Network Licensed Software Installation

The page shows the major steps in installing network licensed software on your workstation. Whether it is MATLAB, ABAQUS or some other software, the steps are very similar. Below we will use MATLAB as the example. The first step is preparation, where you prepare your workstation for installation as well as gather the necessary installation related information. The second step is the actual installation, where you input the necessary information to complete the installation on your workstation. The final step is post installation, where you try to launch the software and deal with any errors and contingencies.

Preparation

Network Configuration

The first step in the network licensed software installation is to find out the proper hostname of the computer where the software will reside. On a Windows PC you can use command ipconfig /all in a command window. On a Linux workstation, you can use the hostname command.

Output of ifconfig /all on Windows

Important Note: The hostname is listed in the field of Host Name, and in this case is convenient.

You can change the hostname via System Properties inside of the Windows Control Panel. Click on the Computer Name tab and then click on the Change button to change your hostname.

Windows System Properties Computer Name

Request a License

After you have located the hostname of your workstation, you need to send an email to cets@seas.upenn.edu with following items:

Request the Software Media

In case you also need the actual software media in the form of CD or DVD, you should also clearly indicate that in the license request email to cets@seas.upenn.edu.

Getting a License File

Once you have received the license file from the CETS, save it on your machine as license.dat.

Contents of license.dat in Notepad

Installation

Entering a Personal License Password (PLP)

This step is only applicable for MATLAB on a Windows PC. Please contact CETS if you need a PLP.

Entering the License File Location

When prompted, you should input the file location of the previous saved license file, license.dat.

MATLAB license file dialog box

Accepting the License Agreement

Accept the license agreement. The steps after the accepting the license agreement are relatively straight forward and don't need additional explanation.

MATLAB license agreement dialog box

Post-Installation

License Error

The following is a common licensing error due to an improper network setting.

License manager error notification

The most likely cause of this error is due to inconsistent network configurations between the client and the server. To help CETS troubleshoot the issue, include the output of the command ipconfig /all on the Windows workstation or hostname; ifconfig -a on a Linux workstation in your email to cets@seas.upenn.edu.

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