Backup firewall licencing

[gfunk123]

I am running firewall 1 on a sparc ultra 5. What i would like to do is build a backup firewall 1 on a sparc box but without the need to buy another licence. I propose to build the box outside of the network, giving it the same IP address as the 'in use' firewall with everything configured the same (NICs,rules etc). I am hoping that if the live firewall blows up, ill be able to plug the new box straight in and 'bobs yer uncle', a fully working system again.

My question though is this. Is the licensing based JUST on the ip address. Somebody mentioned to me that the MAC addresses of the NICs will be my downfall, and also the Arp tables etc.

Does anybody know whether my dastardly plan is viable. or will i be forced into looking at a redundant clustering solution.

Any help would be greatly appreciated

Gary

 

[Piloria]

I have done this in the past (for DR testing)
as long as the OS and IP address are the same then the licensing is the same. You shouldnt have any problems