AUTODESK CIVIL 3D CAD MANAGER’S GUIDE
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• No built-in redundancy (This limitation can be overcome by having another
server, even the CAD manager’s workstation, set up as a license manager and
have the workstations look to it as the secondary server. This is done more or
less automatically in the distributed server model.)
Distributed Server: With the distributed server model, the Network License Manager is
distributed across more than one server. To create a distributed server pool, you must
install the Network License Manager on each server that is part of the distributed server
network. At a minimum, you must install the Network License Manager on each server
that you want to manage licenses.
When Civil 3D is deployed to the workstation, the server installation adds a new
environment variable on each workstation that identifies the license server that the client
communicates with to obtain a network license. This environment variable includes a
pointer to each of the distributed servers on the network.
The distributed server model requires a unique license file for each server.
This configuration is commonly used in larger organizations with multiple offices,
segmented networks, or both.
The distributed server model has the following characteristics:
• Easy to install
• Requires more maintenance compared to single server
• Requires at least two servers with different license files
• Can be used across WAN (assuming reliable WAN connection)
• Flexible in configuration: automatically establishes search paths on workstations
for primary and secondary license servers
• Allows sharing of licenses among offices or departments
• Some built-in redundancy with workstations looking for primary and secondary
license servers
Redundant Server: With the redundant server model, you must use at least three servers
to authenticate a single license file. One server acts as the master, while the other two
provide backup if the primary server fails. Using this configuration, the system continues
to monitor and issue licenses as long as at least two servers are functional.
For organizations that cannot afford for their CAD systems to be down for any length of
time (even a few minutes), the redundant server model provides uninterrupted license
management in the event of a primary server failure.
However, there are easier ways to provide server backup and redundancy using the other
two configuration models. Work with your reseller or independent CAD consultant to
review these other methods.
The redundant model is not recommended for most customers.
The redundant server model has the following characteristics:
• Built in fault-tolerant redundancy: if the primary license server fails, the others
automatically assume license management duties
• Works only with Windows 2000 Server and Windows 2003 Server
