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Configuring Failover Server in Online Environments

Online Environments

You can add a standalone HP Anyware License Server to act as a backup in case the main HP Anyware License Server fails. The main server periodically updates the backup server to keep it in sync. The two servers are registered as a failover pair.

In a failover situation, when the main server is down or is unreachable, the backup one can validate sessions. However, the backup server does not synchronize data with the main server. Hence, information about usage will be unreliable as long as the failover lasts.

Note: About Failover

Failover requires manual changes in PCoIP Connection Managers and Anyware Agents. Switching from the main HP Anyware License Server to the backup one requires configuration manually in your PCoIP Connection Managers and Anyware agents. See Failover behavior for more information.

Installation Notes

  • The backup server must have the same version as the main server.

  • Both license servers should be configured identically with some allowable differences. For example, you can specify different PORT values for these servers.

  • The host IDs of both the main and backup servers must be the same type (for example, you can use two VM UUIDs or two Ethernet MAC addresses, but not one of each).

  • The two servers should be in different physical locations if possible or at least on independent hypervisors so that an incident or a failure will not take down both servers.

  • The clocks of both the servers must be accurate, synchronized, and in the same time zone. If they are not, unpredictable behavior can occur.

  • You must configure the main server with the failover information before the backup server is registered with HP. If the backup server is registered with HP(FNO) before the configuration completes, create a ticket with HP Support for assistance.

Installing and Configuring a Failover Pair

Failover pairs can be established either with a temporary Internet connection or without it.

The main and backup servers must always have connectivity with each other. Once you install a new HP Anyware License Server as your backup, DO NOT register it with HP (FNO) right away.

1. Set the host ID of the backup server on the main server

The main server needs to know the ID of the backup server to create a failover pair. Get the ID from the backup server and add it in the configuration file on the main server.

  1. Start the backup HP Anyware License Server.

  2. Execute the below command and note the host ID in a response:

    pcoip-get-license-server-id

  3. Stop the backup server:

    1. Navigate to Services and select the HP Anyware License Server" service.

    2. Stop the service.

  4. Switch to the main server and start it:

    1. Navigate to Services and select the HP Anyware License Server" service.

    2. Start the service.

  5. On the main server, use a text editor to edit C:\Program Files\HP\HP Anyware License Server\server\local-configuration.yaml.

  6. Set the backup-hostid you recorded in step 2.

  7. Save and exit the editor.

  8. Shut down the main server.

    1. Navigate to Services and select the HP Anyware License Server" service.

    2. Stop the service.

  9. Shut down the backup server.

2. Register the main and backup servers

  1. Start the main HP Anyware License Server.

    1. Navigate to Services and select the HP Anyware License Server" service.

    2. Stop the service.

  2. Execute the following command:

    pcoip-list-licenses

  3. Start the backup server after you see a valid response from pcoip-list-licenses.

3. Enable failover support on the backup server

Configure a few settings on the backup server to enable it to sync with the main server.

Note: Prompt for Password

You will be prompted for a password when using these commands. When prompted, provide the administrative password, as set by pcoip-set-password.

On the backup server, use the flexnetlsadmin.bat utility to set the following HP Anyware License Server policy settings. This utility is available in the following location: C:\Program Files\HP\HP Anyware License Server\enterprise.

  1. Navigate to the "enterprise" folder by running the following command: 
cd "C:\Program Files\HP\HP Anyware License Server\enterprise"

  1. Run the following commands:

    • fne.syncTo.mainUri: Set this in the URI of the main server using this format: https://:/fne/bin/capability.

    Example:

    .\flexnetlsadmin.bat -server http://localhost:7070/api/1.0/instances/~ -authorize admin -passwordConsoleInput -config -set fne.syncTo.mainUri=http://<MainLicenseServerHostName>:7070/fne/bin/capability
    • fne.syncTo.enabled: Set this value to true.

    Example:

    .\flexnetlsadmin.bat -server http://localhost:7070/api/1.0/instances/~ -authorize admin -passwordConsoleInput -config -set fne.syncTo.enabled=true

4. Configure response reference information on the main server

Capability responses returned to client devices include the URIs for the main and backup servers. Configure one or both of these policy settings to include the corresponding URIs in the response reference information:

  • Include the main server URI in client responses: Set the licensing.main.uri value using flexnetlsadmin.sh. Example (replace these host names and port numbers with yours):
.\flexnetlsadmin.bat -server http://localhost:7070/api/1.0/instances/~ -authorize admin -passwordConsoleInput -config -set licensing.main.uri=http://<MainLicenseServerHostName>:7070/fne/bin/capability
  • Include the backup server URI in client responses: Set the licensing.backup.uri value using flexnetlsadmin.sh. For example (replace these host names and port numbers with yours):
.\flexnetlsadmin.bat -server http://localhost:7070/api/1.0/instances/~ -authorize admin -passwordConsoleInput -config -set licensing.backup.uri=http://<BackupLicenseServerHostName>:7070/fne/bin/capability

5. Activate licenses on the main server

If licenses are not activated on the main server at start, activate them now by executing the pcoip-activate-online-license command. The active licenses automatically sync to the backup server. For more information, see activate online license.

6. Verify failover configuration

After both servers receive their license rights, verify the failover scenario role of each server. The failover role for each server is included in the capability responses delivered to it.

Use the flexnetlsadmin.bat tool from each server to verify its failover role. As usual, replace the URI and port information here with yours.

  • From the main HP Anyware License Server:
.\flexnetlsadmin.bat -server http://localhost:7071/api/1.0/instances/~ -authorize admin -passwordConsoleInput -status

You should see a backup server specified in the response.

  • From the backup HP Anyware License Server:
.\flexnetlsadmin.bat -server http://localhost:7071/api/1.0/instances/~ -authorize admin -passwordConsoleInput -status

This response should not contain a backup server item.