How to Set Up and Manage SOLIDWORKS Network Licensing (SNL)
NETWORK Licensing establishes a single host computer to hold all SOLIDWORKS licenses. Client PCs then request a license from the server machine, and if one is available, the server delivers the appropriate license. This is a favorable setup for a group of SOLIDWORKS users where not everyone will need access to the software at the same time. It allows available licenses to ‘float’ where needed and additionally provides ‘borrow’ abilities for travel away from the network.
Installation
Occasionally firewall rules must be created to ensure adequate communication across the network, and an example of the windows firewall rules using the default SNL ports can be viewed here.
If further troubleshooting is needed, just submit a support ticket and we’re happy to help!
After Installation
Don’t forget to launch the SolidNetwork License Manager Server program! On the first launch of the software, an activation wizard will communicate with the SOLIDWORKS corporate licensing server and automatically activate your software on your server machine over the internet in a matter of seconds.
Client Installations
Client Installations of SOLIDWORKS products will use the same serial number(s) that was entered into the server, and just after clicking ‘install now’ you will be asked for the server name and port number, typically 25734@servername. After the installation is complete, a SolidNetwork License Manager Client program can be used to view available licenses on the network, prioritize servers and license types, and even ‘borrow’ a license for travel away from the network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Network licensing allows multiple users to share SOLIDWORKS licenses across a local network using a centralized license server, commonly known as ‘floating’ licenses. It’s ideal for teams that operate across multiple shifts or time zones, and for organizations that need flexibility to share various types of licenses amongst users.
The license manager runs on a central server and controls how many seats of SOLIDWORKS can be used at a time. When a user launches SOLIDWORKS, it silently checks out a license from the server.
Follow the full install instructions in our step-by-step article: mlc-cad.com/solidworks-help-center/install-solidnetwork-license-manager/
Typically, ports 25734 and 25735 must be open on your firewall to allow communication between clients and the license server.
Check that the server is online, ports are open, and no IP address or hostname mismatch is causing the issue. If problems persist, see our troubleshooting guide: https://www.mlc-cad.com/solidworks-help-center/how-to-install-solidnetwork-license-manager/
Yes, the license manager allows you to borrow a license for up to 30 days if you’re going to be offline or away from the network.
We cover this process in detail here: https://www.mlc-cad.com/solidworks-help-center/how-to-move-the-solidworks-solidnetwork-license-manager/
Standalone licenses are tied to a specific computer, while network licenses are managed centrally and shared among multiple users.
Additional Information
Additional Information about administration and configuration of an SNL, such as adding licenses to an existing SNL, moving to a new server, or using an options file to restrict certain license to specific end user machines, can be found by clicking here.