Summary

If a GibbsCAM client cannot obtain a Network License (NLO), one of the first troubleshooting steps is to verify that the client computer can communicate with the Network License Server.

This article explains how to test network connectivity using Windows PowerShell and provides guidance for troubleshooting common communication problems.


TABLE OF CONTENTS


When to Use This Article

Use this article if you experience one or more of the following:

  • GibbsCAM cannot obtain a network license.

  • "Unable to connect to license server" errors.

  • The client starts but reports that no licenses are available.

  • Some workstations connect successfully while others do not.


Before You Begin

Before testing the connection:

  • Verify that the Network License Server is powered on.

  • Confirm that the GibbsRLMServer service is running.

  • Determine the server's hostname or IP address.

  • Verify the port number configured for the RLM license server.

By default, the RLM license server uses TCP port 2764. Your administrator may have configured a different port.


Test Connectivity Using PowerShell

To test if the client and server can communicate back and forth:

  1. On the client, open the Windows Start menu.

  2. Search for PowerShell.

  3. Open Windows PowerShell or Windows Terminal.

Run the following command:

Test-NetConnection <ServerNameOrIPAddress> -Port 2764


Example using an IP address:

Test-NetConnection 192.168.1.25 -Port 2764


Example using a server name:

Test-NetConnection GC-NLO-SERVER -Port 2764


If your Network License Server has been configured to use a different port, replace 2764 with the appropriate port number.


Understanding the Results

Successful Connection

A successful test will report:

TcpTestSucceeded : True


This indicates that:

  • The client can reach the server.

  • The specified port is accessible.

  • Network communication is functioning.

This does not necessarily confirm that the license configuration is correct—it only verifies network connectivity.


Failed Connection

If the test reports:

TcpTestSucceeded : False


the client cannot communicate with the server on the specified port.

Possible causes include:

  • Windows Firewall blocking the connection

  • Third-party firewall or antivirus software

  • Incorrect server name or IP address

  • Incorrect port number

  • Network routing issues

  • VPN configuration

  • Switch or router security policies

  • The GibbsRLMServer service is not running


Verify the Server Name

If you are using a hostname instead of an IP address:

  1. Open a Command Prompt.

  2. Run:

ping ServerName


Example:

ping GC-NLO-SERVER


If the hostname cannot be resolved, try using the server's IP address instead or consult your network administrator.


Verify the License Server Service

On the server:

  1. Open Services.

  2. Locate:

GibbsRLMServer

Verify that:

  • The service is running.

  • Startup Type is Automatic.

  • No errors are reported.


Verify the Firewall

If PowerShell reports that the connection failed:

Confirm that:

  • TCP port 2764 is open.

  • Any custom RLM port is open if the default has been changed.

  • Security software is not blocking the connection.

If your organization manages firewall rules centrally, contact your IT department.


Expected Result

The PowerShell test completes successfully and reports:

TcpTestSucceeded : True


The client should then be able to communicate with the Network License Server.


Troubleshooting

Problem: PowerShell Reports TcpTestSucceeded : False

Possible Causes

  • Firewall

  • Incorrect server address

  • Incorrect port

  • RLM service stopped

Resolution

Verify the server address, confirm the RLM service is running, and ensure the required TCP port is open.


Problem: Ping Works but Test-NetConnection Fails

Cause

The server is reachable, but the required port is blocked.

Resolution

Review firewall settings and confirm that the RLM server is listening on the expected port.


Problem: Test-NetConnection Succeeds but GibbsCAM Still Cannot Obtain a License

Possible Causes

  • Incorrect client license configuration

  • No licenses available

  • Client pointing to the wrong server

  • License server configuration issue

Resolution

Verify the client license configuration, review the RLM server status, and confirm that licenses are available for checkout.


Best Practices

  • Use the server hostname whenever possible to avoid future IP address changes.

  • Assign a static IP address or static DNS name to the Network License Server.

  • Verify connectivity before troubleshooting licensing configuration.

  • Document any non-default port assignments.

  • Test connectivity from multiple client workstations when diagnosing network-wide issues.


Related Articles


Keywords

Test-NetConnection, PowerShell, Network License, NLO, License Server, RLM, Reprise License Manager, TCP 2764, Firewall, Connectivity Test, License Checkout, GibbsRLMServer