HP Imaging and Printing Security Center 2.0 - VMware and Dynamic MAC Addressing

In addition to the possible licensing issue, dynamic MAC addressing can cause HP IPSC

communication problems. VMware states that it cannot guarantee to automatically assign

“unique” MAC addresses for virtual machines running on multiple host systems. Not exclusive to

HP IPSC, network communication problems might arise, for example, if the virtual network

adapters on different physical servers share the same subnet and are dynamically assigned the

same MAC address.

To proactively decrease the risk of either of these potential issues, VMware recommends the static

assignment of MAC addresses when the possibility of software licensing and network

communication conflict exists. The VMware knowledge database provides documentation for

converting a dynamic MAC address to static.

For reactive HP IPSC licensing recovery, the ability to revert back to the original MAC address is

possible through the advanced property settings of the virtual network adapter. Setting the locally

administered address (LAA) to the MAC address used during the node license purchasing process,

can restore proper HP IPSC Print License service operation. See Figure 3.

You may also use the VMware Infrastructure management tool to change the MAC address back to

the original. See Figure 4. After restoring the original MAC address, an orderly restart of the

Flexera Licensing, HP Print License, and HP Imaging & Printing Security Center services are

required. Once services are restarted, reinstall the license file.

Figure 3

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change without notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty

statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an

additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.

c02700115ENW, Rev. 2, May 2013