Niagara Licensing and Software Updates

Proper license management and timely software updates are essential for maintaining secure, functional Niagara systems. This guide covers licensing fundamentals, update procedures, and best practices.

Licensing Fundamentals

License Types

Host ID Based

• Tied to specific hardware
• JACE serial number
• Supervisor MAC address
• Cannot transfer between devices

USB Dongle

• Portable license
• Can move between computers
• Used for Workbench
• Physical device required

License Components

Platform License

• Enables basic station operation
• Included with hardware
• Version-specific

Feature Licenses

• Add specific capabilities
• BACnet, LON, Modbus, etc.
• Graphics, alarming, scheduling
• Integration modules

Point Licenses

• Based on I/O count
• Network point limits
• Determines system capacity

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License Files

License File Location

JACE/Controller:
/opt/niagara/tridium/<version>/security/license/

Supervisor/Workbench:
C:\\Niagara\\<version>\\security\\license\\

License File Types

• .license: Primary license file
• .3license: Tridium 3.x format
• .4license: Niagara 4.x format

Viewing License Info

1. Open Workbench
2. Connect to station
3. Platform → License
4. Review enabled features

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Obtaining Licenses

New System License

1. Record Host ID (serial/MAC)
2. Contact Tridium distributor
3. Provide Host ID and order details
4. Receive license file
5. Install to device

License Updates

For feature additions or renewals:

1. Provide current Host ID
2. Specify features needed
3. Receive updated license
4. Replace existing license file

Finding Host ID

JACE:

• Physical label on unit
• Platform → About
• Station diagnostics

Supervisor:

• Platform → About
• Network adapter MAC
• USB dongle serial

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Installing Licenses

JACE License Installation

1. Connect to JACE via Workbench
2. Platform → License
3. Click Install License
4. Browse to license file
5. Install and verify
6. Restart station if required

Supervisor License Installation

1. Stop station (if running)
2. Copy license file to security/license folder
3. Start station
4. Verify in Platform → License

Workbench License

1. Close Workbench
2. Copy license to installation folder
3. Restart Workbench
4. Verify in Help → About

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Software Updates

Update Types

Patch Releases

• Bug fixes
• Security patches
• Minor version (4.10.x → 4.10.y)
• Generally safe to apply

Minor Updates

• New features
• Improvements
• Version change (4.10 → 4.11)
• Test before production

Major Updates

• Significant changes
• May require migration
• Version change (4.x → 5.x)
• Careful planning required

Update Sources

• Tridium Technical Community
• Authorized distributor
• Direct download (with credentials)

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Update Procedures

Pre-Update Checklist

• Backup all stations
• Document current versions
• Review release notes
• Check license compatibility
• Schedule maintenance window
• Notify stakeholders

JACE Update Process

Method 1: Workbench Update

1. Connect to JACE
2. Platform → Software Manager
3. Select update file
4. Apply update
5. Monitor progress
6. Verify operation

Method 2: Commission Tool

1. Access JACE via browser
2. Navigate to Platform
3. Upload software package
4. Apply and restart

Supervisor Update Process

1. Stop all stations
2. Backup databases
3. Run installer/updater
4. Follow prompts
5. Start stations
6. Verify operation

Workbench Update

1. Download new version
2. Close existing Workbench
3. Run installer
4. Choose upgrade option
5. Migrate settings
6. Verify functionality

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Version Compatibility

Workbench/Station Matching

Best practice: Match versions

• Workbench 4.10 → Station 4.10
• Minor differences usually OK
• Major differences may cause issues

Database Compatibility

• Databases migrate forward
• Backward compatibility limited
• Test migration in lab first

Driver Compatibility

• Verify driver versions
• Check for updated drivers
• Test third-party integrations

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Troubleshooting

License Issues

"License Invalid" Error

• Verify Host ID matches
• Check license file location
• Confirm license not expired
• Contact support if persistent

Missing Features

• Verify feature in license
• Check module installed
• Restart station after changes
• Review license details

Point Limit Exceeded

• Count licensed vs. used
• Remove unused points
• Request license upgrade
• Check for duplicate points

Update Issues

Update Fails to Install

• Check disk space
• Verify file integrity
• Review error logs
• Try alternative method

Station Won't Start After Update

• Check license compatibility
• Review station logs
• Restore from backup
• Contact support

Functionality Lost After Update

• Verify module versions
• Check configuration migration
• Review release notes
• Test affected features

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Best Practices

License Management

1. Document all Host IDs
2. Store licenses securely
3. Track expiration dates
4. Plan renewals in advance
5. Keep records of purchases

Update Strategy

1. Stay current (within reason)
2. Test updates before production
3. Read release notes thoroughly
4. Maintain update schedule
5. Have rollback plan

Backup Strategy

1. Backup before ANY update
2. Store backups off-device
3. Verify backup integrity
4. Document restore procedures
5. Test restores periodically

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Security Considerations

License Security

• Protect license files
• Don't share Host IDs publicly
• Secure USB dongles physically
• Track license assignments

Update Security

• Download from official sources
• Verify file integrity
• Apply security patches promptly
• Review security bulletins

Version Support

• Older versions may be unsupported
• Security patches may not apply
• Plan upgrade path
• Document version roadmap

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Planning Major Upgrades

Assessment Phase

1. Inventory all devices
2. Document current versions
3. Check license requirements
4. Identify compatibility issues
5. Estimate effort and cost

Testing Phase

1. Set up test environment
2. Migrate sample stations
3. Test all functionality
4. Document issues
5. Develop mitigation plans

Implementation Phase

1. Schedule maintenance windows
2. Communicate with stakeholders
3. Execute in stages
4. Verify each step
5. Document completion

Post-Upgrade

1. Monitor for issues
2. Address problems promptly
3. Update documentation
4. Train users on changes
5. Archive old configurations

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References

• Tridium Licensing Documentation
• Niagara Release Notes
• Tridium Technical Community
• Authorized Distributor Resources

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Staying current on software updates is like changing the oil in your car—skip it too long and you'll have bigger problems. Budget time for regular maintenance.