According to Juniper Networks' software licensing documentation, Juniper utilizes a tiered subscription model for its Junos OS features on EX and QFX Series switches, specifically designed to align with different network use cases. This model is categorized into three main tiers: Standard, Advanced, and Premium. While basic Layer 2 and Layer 3 functions are included in the base or Standard tiers, advanced fabric technologies are reserved for the highest tier.
The Premium License is explicitly required to enable the full EVPN-VXLAN protocol stack on Juniper switches within a campus or data center fabric. As detailed in the Juniper Licensing User Guide, the Premium license serves as a superset that includes all functionality from the Standard and Advanced tiers, while specifically unlocking the advanced routing and virtualization features necessary for modern fabrics. Specifically, this license entitles the user to configure and run Multiprotocol BGP (MP-BGP) with the EVPN address family—which acts as the control plane—and the VXLAN encapsulation required for the data plane.
In a Juniper Mist Wired Assurance environment, there is a clear distinction between the cloud-based management subscription and the local Junos OS license. While the Wired Assurance subscription provides the AI-driven visibility, SLE monitoring, and automation capabilities through the Mist cloud, the Junos OS Premium license is a prerequisite on the physical hardware to execute the EVPN-VXLAN commands and maintain compliance with Juniper's End User License Agreement (EULA). For instance, on platforms like the EX4650 or QFX5120, attempting to commit a configuration involving EVPN without the appropriate Premium Feature License (PFL) will result in system warnings and protocol limitations, as these features are considered "high-value" software capabilities intended for complex, multitenant campus environments.
