The BIG-IQ system helps you manage resource usage in a dynamic application environment through the use of license pools. Each license pool is limited to a specific number of licenses. After you perform the initial license activation, BIG-IQ automatically grants and revokes licenses for the BIG-IP virtual edition systems as resource demands change. This gives you the flexibility to license devices only as needed, keeping your operating costs fixed. You can also use different license pools for different applications, allowing for flexible provisioning options.

You initiate the pool license activation process with a base registration key. The base registration key is a character string that the license server uses to verify the functionality that you are entitled to license. If the system has access to the internet, you select an option to automatically contact the F5 license server and activate the license. If the system is not connected to the internet, you can manually retrieve the activation key from a system that is connected to the internet, and transfer it to the BIG-IQ system.

1. Log in to the BIG-IQ system with the administrator user name and password.
2. At the top of the screen, click Device and Virtual.
3. Hover on the License Pools header, and click the + icon when it appears. The panel expands to display New License properties.
4. In the License Name field, type the name you want to use to identify this license pool.
5. In the Base Registration Key field, type or paste the BIG-IQ registration key.
6. In the Add-on Keys field, paste any additional license key you have.
7. For the Activation Method setting, select Automatic, and click the Activate button. The BIG-IQ system contacts the F5 Networks licensing server and displays the End User License Agreement (EULA).
8. To accept the EULA, click the Accept button. The screen refreshes and displays the license details.

1. Log in to the BIG-IQ system with the administrator user name and password.
2. At the top of the screen, click Device and Virtual.
3. Hover on the License Pools header, and click the + icon when it appears. The panel expands to display New License properties.
4. In the License Name field, type the name you want to use to identify this license pool.
5. In the Base Registration Key field, type or paste the BIG-IQ registration key.
6. In the Add-on Keys field, paste any additional license key you have.
7. For the Activation method setting, select Manual and click the Activate button. The BIG-IQ system refreshes and displays the dossier in the Dossier field.
8. Copy the displayed dossier and transfer it to a system connected to the internet and navigate to the F5 Licensing Server at https://activate.f5.com/license/ .
9. Paste the dossier into the Enter your dossier text box, or click the Browse button to locate it on the system, and click the Next button.
10. Copy or save the activation key and transfer it to the BIG-IQ system.
11. The End User License Agreement (EULA) displays. When you click Accept, the screen refreshes to display the license details.
12. To accept the EULA, click the Accept button. The screen refreshes and displays the license details.