Dell NetWorker Licensing - Differences between served, unserved, and XML license files
Summary: This article provides a general overview of the differences between the different NetWorker license file types.
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Instructions
Difference between served and unserved license file.
NOTE: For a detailed licensing guide, see the NetWorker Licensing Guide available through Support for NetWorker | Manuals & Documents
NetWorker 19.x allows you to use a served or unserved license, which is specified in the license file you obtain from Dell Licensing. A served license requires installation and configuration of the Dell License Server, also known as the CLP License Server. An unserved license does not require you to install the License Server or open any associated firewall ports to enable communication with the License Server.
The following table demonstrates the differences between served and unserved licenses.
| Served license | Unserved license |
Unserved XML license |
| License Server required | License Server not required | License Server not required |
| Port/firewall dependency | No port/firewall dependency | No port/firewall dependency |
| License file is generated based on the License Server host. | License file is generated based on the NetWorker server host. | License file is generated based on the NetWorker server host. |
| License file served multiple NetWorker servers. | License file serves only one NetWorker server. | An unserved XML license file serves multiple NetWorker servers as it does not support node locking |
Additional Information
Affected Products
NetWorker Family, NetWorkerProducts
NetWorker FamilyArticle Properties
Article Number: 000008802
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 07 Jan 2026
Version: 8
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