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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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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.
Is this answer helpful?
BrianTang Lv2Posted 2026-Sep-03 10:01
  
no need license for witness node
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.
Newbie167857 Lv1Posted 2026-Sep-03 13:16
  
Hi,
Licensing is unaffected by the witness node. The licence can be requested prior to the arrival of the witness node.
The version and license mode determine the licensing requirement for HCI:

HCI 6.8.0 and later: You can set up virtual storage and assemble the cluster without a license, then authorise the platform afterward. The presence of the witness node is not necessary for the licence.

HCI 5.3.8–6.7.0R3: Obtain a licence prior to constructing the cluster.

When setting up a 2-node cluster with virtual storage (aSAN), include the witness node. It is necessary to add the witness node at the time of aSAN initialisation, not later.


On HCI 6.7.0R3, a license is not required for the 2 + 1 witness deployment; only the two-node HCI cluster needs licenses like aSv, aSan, or
Sangfor Jojo Lv5Posted 2026-Sep-10 16:47
  
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