vEdge and Cisco Catalyst 8000V Licensing for SD-WAN Labbing
In Cisco SD-WAN environments running version 20.x, the deployment of vEdge routers requires obtaining device licenses through a smart account. Alternatively, for Cisco Catalyst 8000V routers, a "pay as you go" licensing model is available, which does not necessitate the generation of device licenses. The Cisco IOS XE Catalyst SD-WAN guide suggests using the universalk9 image to deploy on compatible devices starting from Cisco IOS XE Catalyst SD-WAN Release 17.2.1r. This approach provides a more flexible licensing solution compared to traditional device licenses.
As licensing models continually change, make sure to find out and to comply with Cisco's current policy when labbing these topologies.
Links
https://networklessons.com/cisco/cisco-sd-wan/cisco-sd-wan-plug-and-play-connect-device-licenses
https://networklessons.com/cisco/cisco-sd-wan/cisco-sd-wan-lab-options
https://networklessons.com/cisco/cisco-sd-wan/cisco-sd-wan-eve-ng-lab-installation