Before installing the software, there are some simple concepts you must understand. The network key is installed on a machine called the keyserver. This machine hosts the key and the software that makes the key visible over your local area network (LAN).

The keyserver can be any machine on the network. It does not need to run a server operating system, like Windows Server 2003. It simply needs to run some version of Windows, and be visible on the network to all the machines that will want to use network licenses.

Client machines are the machines that will run ZEMAX and use the network license. The keyserver machine may also operate as a ZEMAX workstation. The client machines must be able to ping the keyserver in order for network operation to work.

The network software uses ports 7001 and 7002 for communication. These port numbers were chosen because they are not normally used for any other purpose. If these ports are being used for some other purpose on your network, you can use other ports. Please email support@zemax.com for guidance in this case.

Please note that the network key is worth the full value of the software. We recommend that you insure the network key for its full replacement value, and that the keyserver machine be kept in a secure room. If the key is lost or stolen, it will not be replaced without payment of the full purchase price.

In the following pages, we describe setting up the network key on a LAN that uses the 10.0.0.x IP address space. The keyserver machine has the address 10.0.0.1. You should use whatever IP address space and numbering your network uses.