Q What if I don’t buy a Cisco DNA subscription?
A Purchasing the hardware alone does not provide entitlements to use the device in either the Controller or the Autonomous mode. A Cisco DNA subscription is needed to enable the software capabilities supported. A network stack is needed for Autonomous mode and a Cisco DNA stack is needed for Controller mode operation. These licenses are included as part of Cisco DNA subscription. Term-based licenses are mandatory for Catalyst 8000 Edge Platform Family at the initial time of purchase to unlock any capabilities.