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Network Security

Updated April 30, 2024

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

The Network License (enterprise licensing) runs as a server-side executable. It requires a physical computer, virtual machine or server. 

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
  • Network Server needs to allow PING requests
  • As of Version 11, the server also requires .Net 4.8

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 Version 11 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):

Network-Tray-1.jpg

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

network-softree-2.png

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

network-softree-3.png

  • 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".

If your network is hosting two product types (of the same version), press the + button to enter your 2nd product code. (If applicable).

  • The license manager dialog will be displayed, enter the 2nd network license code.
  • Press "ACTIVATE".
  • Continue with the steps above to Set a License Name, port and check-out length for the 2nd License

network-softree-4.png

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.

NOTE: If you are using a 3rd party firewall, refer to the firewall provider’s instructions for enabling software to operate through the firewall.

Window's Firewall Instructions:

  • 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.

Additionally, Echo Requests (ping) must be enabled to check internet connectivity. They are often blocked by default on Windows Server.

        PING.PNG

NOTE: For organizations with enhanced server security, please whitelist
licensing.softree.com, port 80 and 443.


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 (LINK)
  • Once installed, run any module of the software. The License Manager dialogue will automatically be displayed:

network-softree-5.png

  • 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.

network-softree-6.png

  • The license activation summary screen will be shown. Press Continue to close license manager and utilize the software.

network-softree-7.png

Security Options