James -
The option between elan and FlexLM is dependant on what version of
Autocad you are running. Anything that is pre2k2 is elan (well, anything
back to r14). Post 2k2 uses a new licensing technology.
If the connection to the outside world goes down an individual office
will not be able to license. That's not the way the redundant server's
work. Over half of the servers must remain "up" for licensing to
continue (up means that 3 servers (in a 5 server model) must be able to
communicate with one another).
(All of the below explanation assume a "hub and spoke" network
topology.)
With a redundant model and 5 servers if any network link fails that
office will not be able to get any licenses.
If two links are down, two offices won't be able to get any licenses. If
3 are down, no one can get any licenses. (Router failure at the main
office).
If any server becomes "isolated" from the others it will not be able to
issue, or maintain licenses.
Communication over these wan links between the servers will need to be
flawless for the servers to stay up. The elan adlm uses udp for
communications so if packets start getting dropped servers will just
drop out.
Also, just fyi, using the adlm over a wan is a violation of the Autodesk
EULA (unless you have the magical mystery waiver).
To be honest I've never done a 5 server redundant pool. I've done some 3
server pools (which you seem to have working) as a test, but never a 5.
In fact I don't know of anyone running a 5 server pool. If after reading
the above, you still want a redundant pool, you might contact your
dealer (or major accounts manager, assuming that you have one) and see
if you can get them to lend a hand.
jason martin
frankfurt-short-bruza
"James Gennero" wrote in message
news:69BA47992FA3382B122C7EC5B30E37F9@in.WebX.maYIadrTaRb...
> > Which adlm are you using?? FlexLM or Elan??
>
> I am using Elan. I didn't know there was another option.
>
> > I'm guessing Elan here because you said admin tool rather than
lmtools.
> >
> > Do all of the servers have identical server prefixes?
>
> Yes.
>
> > Did you follow TD164037? (Well actually you can't follow TD164037
> > exactly because it's only for 3 servers, but the concept will be the
> > same)
>
> Yes.
>
> > Why do you required a 5 server pool??? Autodesk recommends against
> > redundant servers in general. A 5 server pool is overkill in most
> > situations. If you have enough users that autocad being up is that
> > important, why not use a distributed model??
>
> We have four offices spread throughout the region. Management wants
them
> all to share the same 100 seats of AutoCAD. I want to ensure each
office
> can license if their connection to the outside world goes down. I
just
> counted on having an extra box for the 5th server in the main office.
>
>
>
>