Deploying a ZW3D network license enables organizations to centralize license management and optimize software utilization across multiple workstations. Instead of assigning fixed licenses to individual machines, a network license server allows users to request licenses on demand over a local area network (LAN). This approach reduces procurement costs and simplifies administrative oversight.
This guide provides a complete, step‑by‑step deployment procedure. It covers installation and activation of the ZWSOFT Network License Manager, configuration of the license server using LMTOOLS, and connection of client computers to the floating license pool. Follow the instructions in the order presented to ensure a stable and fully functional network licensing environment.
You can also refer to the simplified process overview below to have a basic understanding:
| Step | Stage | What You Will Do | Endpoint |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Install and Activate License Manager | Download and install the ZWSOFT Network License Manager; Activate the network license using online or offline method | Server |
| 2 | Configure and Start License Service | Set up LMTOOLS, define service name, and specify license file; Start the license server and verify it is running properly | Server |
| 3 | Connect Client Computers | Configure client machines to request and use floating licenses | Client |
Deploy a ZW3D network license when multiple users need shared access, centralized license management, and a stable LAN connection. It is best suited for teams with fluctuating usage, while a standalone license is usually better for single-user or offline workflows. By sharing licenses dynamically, companies can maximize utilization, reduce costs, and simplify management.
Consider deploying a network license in the following scenarios:
1. Multiple users sharing licenses simultaneously
When several team members need to use ZW3D at the same time, a network license allows them to access licenses on demand, without assigning a fixed license to each person.
2. Fluctuating team size
In teams where the number of active users varies, a “first-come, first-served” approach ensures that licenses are efficiently utilized by whoever is working on ZW3D at the moment.
3. Centralized license management
Organizations that want to manage all licenses from a single server can benefit from easier configuration, monitoring, and control, reducing the administrative burden.
4. Stable office network with low-latency LAN
For environments where workstations maintain continuous network connections, network licensing ensures reliable access and optimal performance.
5. License borrowing for mobile users
Users with laptops or remote staff can borrow a license before leaving the office, allowing them to continue working offline when network access is unavailable.
Now that you understand the overall workflow, let’s walk through each step in detail to ensure a smooth and successful deployment.
To deploy ZW3D network license successfully, you first need to download and install the ZWSOFT Network License Manager, which is essential for license activation, distribution, and management across your organization.
After installation, the next step is to activate your network license. ZWSOFT provides two activation methods to suit different environments:
● Online Activation – Recommended for servers with internet access, offering a fast and straightforward setup process.
● Offline Activation – Ideal for secure or isolated environments without internet connectivity.
In the following sections, we will introduction both activation methods step by step.
To activate your network license online, ensure your server is connected to the internet, then follow these steps:
1. Open the Network License Manager, and in the Online Activation section, enter your Activation ID and specify the license quantity (Note: Licenses may not exceed the max valid number).
2. Click Activate to complete the activation process.
To activate your ZW3D network license offline, follow these steps:
1. Open the Network License Manager. In the Offline Activation section, enter your Activation ID and specify the license quantity (Note: Licenses may not exceed the max valid number). After that, click Generate.
2. Choose a location to save the request file. Then click Save.
3. Access the ZWSOFT License Management Platform when computer is accessible to Internet, or copy the request file to another device with internet connection. Login ZWSOFT License Management Platform.
4. On the platform, go to Manage Entitlements, select Manual Activation.
5. Click Browse to upload the request file and click Submit.
6. Click Save To File to download the response file.
7. Return to the Offline Activation interface in the Network License Manager, click Browse to upload the response file, then click Activate to complete the activation.
After activation, you need to configure and start the ZW3D network license server to make licenses available to client machines.
Follow these steps to configure the server:
Step 1. Open Network License Configuration. Click the Services/License File tab, and check LMTOOLS ignores license file path environment variables.
Step 2. Click the Config Services tab, enter a name in Service Name (customizable), or rename an existing service.
Step 3. Click Browse to locate and select both the lmgrd.exe file and the license file (LicenseFile.lic) from their installation directories.
Step 4. Check Use Services and Start Server at Power Up, then click Save Service to save the service configuration to the specified location.
Step 5. Open Windows Services (Services), locate the created service（ZWSOFT), then right-click it and select Properties.
Step 6. Switch to the Log On tab, select Local System account, and then click Apply to confirm the settings.
Step 7. Open Network License Configuration, switch to the Start/Stop/Reread tab, and click Start Server. Wait a moment until the message “Server Start Successful” appears.
After the license server is successfully deployed, client computers need to connect to the server to request and use floating licenses in ZW3D.
Follow these steps to activate a floating license on a client machine:
Step 1. Make sure that you have already got a floating license. Go to License Manager from the software interface. (You can also achieve this through License Manager in the Start menu）
Step 2. Click the Activate License button to open the activation page.
Step 3. In the activation options, select Request a Floating License. Enter the Server Name or IP address and Port number of the license server. Then click QUERY to display all available licenses on the server. Expand the list and select the license you want to use. Click Activate to complete the activation process.
Although deploying a ZW3D network license involves several steps—server preparation, license activation, service configuration, and client connectivity—a structured approach makes the process systematic and repeatable.
Once the license server is correctly configured and running, administrators gain centralized control over license allocation, real‑time usage monitoring, and the ability to support offline workflows through license borrowing. By adhering to the procedures outlined above, organizations can achieve efficient, cost‑effective utilization of their ZW3D floating licenses without recurring manual interventions.
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