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URL filtering is a crucial feature for network administrators, allowing them to block access to inappropriate or harmful websites, ensuring a secure browsing environment for users. If you're using URL filtering on a Virtual SmartZone (vSZ-H) version 3.6.1 or above, here’s what you need to know about managing your licenses effectively.

URL Filtering Licenses Overview

• Duration and Scope:

  • URL filtering licenses are issued for a duration of one year per Access Point (AP). This means that each license covers one AP for a full year, providing continuous URL filtering services.

• Adding Licenses Over Time:

  • Licenses can be purchased and added incrementally throughout the year. For example, you might buy 100 one-year licenses on January 1st and later add another 200 one-year licenses in May. This flexibility allows you to scale your URL filtering capabilities as your network grows.

Monitoring License Details

• Viewing License Information:
  • Detailed information about your licenses, including start date, end date, and total capacity, can be accessed through the vSZ-H interface. Navigate to: Administration -> Licenses -> Installed Licenses tab. Here, you can monitor the status of your licenses and plan renewals or expansions accordingly.

License Expiry and Warnings

• Dashboard Warnings:

  • The system will issue dashboard warnings 30 days before a license is set to expire. This gives administrators ample time to renew or add licenses before any service disruption occurs.

• Event Codes and Alarms:

  • Event Code 1281: This code is triggered when the license capacity is fully utilized, indicating that no additional APs can be covered by URL filtering unless more licenses are added.
  • Alarm Code 8003: This alarm is generated when the license period expires, which also means the URL filtering server becomes unreachable. Immediate action is required to restore functionality.

Additional Resources

• Temporary Licenses:
  • In cases where a temporary solution is needed, such as during a transition or license renewal period, Ruckus provides options for temporary licenses. For more details on how to obtain and use temporary licenses, refer to the following article: Temporary Licenses on URL Filtering.