What is a SolidCAM Network Dongle License?
A SolidCAM Network Dongle License is a hardware-based security device that allows multiple users within a network to access SolidCAM software. Instead of each computer requiring its own dongle, a single network dongle is used to manage licenses centrally on a server. This dongle can allocate licenses dynamically to client computers over the network.
Why Use a SolidCAM Network Dongle License?
- Centralized License Management: Simplifies license management by centralizing control. All licenses are managed from a single server, reducing the administrative burden of managing multiple dongles.
- Cost Efficiency: More cost-effective for organizations with multiple users. Instead of purchasing individual licenses for each user, a pool of licenses can be shared among users.
- Flexibility: Provides flexibility for users to access SolidCAM from any computer within the network, if a license is available.
- Scalability: Easily scalable as the organization grows. Additional licenses can be added to the network dongle as needed.
How to Install SolidCAM Network Dongle for Client
Step 1: Set Up the Network Dongle Server
- Insert the Dongle: Insert the SolidCAM network dongle into a USB port on the server machine.
- Install Dongle Driver: Download and install the necessary dongle drivers from the SolidCAM website or the dongle manufacturer’s website.
- Install License Manager: Download and install the SolidCAM License Manager on the server. This can typically be found on the SolidCAM installation media or website.
- Configure the License Manager: Open the SolidCAM License Manager and configure it to recognize the network dongle. Ensure that the license manager service is running and set to start automatically.
- Configure Firewall: Configure the server’s firewall to allow communication on the ports used by the SolidCAM License Manager (usually port 1947).
Step 2: Set Up Client Computers
1. Install SolidCAM: Install SolidCAM on the client computers. During installation, select the network licensing option.
- Copy and run the installer with administrator’s permission.
- Select Next on SolidCAM20XX Setup.
- Choose the location to install SolidCAM (default is suggested) and click Next.
- Select default units and click Next.
- Select or name a program folder and click Next.
- Wait until the license driver installation is complete.
- Launch SOLIDWORKS and activate the SolidCAM Add-ins.
- If prompted to choose a type of license, choose “Network license”.
2. Configure Network License: Open SolidCAM on the client computer and go to the License Manager settings. Enter the IP address or hostname of the server where the network dongle is installed.
- Open SolidCAM util directory (i.e. C:\Program Files\SolidCAM20XX\Util)
- Find the file called “NethaspTCPIP” and rename it to “Nethasp”.
- Copy the file to the main SolidCAM directory (i.e. C:\Program Files\SolidCAM20XX\)
- Open the copied file and find the parameter “NH_SERVER_ADDR”.
- Write the IP of the server (i.e. NH_SERVER_ADDR = 192.168.XXX.XX) and save it.
3. Test Connection: Verify that the client computer can connect to the license server and check out a license. This may involve restarting SolidCAM or the client computer.