Tekla Structures Multi User Server 2.3 20
Sofie Kovalcheck
This article is for Tekla Structures Multiuser server version 2.3 or older.
For setting up multiple instances of the Tekla Structures Multiuser server version 2.301s, use the following link:
Setting up multiple instances of Tekla Structures Multiuser Server
The new multi-user server will use a different database file for handling the model changes. One multi-user model must always use the same multi-user server so that the system is able to keep track of changes. Agree with your users which models use which multi-user server and make users aware that changing the multi-user server is not allowed. Do not set up several multi-user servers if there is no specific reason to do so - one multi-user server can handle several models.
Make sure that computers running Tekla Structures can access the port you defined earlier (TCP port 1240 in the example above). For example, create a firewall rule that allows incoming communications on TCP port 1240 on the computer where the multi-user server is running.
When using the new multi-user server address in Tekla Structures, type the address in format server_hostname,port
where server_hostname is a hostname (or, alternatively, IPv4 address) of the computer where the multi-user server is running on, port - the TCP port you defined earlier.
For example, if your multi-user server is running on a computer whose name is my_company_server and the TCP port is set to 1240, then you should use the following multi-user server address in Tekla Structures:
With these steps you can try to verify if this is a network problem. Do the following steps on at least one of the client computers where some multi-user error message normally appears (IP address 123.456.7.890 should be replaced with the IP address of your multi-user server):
If there are plenty of Request timed out messages you can suspect that there is a network issue. This could be caused for example by a broken hardware on the network, such as a router or a switch.
If there is nothing suspicious in the Command Prompt, this is not a network problem. We can continue checking where else the problem might be. It could be for example the port, the multi-user server application, or Tekla Structures.
In some cases we have found out that disabling offline files in Windows Sync Center helps with weird multi-user connection problems. You find this setting under the Manage offline files in the Sync Center.
You can experience performance issues when there is a slow network communication. If your VPN connection is stable and fast enough, you can use it for both licensing and multi-user with some additional requirements:
Question:
When changing the server name of the multi-user server, is there an easy way to update all models to the new server without having to open each model and specify server name?
Answer:
When you have a multiuser model, Tekla Structures creates a file in the model folder called .This_is_multiuser_model. If you open this file in a text editor, it contains the following information:
Question:
Is there a way to fasten the saving and modeling process when working in the multi-user mode?
Answer:
1. Check your network connection speed, because it can slow down the saving process significantly.
2. Check that your workstations comply with the latest hardware recommendations. A good processor can increase the speed.
3. During the saving process RAM memory use is significant. Tekla Structures is able to use all the available memory for the saving process.
4. The saving time may be shorter if you close down all the views of the model before saving.
5. If there are many system files in the network drive, saving may become slower than when using system files located on your own hard drive. A good way to speed up the saving is to set XS_PROJECT and XS_FIRM to a local drive and move most of the system files there. Each user should naturally use the same files to ensure similar outcome.
6. Running the multi-user server on the same workstation as TS has no advantage or disadvantage. The multi-user server itself has very low CPU usage.
7. If you have a hidden reference model which you do not need anymore, you can delete it. Large reference models can slow down saving and modeling.
Question:
How many multi-user models can be handled on a single multi-user service?
Answer:
There is no exact recommendation on this. The multi-user service handles many things such as distribution of id numbers and keeping track of active multi-users etc.
If many users work with large models the network traffic can become quite heavy. In case all TS models in a company are assigned to the same multi-user service, the performance may become slow. Therefore it might be a good idea to assign the models to separate multi-user services. The services can be run on the same physical multi-user server. The number of multi-user services on a server is not limited but some users have reported that in practice the limit is close to 100.
Limit for multi-user services
See also:
Setting up multiple instances of Tekla Structures multi-user server
Answer:
The dbm_connect error is related to connecting to the database, in this case the multi-user server and the multi-user models. The error 9 means "duplicate client" and it is displayed because the server still thinks that the first connection is alive. Please check if there are users having several connections open to the same model.
The warning/error can be safely ignored (as long as there is less than 9 users with same username - which is usually the case).
What causes duplicate users?
It is possible to get duplicates in at least these ways:
1. Duplicate users are most likely caused by connection breaks.
This can happen if there are too short timeout settings on the firewall or router. The timeout should be "long enough" or infinite, if possible.
2. Someone else is already using the server with the same username or as "Administrator" (or something similar)
It is possible to kick out those users from the Active Multi-user list.
3. The error 5 and error 125 can also result in duplicate users
Tekla Model Sharing is a truly innovative BIM collaboration product. The unique, patented technology has many advantages over the existing multi-user mode. In addition to the new way of working with local off-line models, it is the most reliable, the fastest and most cost-effective way to collaborate with Tekla Structures projects.
Tekla Structures 17 Hardware Recommendation Tekla Structures 17 Hardware Recommendation Recommendations for Tekla Structures workstations 2011-02-11 Copyright Tekla 2011 1 (5) Tekla Structures hardware recommendations are based on the setups that have been used in testing Tekla Structures and proven to be compatible with Tekla Structures. In addition to setups presented in this document, there are plenty of other suitable setups available. You can use this document as a guideline in choosing new hardware, but bear in mind that equipment and labels presented in this document are not the only suitable hardware setup. The main criterion when choosing hardware is reliable performance. If you are considering a new hardware component, e.g. graphics card, test it beforehand to ensure it fulfills the requirements. If you are considering purchasing large number of computers for your Tekla Structures users, test and verify the setup first with one or two computers before purchasing a large batch. Tekla Structures is designed to be used on a desktop or laptop computer. Tekla Structures has not been tested for server installations or for virtualization. Operating system Tekla Structures 17 is supported in the following operating systems: 32-bit and 64-bit Windows 7 32-bit and 64-bit Windows Vista SP 2 32-bit Windows XP SP 3 Additional software components Tekla Structures 17 uses Microsoft .NET framework 4.0 and Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable. These software components are installed automatically by Tekla Structures 17 installation package, if needed. However, if you are distributing Tekla Structures 17 in a centralized manner using .msi packages, then you need to download these software components from Microsoft web site and install them separately before distributing Tekla Structures. Hardware Components Every component plays a role in the performance and usability of the computer. The important components for performance are memory, graphics card and processor. From an ergonomic point of view, the important components are monitor(s), graphics card, keyboard and mouse. Memory Memory requirements depend on the size of the model. Large models require more memory. An average setup for lighter projects is 32-bit operating system with 3 to 4 GB of RAM.
In addition, LICAD is prepared for use in a client/server environment. Project administration enables the exchange of drawings between different users and locations, including
queries that can be made directly to LISEGA.