Cisco LAN Base vs IP Base: Key Differences & How to Choose
Cisco LAN Base is the entry software license for Catalyst switches, giving Layer 2 switching, basic VLANs, and security. IP Base steps up to Layer 3, adding static routing, limited dynamic routing (RIP, EIGRP stub), and IP SLA—enough for small routed networks without the full Enterprise Services feature set.
Engineers grab the wrong license when budgets tighten or paperwork is vague. “We just need routing” sounds like IP Base, but if the BOM only lists LAN Base, devices ship without Layer 3. A 30-second SKU check on the quote prevents a 3 a.m. outage when the first inter-VLAN packet drops.
Key Differences
LAN Base handles VLANs, STP, and port-security—pure Layer 2. IP Base adds static, EIGRP-stub, OSPF for limited prefixes, and PBR. LAN Base cannot route; IP Base can. Licensing is permanent, so upgrades require new hardware or a paper PAK—no software-only bump.
Which One Should You Choose?
Pick LAN Base for access-layer closets that only switch user VLANs. Choose IP Base for collapsed-core or small branch routers that need inter-VLAN routing without paying for IP Services. If you’ll ever run BGP or MPLS, skip straight to IP Services now to avoid forklift later.
Examples and Daily Life
A school buys 48-port 9300s with LAN Base for classrooms—no routing needed. The same switch in the library DMZ gets IP Base to route guest Wi-Fi to the firewall. One SKU letter apart, zero overlap in capability.
Can I upgrade LAN Base to IP Base with a license key?
No. Cisco hardware is tied to the license level; you must buy new switches or swap supervisors.
Does IP Base support full OSPF?
It supports OSPF but caps at 200 dynamic routes—enough for most small networks, not data centers.
Will LAN Base switches pass Layer 3 traffic from another router?
Yes, as pure Layer 2 transit. They just can’t originate, terminate, or make routing decisions themselves.