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July 16, 2013

Posted July 16, 2013 by Darin Green, Lead Helpdesk Technician:
Autodesk Network licensing is the preferred method for network environments. With network licensing users will not need to activate each Autodesk application on every machine to obtain licenses. To use network licenses, you must set up one or more license managers and obtain product licenses for them.

To set up license managers, you must first select single, distributed, or redundant server models.

• Single Server
In the single server model, one license manager handles all licenses. This is the simplest model to implement and maintain. If you already have a single point of failure, such as a file server, the single server option may be ideal for you.

• Distributed Server
Distributed servers are implemented by installing multiple single servers within your network and managing a portion of your licenses on each of the license managers. When a network licensed product starts up, it tries each server for a license in the order you specify. The strategic placement of the distributed servers provides fault tolerance of server and infrastructure failures.

• Redundant Server
Redundant servers require three collocated servers to run a triad of license managers. To issue licenses, at least two of the three systems must be running and able to communicate with each other. Redundant servers offer the highest level of fault tolerance of server failure but are intolerant of infrastructure failure.

Most of us use Single Server licenses, which consist of one server, that distribute licenses across the network to client (workstations) machines. However, when it’s time to swap out servers with new machines, network administrators are faced with two tasks, 1) get everyone’s Autodesk applications pointed to the new server and 2) obtain a new license file from Autodesk containing the new MAC Address and Computer Name.
In the following example, we are going to force all Autodesk applications on a workstation to obtain licenses from a new server. Network Administrators generally locate the licpath.lic to change license servers, or reinstall the product and point to the new license server through the install configuration.
1. While on a workstation, Right click My Computer and choose Properties.

2.  This will open System Properties.  Select the Advanced tab.

For Windows 7 & Vista machines users will need to click Advanced System Settings in the left pane of the system window after choosing properties from My Computer.

On the Advanced tab, choose Environment Variables at the bottom of the dialog.

Under System Variables, click NEW and set the following variable information:

Variable Name:  ADSKFLEX_LICENSE_FILE
Variable Value: @servername

I hope this tip helps.  Let us know if you need additional assistance.
Thank you,
Darin

Check out some of these additional posts by Darin:

Darin Green is one of our Helpdesk Leads and provides tips and information in our monthly Helpdesk Newsletter.  Darin has over 10 years of CAD experience and in his time at Synergis he has provided support for over 700 customers to help them stay ahead.  He previously worked with Ritter and Plante Associates where he performed various zoning, project duties, and hands-on field work, along with surveying.  Darin has a broad range of experience with many CAD applications including AutoCAD, Revit, AutoCAD Civil 3D, Map 3D, among others.

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