Network Edge License Types
There are two license options available for Network Edge virtual devices: Bring Your Own License (BYOL) and Subscription License (currently limited to a few vendors)). Availability of the license type varies by vendor, model, and deployment type. This document describes each license type and the considerations for each.
Support for vendor software and vendor software configuration is offered by the vendors.
License Option Summary
Bring Your Own License (BYOL)
- Available for all VNF types (where supported by the vendor).
- License purchased directly from vendor or vendor reseller.
- Separate support contract required from each vendor.
- Equinix supports VNF infrastructure. VNF-specific issues need to be supported by VNF vendor through a separate support contract. Refer to Demarcation of Device Responsibility per General Network Edge Device Scenario.
- Suited for customers who need all VNF functions and flexibility in VNF management.
The BYOL license type is available for all VNFs (where supported by the vendor). Purchase a separate license and support contract from a vendor or vendor reseller. This option provides flexibility for enterprise customers if they already have a preferred network equipment reseller. A separate support contract provides direct access to the vendor support team. When you use the BYOL option with a self-configured device type, you will gain most of the feature set available for the VNF type.
Subscription License
- Currently available for limited VNF vendors.
- License subscription available from the Equinix Customer portal.
- For F5 NGINX, F5 requires a support account to access F5 support directly.
- For VyOS, Equinix offers a package that includes support.
- The Catalyst 8000V Autonomous mode subscription option allows you to troubleshoot Cisco 8000V software or configuration issues with Cisco Technical Assistant Center (TAC). In order to do so, Equinix opens a TAC case for you, then you engage with Cisco TAC directly. RorEquinix Network Edge infrastructure related issues, Equinix will engage in the troubleshooting. Equinix will not engage in Cisco 8000V software or configuration issues and troubleshooting.
A subscription license is available for the limited set of devices. Currently, the subscription option is only supported for Self-configured devices. All Equinix-configured devices with subscription options are at End-of-Sale. For more information, see End of Sale / End of Life for Equinix-Configured Devices.
The Equinix support team will provide support for each Equinix-configured VNF. Subscriptions for Cisco CSR1000v, Palo Alto Networks VM-Series, Juniper vSRX, and Fortinet FortiGate VM are no longer available for new customers starting December 2022. And the End-of-Life date will be the end of March 2024. All customers using Equinix-configured devices are urged to migrate to Self-configured device by end of March 2024.
License Availability
The following table illustrates the current license type supported by each VNF vendor and product.
All Equinix-configured device options are no longer available due to End of Sale/End of Life. Equinix is responsible for the infrastructure that supports virtual devices and ancillary services, including device life-cycle management, virtual connections, device linking, device backup, and recovery.
Arista
| Device Type | Product Name | Deployment Types | License Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Router | CloudEOS | Single Redundant Cluster option not available | BYOL |
Aruba
| Device Type | Product Name | Deployment Types | License Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| SD-WAN | EdgeConnect | Single Redundant Cluster option not available | BYOL |
Aviatrix
| Device Type | Product Name | Deployment Types | License Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cloud Networking | Aviatrix Spoke Edge | Single Redundant Cluster option not available | BYOL |
| Cloud Networking | Aviatrix Transit Edge | Single Redundant Cluster option not available | BYOL |
BlueCat
| Device Type | Product Name | Deployment Types | License Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server | DNS and DHCP Server | Single Redundant Cluster option not available | BYOL |
| Server | Edge Service Point | Single Single Redundant Cluster option not available | BYOL |
Check Point
| Device Type | Product Name | Deployment Types | License Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firewall | CloudGuard | Single Redundant Cluster option not available |
Cisco
| Device Type | Product Name | Deployment Types | License Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Router | Catalyst 8000V | Single Redundant Cluster option not available | BYOL Subscription |
| SD-WAN | Catalyst 8000V | Single Redundant Cluster option not available | BYOL |
| Firewall | ASAv | Single Redundant Cluster option not supported | BYOL |
| Firewall | Threat Defense Virtual | Single Redundant Cluster option not supported | BYOL |
F5 Networks
| Device Type | Product Name | Deployment Types | License Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Load Balancer | NGINX | Single Redundant Cluster | Subscription |
Fortinet
| Device Type | Product Name | Deployment Types | License Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firewall | FortiGate VM | Single Redundant Cluster | BYOL |
| SD-WAN | FortiGate VM | Single Redundant Cluster option not available | BYOL |
Infoblox
| Device Type | Product Name | Deployment Types | License Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server | DNS and DHCP Server | Single Redundant Cluster | BYOL |
Juniper
| Device Type | Product Name | Deployment Types | License Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firewall | vSRX | Single Redundant Cluster | BYOL |
| SD-WAN | vSRX | Single Redundant Cluster | BYOL |
Palo Alto Networks
| Device Type | Product Name | Deployment Types | License Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firewall | VM-Series | Single Redundant Cluster | BYOL |
| SD-WAN | Prisma | Single Redundant Cluster option not available | BYOL |
Versa
| Device Type | Product Name | Deployment Types | License Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| SD-WAN | FlexVNF | Single Redundant Cluster option not available | BYOL |
VMware
| Device Type | Product Name | Deployment Types | License Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| SD-WAN | VMWare SD-WAN | Single Redundant Cluster option not available | BYOL |
VyOS
| Device Type | Product Name | Deployment Types | License Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| VyOS | Router | VyOS Universal Router | Single Redundant Cluster option not available |