We are using using currently SolarWinds 2020.2.6 , if we need to upgrade to 2022.2. , is it necessary to change the license model ? Are we can use old element based license model.
Solarwinds 2020.2.6 aka Orion Platform 2020.2.6 is now the SolarWinds platform. The versioning between the orion perpetual licensing and the new HCO licensing is the main confusion - Both use the same platform now, its a licensing difference largely. Put another way, you will need to perform a fairly big upgrade to move 2020.2.6 to anything newer. I also recommend a quick support ticket if you have questions still. Some links and you can keep googling thwack for more information too.
(+) HCO 2022.2 vs Orion Platform 2020.2 - Forum - Hybrid Cloud Observability - THWACK (solarwinds.com)
(+) SolarWinds Platform and Products—Version 2022.4 Is Now Generally Available! - Product Blog - Resources - THWACK