Cisco PIX 506, Quick Start Manual

11

9

Upgrade to DES or 3DES

Note

The following instructions are applicable to PIX Firewall version 6.2 and higher releases. If 
you are not running PIX Firewall version 6.2, refer to the Quick Start Guide for the version 
of software installed on your PIX Firewall.

To upgrade features you did not specify at the time of 
purchase, you need to use an activation key. The 
activation key lets you add software features to the PIX 
506/506E, such as DES or 3DES. 

To request a free activation key for DES, complete the 
online form at the following website:

http://www.cisco.com/cgi-bin/Software/FormManager/
formgenerator.pl?pid=221&fid=324

Note

If you are unable to access this form because you do not have a CCO login, send an e-mail to 
licensing@cisco.com. In the e-mail include the PIX Firewall serial number as it appears in the 

show version

 command and request a free 56-bit DES key.

To purchase an activation key for 3DES (PIX-506-SW-3DES=), go to Cisco’s ordering website:

http://www.cisco.com/public/Ordering_root.shtml

Enter the activation key only after you have downloaded an image—not from the command line or 
without rebooting first.

Note

You can verify if you have the DES or 3DES feature by entering the 

show activation-key

 command.