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1 Using Plaxis On A Network 2 Share The Software: 2.1 Server Installation 2.2 Workstation Installation
1 Using Plaxis On A Network 2 Share The Software: 2.1 Server Installation 2.2 Workstation Installation
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
PLAXIS
The Plaxis program can use the advantages of a network in two different manners:
-- Share the software: install the software on a server and share it over the
network instead of installing every computer seperately.
-- Share the hardlock: install a multiple-license network hardlock key on a
server instead of using multiple local hardlock keys.
It should be noted that these options can be used independently of each other; e.g.
install the software on every computer instead of on a server but still use a shared
network hardlock key.
2
NETWORK INSTALLATION GUIDE
In order to share the Plaxis software over a network two installation steps have to
be performed:
-- Server installation
-- Workstation installation
Note that the workstation installation is needed on every computer where Plaxis is
to be used.
3
PLAXIS
4
NETWORK INSTALLATION GUIDE
This procedure is only necessary when using the Plaxis network key
(green/purple key).
The same hardlock driver that is used for accessing a local hardlock is also used
for accessing a network hardlock. Therefore no additional hardlock installation is
needed on workstations.
However, in some cases it is practical to explicitly specify a search sequence using
environment variables to avoid conflicts when the system automatically searches
LPT port addresses.
Furthermore, specifying the TCP /IP address where the hardlock can be found will
decrease the search time.
HL_SEARCH=[Port],...,[Protocol],...
5
PLAXIS
[Port] comprises the I/O address in hexadecimal form and a port ID:
[Protocol] defines the protocol used for accessing an HL-Server. Only one
protocol is supported:
Protocol: Explanation:
Example:
SET HL_SEARCH=378p
The system only searches for the Hardlock at the local parallel port with the
address 0x378.
SET HL_SEARCH=378e,2f8s
6
NETWORK INSTALLATION GUIDE
The system searches for the Hardlock at the local parallel port with the address
0x378. The port is switched from ECP mode to “normal” mode while the Hardlock
is being accessed. If the system cannot find the Hardlock, it then searches for it at
the serial port with the address 0x2f8.
SET HL_SEARCH=IP,278p
The system first searches for a Hardlock supplied by the HL-Server using TCP/IP .
If it is not able to log into the HL-Server, it then searches for the Hardlock at the
local parallel port with address 0x278.
In order to improve the search via the TCP /IP protocol, the environment variable
HLS_IPADDR has been introduced. With it one or more IP addresses or names can
be defined. However, by entering several addresses at the same time - in contrast
to HL _SEARCH - you cannot predict which of the defined Hardlock Servers will
ultimately be used.
Example:
7
PLAXIS
SET HLS_IPADDR=192.9.209.17,hardlock.server
SET HLS_IPADDR=192.9.209.255,192.9.201.255
SET HLS_WAIT=
SET HLS_RETRIES=
sets the number of retries until message DONGLE _NOT _FOUND is returned:
default 5
min 2
max 30
In addition to the network hardlock drivers a tool can be installed to monitor and
change network hardlocks.
8
NETWORK INSTALLATION GUIDE
The tool is called “AKS monitor” but it is not installed automatically. The self-
extracting installation version (AKSMON 32.EXE) can be found in the HARDLOCK
directory on the Plaxis Installation CD.
Please note that this tool is not part of the Plaxis program but provided by the
Hardlock manufacturer.