Where do CN-Series devices obtain a VM-Series authorization key?

CN-Series devices obtain a VM-Series authorization key from Panorama. Panorama is a centralized management server that provides visibility and control over multiple Palo Alto Networks firewalls and devices. A VM-Series authorization key is a license key that activates the VM-Series firewall features and capacities. CN-Series devices obtain a VM-Series authorization key from Panorama by registering with Panorama using their CPU ID and requesting an authorization code from Panorama’s license pool. Panorama then generates an authorization key for the CN-Series device and sends it back to the device for activation. CN-Series devices do not obtain a VM-Series authorization key from local installation, GitHub, or Customer Support Portal, as those are not valid or relevant sources for license management. Reference: Palo Alto Networks Certified Software Firewall Engineer (PCSFE), [Panorama Overview], [VM-Series Licensing Overview], [CN-Series Licensing]