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All About Host IDs
This article is part of the Licensing for Keysight Test & Measurement series of articles.
What is a Host ID?
A host ID uniquely identifies your host computer or instrument so that a software license can be assigned to it. A host ID can be any of the following:
A unique identifier assigned to the Ethernet Network Interface Card (NIC). This is sometimes called an Ethernet address or MAC (Media Access Control) address.
An ID specific to a host PC or instrument expressed in a defined format such as:
model,serial number or
PCSERNO,serial number
An ID specific to a FlexID USB dongle.
A host ID is not a machine's hostname or server name or network name.
How do I find the Host ID?
The easiest way to find the host IDs for your computer or instrument is to install and open PathWave License Manager (preferred) or Keysight License Manager on it. You can click on the video to the right for a demo on finding the correct host ID to use when assigning a license.
PathWave License Manager displays the host IDs in the default Add License view:
How to Find Host IDs in Pathwave License Manager
Keysight License Manager shows the host ID at the top of the main window:
How to Find Host IDs in Keysight License Manager
Non-Windows-based instruments have a variety of ways to access the Host IDs, usually under a Utility menu. Please see How to Find Serial Numbers and Host IDs for Keysight Test & Measurement Hardware and Software.
Host ID should I use when requesting licenses?
When requesting a license file, be sure to use an ID or address of the machine where the license file will be installed. Machines usually have more than one host ID. However, when you request a license file, you must provide only one of the machine's host IDs.
This can be:
An ethernet MAC (Media Access Control) address (e.g. 6c02e068d006)
A Keysight Host ID (e.g. PCSERNO,EG52729749)
A FlexNet ID (e.g. 10-0bebf1c3).
The entitlement certificate you received contains information on which type of host ID is appropriate for the product you purchased. Keysight Software Manager also provides guidance during the license request process.
Avoid MAC addresses that are transient or short lived. such as ethernet MAC addresses that are configured for virtual machines (VMs), virtual private networks (VPNs), docking stations, or WiFi networking adapters. Note that PathWave License Manager displays only host IDs that are stable and/or persistent.
