Adding inbound rules to Windows defender firewall

This page shows the guidelines on adding inbound rules to Windows defender firewall to allow access to the TCP ports used by the Ansys license manager on the license server. 

Linux: See your Linux distribution's documentation on how to add Inbound rules to the firewall. 

Requisites

Administrator access. Ansys license manager 2021 R1 and newer installed on the license server running a supported version of Windows.

Adding inbound rule in Windows firewall 

• Search and open "Windows defender firewall with advanced security (App)" from the Start menu.
• Select Inbound Rules on the left column. 
• Click on New Rule... on the right column. 

Adding exceptions for Ansys license manager TCP ports

1. Select "Port" as rule Type.
2. Apply rule to TCP and specify the ports, (defaults 1055, 1056, 2325). 
3. Allow the connection. 
4. Apply the rule to "Domain" and "Private" profiles. Otherwise, for connections outside your local network, include the "Public" profile. 
5. Enter name and description for the rule and "Finish".

Adding exceptions for applications or programs (e.g. Microsoft MPI)

1. Select "Program" as the rule Type.
2. "Browse" for the path or enter the installation path below to add each MPI application.
   NOTE: Add a rule for each of the program below. Creating 5 MPI inbound rules.

     %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft MPI\Bin\mpiexec.exe 
     %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft MPI\Bin\msmpilaunchsvc.exe
     %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft MPI\Bin\smpd.exe
     %ProgramFiles% (x86)\IntelSWToolsMPI\compilers_and_libraries_2020.4.321\windows\mpi\intel64\bin\mpiexec.exe
     %ProgramFiles% (x86)\IntelSWToolsMPI\compilers_and_libraries_2020.4.321\windows\mpi\intel64\bin\hydra_service.exe 

3. Allow the connection. 
4. Apply the rule to "Domain" and "Private" profiles. Otherwise, for connections outside your local network, include the "Public" profile. 
5. Enter name and description for the rule and "Finish".

See also

Ansys license server configuration and license file installation