borrow a license for local use from a multi network license (no online license)

[LP Cheil]

hi there,
we have to work at home and we use a network license for several workstations in our business network.
how to borrow a license from that network license pool for a single workstation used offline?

thank you

[ivan.slavchev]

You can:
- Use a VPN and connect to the office network, if you just need to work remotely
or, if you need to be offline

1. Install the latest license server on your computer
2. Navigate in your browser to http://localhost:30304
3. Log in with your username or email - https://docs.chaosgroup.com/display/...tup-Activation
4. Open your license settings - https://docs.chaosgroup.com/display/...cense+Settings
5. Add "127.0.0.1" or "localhost" in the "Alternate license server 1" field (as I assume you have another IP as a primary license server). Do NOT change 30304 port to another value. Click on the "OK" button to save the settings.
6. Start your 3D application and try obtaining a V-Ray license.

[JuhaHo]

Because of this Covid-19 situation, I have a suggestion. Would it be possible to share license between office workstation and laptop? Max for instance works that way. However I have to work without Chaos software when working away from office. There would still be only one user/license. Is it possible at the moment for my one man band?

[ivan.slavchev]

That IS possible if you use your licenses online, or if you have a VPN to the office network, or both. If you have them on a dongle - you can migrate the licenses to your CG account. You just need the latest license server - documentation is available here.

[JuhaHo]

Thanks Ivan,

What happens to Backburner network rendering if I remove the dongle? How does the render manager in the office see the license if it's active in Laptop?

[ivan.slavchev]

Network rendering works the same way. Each render node with V-Ray installed has license settings that point V-Ray towards a license server computer. The licenses will be obtained from it regardless if they are on a dongle or not.
I guess (correct me if I'm wrong) that you have a render farm in the office and a license server computer that has your dongle plugged in. If you migrate the licenses from the dongle to your CG account you can keep the same license configuration in the office - e.g. a license server machine logged in with your account that provides licenses to the RN computers via the internal network, but additionally - you can use your login to activate additional license server instances in other locations - your home, another office etc. That's because instead of having the license information on a dongle you synchronize it directly with our backend server via the internet.

Additionally - if you submit render jobs to an office render farm it's best to do so from a computer in the office network - you can use RDP, VNC or another tool to connect while working from home.

There are some examples here. If you have a specific environment in mind, however - let me know and I'll be able to recommend a setup.