Description
What is the difference between a node-locked and a floating license? Which one do I need?
Answer
For ACE
ACE can be installed to use a node-locked or a floating license. Node-locked licenses do not require a license server, while floating licenses do, which can be hosted on a Linux or Windows machine.
For Synplify Pro
For Windows licenses, Synplify Pro only requires a server for floating licenses. For Windows node-locked licenses, Synplify Pro does not require the license server software to be running. Simply store the synplify.lic file received from Achronix in a directory on the host machine, and set the SNPSLMD_LICENSE_FILE environment variable to point to the license file.
For Linux Synplify Pro licenses, the license server is always required. In the node-locked case, the server is the same machine as the client, and is, therefore, treated like a floating license installation. For more details on Synplify Pro licenses, refer to New-Style Versus Old-Style Synplify Pro Licenses.
Floating license configurations require that both client and server machines be connected to the same network. The client machines connecting to a floating license server (i.e., the machines running the ACE and Synplify Pro installations) can be Windows or Linux based regardless of the license server's operating system. In other words, a Linux license server can provide licenses to both Windows and Linux clients. Likewise, a Windows license server can provide licenses to both Windows and Linux clients.
FAQ
Which type of license do I need if I am accessing a client remotely?
If you are accessing a client remotely, you need a floating license.
Which license do I request if I plan to run Synplify Pro in batch mode?
If you are planning to run Synplify Pro in batch mode, you need a floating license.
How do I request a license?
The steps to request a license are given in the "Obtaining Software Licenses" section of the ACE Installation and Licensing Guide (UG002), or refer to How Do I Request an Evaluation License for Achronix Tools?