Description

What is the difference between a node-locked and a floating license? Which one do I need?

Answer

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 Linux, Synplify Pro always uses a server. In the node-locked case, the server is the same machine as the client, and is, therefore, treated like a floating license installation.

Under Windows, Synplify Pro only uses a server for floating licenses. For 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. 

Floating license configurations requires that both client and server machines are 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 license do I need if I am accessing the license server remotely?

If you are accessing the license server 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?