Context
The comprehensive guide for "FlexNet Server - Use Lmgrd as an Alternative to lmadmin" is divided into three sequential articles.
This second installment (2/3) explains how to install the FlexNet server.
Process
2. Install the FlexNet Server
- Create the server license file in:
<server_install_dir>/FlexNetLicenseServerTools/passwordServer.dat
- Enter your server information using the following format:
- SERVER <hostName> <hostId> [<portNumber>]
- VENDOR <vendor name> [port=<vendor portNumber>]
Example:
- SERVER BOD1060 0024e83de91e
- VENDOR asglmd
Note: If you have multiple Ethernet addresses, use the first one.
2.1. On Windows
At this point, we assume the FlexNet files are installed in the default location:
<server_install_dir>/FlexNetLicenseServerTools/
FlexNet uses the lmgrd program to manage licenses. On Windows, FlexNet provides an advanced tool called LMTOOLS, which allows you to configure lmgrd to run as a service. This is the recommended configuration method.
Caution:
- Administrator privileges are required to configure a license server as a service.
- Ensure the Vendor Daemon (asglmd.exe or mcslmd.exe) is located in the same directory as lmgrd.exe.
2.1.1 Launch LMTOOLS and navigate to the Service/License File tab. Select the Configuration using Services option.
2.1.2 Open the Config Services tab and configure the following fields:
- Service Name: Enter a name for the service that you wish to define. It is recommended to use the name "Thermo Scientific Applications License Manager".
- Path to the lmgrd.exe file: Specify or browse to the lmgrd.exe for this license server. Typically, the path will be:
<server_install_dir>\FlexNetLicenseServerTools\lmgrd.exe
- Path to the license file: Enter or browse to the server license file. It is recommended to store the license file in:
<server_install_dir>\FlexNetLicenseServerTools\passwordServer.dat
- Path to the debug log file: Specify or browse to the debug log file that this license server writes to, such as FlexNet.log. Prefixing the debug log filename with a "+" appends to the log. The default location is the C:\WINDOWS\System32. If specifying a custom location, use a fully qualified path. For most users, the following path should be appropriate:
<server_install_dir>\FlexNetLicenseServerTools\flexnet.log
- (Optional) Click View Log to verify the log file opens and contains readable text. Select Close Log when finished.
- To ensure the license service starts automatically, select both: Use Services and Start Server at Power Up.
- Click Save Service to create the Thermo Scientific Applications License Manager service.
2.2. On Linux
At this point, we assume the FlexNet files are installed in the default location:
cd <server_install_dir>/FlexNetLicenseServerTools/
Ensure the Vendor Daemon (asglmd or mcslmd) is located in the same directory as lmgrd. The command to start the server has the following format:
./lmgrd -c <server_license_file> -l [+]<debug_log_path>
Where:
- <server_license_file> is the full path to the server license file.
- <debug_log_path> is the path to the debug log file
Prepending a "+" character to the log filename appends new entries instead of overwriting the file. Here is the recommended command to use:
./lmgrd -c passwordServer.dat -l +flexnet.log
Notes:
- Whenever you modify the server licenses, rerun the lmgrd command. If the operation fails the first time, wait a few seconds and try again.
- You may want the license server to start automatically at system boot. Doing so requires modifying the system's startup scripts. For instructions on configuring automatic startup under UNIX/Linux, refer to the FlexNet Publisher – License Administration Guide, section - “License Server Manager “lmgrd”.
Related Links
To learn about the entire process, refer to these articles:
- KA-01288 "Manage Floating Licenses: FlexNet Server - Use Lmgrd as an Alternative to lmadmin (1/3)" (Information needed to create the license server file).
- KA-01290 "Manage Floating Licenses: FlexNet Server - Use Lmgrd as an Alternative to lmadmin (3/3)" (Start the server & manage your licenses).