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Cluster License Activation 20

Newbie976686 Lv1Posted 2026-Sep-02 16:52

Hi,
I'm setting up an HCI cluster, and the witness node hasn't been delivered yet. Can I request the license now, or should I wait for the witness node?

Thank you

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admin Posted 2026-Sep-03 11:58
  
The witness node does not affect licensing. You can request the license before the witness node arrives.
For HCI, the licensing prerequisite depends on the version and licensing mode:

  • HCI 6.8.0 and later: You can build the cluster and configure virtual storage without a license, then authorize the platform at the end. The license does not require the witness node to be present.

  • HCI 5.3.8–6.7.0R3: License before building the cluster.

  • In a 2-node cluster with virtual storage (aSAN), add the witness node when initializing aSAN. The witness node must be added during aSAN initialization, not afterwards.


For 2 + 1 witness deployment on HCI 6.7.0R3, license is not necessary for the witness deployment itself; only the two-node HCI cluster requires licenses such as aSv, aSan, or aNet.
BrianTang Lv2Posted 2026-Sep-03 10:01
  
no need license for witness node

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