Remote Access to License Server

[zora65]

I am currently using NX3 and have a question regarding using a VPN to connect to the UG License Server. Once the VPN is established and I launch NX3, what will happen if the connection is lost? Will NX3 continue to run? Or will it die like Teamcenter does at the office if the network connection goes down? I guess I would like to know how often NX3 checks the license server and what to expect.

Thanks for the help.

BSilk
Senior Designer

 

[JohnRBaker]

If you lose your connection to the license server, it will only be a matter of minutes before you'll get an error that it can't find the license server.

Your best bet is to ask your UGS sales rep about changing your license system so that you can "borrow" licenses. This allows you to temporarly borrow a license by moving it to your local node where it will be valid even if you're disconnected from the server (this is the solution we offer people who wish to unplug their lap-tops off the network and yet continue to be able to use NX, even if they're at 40,000 feet over the North Atlantic). Note that this does no add any additional licenses to your configuration, just that while a license is out on "loan", the total number on the central server will be reduced by one. After the "loan" either expires or is "returned", the central server will once again be at full count.

Note that while there are NO additional charges, license or maintenace fees, for this option, you will still need to sign a new licensing and maintenace agreement and get a new license data file before you can take advantage of this feature of the NX licensing system.

John R. Baker, P.E.
Product "Evangelist"
NX Product Line
UGS Corp
Cypress, CA

 

[looslib]

I used a VPN connection to work from home, before license borrowing was available. If you are on a DSL or Cable modem connection, you shouldn't have any problems running all day.
The advantage of the vPN connection is that you have your full license count at work at all times.
The advantage of the borrow is that it doesn't require a live connection to run. It does require a live connection to 'transfer' the license to the borrowing machine. Also, borrowed licenses cannot be returned early, they can only expire after x days.


"Wildfires are dangerous, hard to control, and economically catastrophic."

Ben Loosli
Sr IS Technologist
L-3 Communications

 

[zora65]

The license borrow feature would have been great for my application. My company is unfortunately out of contract with UGS on the maintenance end. I could not get them to see why continuing the maintenace contract was worth the money. I suspect they will regret that decision down the road. I heard that the license borrow feature was included in NX4, is that true?
Ben, you have given me hope that using a VPN may work fine. I'm on a DSL connection and tested UG briefly yesterday. Seems to work ok. If the connection is lost, will I have the opportunity to save my file? Is it possible to re-establish the VPN (with UG still open) and then save? Or should I just be hitting the save button every minute or so like I had to do with AutoCAD 20 years ago?

BSilk
Senior Designer

 

[looslib]

UG will stay open and give you a message that the license sever cannot be found. Reconnect the VPN and you should be good to continue.
With any CAd software, FFF is the key to not losing work.
(File Fairly Frequently)


"Wildfires are dangerous, hard to control, and economically catastrophic."

Ben Loosli
Sr IS Technologist
L-3 Communications