Advanced BricsCAD Network Licence Settings
Quick answer: The Network License Server uses three ports: 5053 and 5054 are fixed, but the ISV port changes on every server startup unless you set it manually. Firewalls, proxies, and antivirus software can all block these, so it’s worth confirming they’re allowed through after installation. Activation itself also needs specific outbound access separate from these three ports.
Ports the Network License Server Uses
| Port | Purpose | Default behaviour |
|---|---|---|
| 5053 | Licence seat broadcasting | Fixed |
| 5054 | RLM web UI (localhost:5054) |
Fixed |
| ISV port | Communication for the BricsCAD licence specifically | Changes on every server startup unless fixed manually |
Keep These Ports Open
Firewalls, proxy servers, antivirus software, and other security tools can all block these ports and stop the server working correctly. After installing the Network License Server, confirm the required ports are open and that the licence server process itself (rlm.exe on Windows, rlm on Linux) isn’t being blocked by security software.
Setting a Fixed ISV Port
The ISV port changes every time the server starts up by default, which is awkward if your firewall rules expect a stable port to allow through. Fixing it to a specific value avoids that.
Check which port is currently in use:
- Go to the RLM web UI at
localhost:5054. - Click Status to open the Status for “rlm” page. The Port column in the ISV Servers table shows the port currently in use.
Set a fixed value:
- Open the licence file in a text editor. The default location is
C:\Program Files\Bricsys\Bricsys Network License Server. - On the ISV bricsys line, add the port number:
ISV bricsys port=[port_number]
- Restart the computer, or just restart the RLM service.
If you’re managing more than one licence on the same server, assign a fixed port in each individual licence file, not just one.
Firewall Requirements for Activation
Separately from the three ports above, the Network License Manager tool needs outbound access to license.bricsys.com/actpro on port 80 and api.bricsys.com on port 443 for activation to work at all. If there’s a proxy sitting between BricsCAD (the client) and the Network License Server, proxy settings need configuring on the BricsCAD client side too, not just on the server.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I need to fix the ISV port instead of leaving it dynamic? So firewall rules can reliably allow it through. A port that changes on every restart is hard to whitelist consistently.
Where do I check which ISV port is currently in use? The RLM web UI at localhost:5054, under Status, in the Port column of the ISV Servers table.
What if I have multiple network licences on one server? Assign a fixed port in each licence file individually, not just the first one you set up.
What outbound access does activation need? license.bricsys.com/actpro on port 80 and api.bricsys.com on port 443.