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Network Security

Updated September 13, 2019

This article applies to:
  • Terrain 3D
  • Terrain Forestry
  • RoadEng Civil
  • RoadEng Forestry
  • Softree Optimal

As of Version 8, the network security option is available as a server-side executable. This can be run on a physical computer, virtual machine or server. Version 8 does not support USB-network keys.

Network Pre-requisites:

  • Dedicated computer or server for use that all end-user machines can access
  • Network computer or server must be connected (online) at all times

Installation Instructions:

There are 4 steps to setting up a networked version:

  • Install the Network Executable – Do this on the machine (or virtual machine designated as your server)
  • Load the product key(s) into the Network Executable
  • Configuring the fire-wall settings
  • Connect the end-user software / PC's to the Network Security option

Step 1 Install the Network Executable

Install the network executable software on the server or computer designated as the server. This installs as a tray executable with a background service process. Once installed, you can locate it in the desktop tray.

Download Link for Network Executable

 

Step 2 Load the Product Key / Configure the Options

  • Once installed, the network executable should automatically launch. If you cannot locate it open your desktop tray (or press the shortcut link on your desktop):

  • Press the + button to enter your first product code, as shown in the figure below:

  • The license manager dialog will be displayed, enter the network license code

  • Press "ACTIVATE".
  • After the activation is complete, you will be shown a summary, press "CONTINUE".

Back in the license manager main area, you can now configure your network license options:

  • Set a License Name
  • Set a Port Code - the default is 8080, but you can configure this manually if that port is already in use by another software or device.
  • Configure Check out length - adjust the slider to limit the length of time one of the users can take the software offline (1-30 days).
  • Press "SAVE".

 

Step 3 Configure your Firewall (Optional).

  • If you have a firewall you need to either open the port you choose or add Softree License Server to the list of exceptions.
  • To create a firewall rule based on the software:
    1. On the Start menu, click Run, type WF.msc, and then click OK.
    2. Select Inbound Rules, then Click New Rule...
    3. Ensure "Program" is selected and click Next.
    4. Ensure "This program path:" is selected and then click Browse. Navigate to the folder you installed Softree License Manager to (default folder is: C:\Program Files (x86)\Softree\License Manager Server). Select SoftreeNetworkService.exe and then click Next.
    5. Ensure Allow the connection is selected and then click Next.
    6. Select the Profiles you want the License Manager to be accessible from and then Click Next.
    7. Enter a Name and Description(optional) and then click Finish.
  • To create a Firewall rule based on only the port:
    1. Repeat steps 1 - 2 above.
    2. Select TCP and then under Specific local ports: enter the port you entered above (default is 8080).
    3. Repeat steps 5-7 above.

NOTE: For organizations with enhanced server security, we are happy to provide our static IP and port information.

Step 4 Connect the end-user software / PC's to the Network Security option.

 

  • Install your Softree products on each of the end-user computers
  • Once installed, run any module of the software. The License Manager dialogue will automatically pop-up:

  • Select "NETWORK SITE LICENSE"

NOTE: the end-user computer must be online and able to connect to the server computer at time of configuration.

To add a server license:

In smaller network situations, the "Scan" function works really well. In larger network situations - we recommend manually configuring the license, by pressing "ADD".

  • Scanning for a Network License:
    • Press "Scan"
    • the software will start scanning the network for available licenses.
    • Once a license(s) are located, the details will be displayed in the scan.
    • Press CANCEL to stop scanning and view the found licenses.
  • Manually Configuring a Network License:
    • Press "ADD"
    • Enter the server name or IP address. (Note: the IP address is displayed in the top right corner of the license manager)
    • Enter the port # as configured in the license manager.
    • Press "VERIFY and ADD"

NOTE: If the server has a fluctuating IP address, we recommend adding by Name vs IP.

  • Select the desired available license:
    • Select the desired Available License (if more than one) and press Connect.


 

Security Options

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