that this support is for the Cisco DNA Subscription components only.
For those who are looking for TAC support beyond 90 days on the network stack (Network Essentials/Advantage), you should purchase Solution Support or Smart Net Total Care on the AP, which covers both the hardware and the network stack.
To learn more about Cisco DNA software for wireless, please visit: cisco.com/go/dnawireless
Watch the new Cisco DNA subscriptions introductory video:
Check out all our blogs in the Cisco DNA software series:
Cisco DNA Software Subscriptions – The Simple Story
Cisco Enterprise Agreement: Benefits and Exclusive Offers
Cisco DNA software for Switching deep-dive
Cisco DNA software for SD-WAN and Routing deep-dive
Cisco DNA Software for Wireless deep-dive [You are here.]
Activating Cisco DNA software with Cisco DNA Center/vManage
Does this mean that I have to purchase network essentials or advantage for the AP, and DNA software “essentials or advantage or premier” to run DNA?
Hi Yahya,
You can purchase Cisco DNA software subscriptions with the AP, and network essentials or network advantage (perpetual licenses) will come bundled. They can’t be purchased separately. You will get the full solution to run Cisco DNA. Hope that helps.