TUFLOW Licensing
Introduction
A TUFLOW FV licence is required to run TUFLOW FV, except when running TUFLOW FV demo, tutorial or example models in licence free mode.
Licence Hosting Options
TUFLOW offers a variety of licence hosting approaches. Instructions are provided below for all available methods:
- Licence Free Mode: A licence free mode has been built into TUFLOW. For information outlining the limits associated with the licence free mode, see TUFLOW FV Free DEMO Version Guide
- Local Licence: In this form, TUFLOW FV simulations can only be run on the computer hosting the licence lock. For installation guidance see:
- Network Licence: In this form, the licence lock can be hosted on any computer or server. Other computers utilise available licences from the host computer via a company’s network. For installation guidance see:
- Cloud Licence: In this form, the licence lock is hosted on a WIBU cloud server. Other computers utilise licences from the host server over an internet connection. For installation guidance see:
Refer to the WIBU Lock Guidance for further information how to install, update and manage TUFLOW licences for all of the available licence hosting approaches.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many simulations can be run at the same time?
The number of licences reflect how many TUFLOW FV simulations can be run in parallel at any given time. For example, a Local 4 can run 4 simulations at the same time on the one computer. A Network 5 allows up to 5 simulations at any one time across an organisation’s network. If all licences are in use when a TUFLOW FV simulation starts, the simulation enters a holding pattern until a free licence is available.
What is the best licence for me?
Hardware (USB) vs. Software (Digital File)
The advantage of a hardware (USB) lock is that it is portable and not tied to a specific computer. You can unplug it and plug it into another computer.
A software lock is tied to a specific computer and cannot be moved once bound to that computer. The advantage of a software lock however is that it can be installed on a computer that you don't have physical access to, and it doesn't require a free USB port.
Local vs. Network
The advantage of a local lock is that you only need CodeMeter installed on the computer that will be running your TUFLOW software, and the required configuration will be minimal. No network access beyond this computer is required. The lock is either installed directly on this local CodeMeter, as a software lock, or CodeMeter will pick up an inserted hardware lock automatically.
The advantage of a network lock is that you can host multiple licences in a single place (called the CodeMeter Network Server). Licences are shared to client (modelling) computers from the server over your network. To function, these computers need to be able to access the Network Server over port 22350, which may require some co-operation of your IT staff to configure.
Cloud vs. non-Cloud
The advantage of a Cloud licence is that you can set it up on as many machines as you like, and reuse it on future machines, for as long as the licence is valid. This gives you a similar advantage to using a Network Licence, without the complexity of network connectivity. Another benefit of this is that you can put the licence on computers that are not connected to your local network. A potential disadvantage of a Cloud licence can be the requirement that the computer it is installed on has https (web) internet access to `wibu.cloud`. It is worth noting that currently the monitoring of Cloud licence usage is not as mature as the monitoring of network licences.