Creating TAC Vista multi-server network

[Product_Support]

Issue

How to add another TAC Vista server node into an existing server in TAC Workstation.

Product Line

TAC Vista

Environment

Vista Workstation

Cause

Multi-sever Vista system is the system which has more than one Vista Server in the network. One Vista Server will be assigned as the master and the rest will be assigned as slaves. The order of setting multi-sever system is very important in order to make the system work properly.

Common mistakes are:

• Vista servers have different versions.
• Adding slave computers before adding the master computer.
• Using same names of Vista servers.
• Using dynamic IP address.
• Vista Server object names are the same. All folders and objects found at the root level of the servers must be changed to unique names before merging the databases.

Resolution

Before doing that, please back up all TAV Vista databases on all computers. All computers should run the same version of TAC Vista. Also make sure all your IP networks are functioning.

In addition, all Vista Servers need to be the same version. (eg. Vista 5.1.3 server will not be able to communicate Vista 5.1.4 server when they are noded together.)

1. All computers’ TAC Vista Servers need to have different names. The server name can be checked by opening your TAC Vista Server. By default, Server name is the computer name.
   If the sever name needs to be changed, please following the steps listed below:
   1. Go to TAC Vista Server Setup
   2. Go to Vista Database tab
   3. Under “Rename Vista Server to” text field, type the new name
   4. Click ok and start the Vista Server to make sure the name has been changed
2. Choose one computer to be the Master and the rest of the computers will be Slaves.
3. Start by shutting down all instances of TAC Vista Sever and TAC Vista Workstations.
4. Add Slave Servers into the Master Server.
   1. Start the Master TAC Vista Sever, and then start its TAC Vista Workstation.
   2. Right click on the Vista Server object.
   3. Select New>Object>Node.
   4. Type $LAN.SlaveServerName.
   5. If the Slave Server name is different from its computer name, change the IP/DNS address in the property window. (Note: this step requires a static IP address)
      1. Right click on the Slave Server Node and select Properties.
      2. Type in the IP address in the IP address/DNS name field.
   6. Repeat steps a-e for any additional Slave Servers.
5. Leave the Master Server on, and start the Slave Server.
6. Follow steps 4 a-e for adding Master Server into Slave Server but use the Master Server’s server name and IP address this time.
7. Then, right click on the TAC Server object in Slave Server computer, select Properties. Under the General tab, change the Network Master to the Master Server name. Then click OK.
8. If you have multiple Slave Servers, add the Master Server into each of them.
9. Shut down all instances of TAC Vista Workstation and TAC Vista Server.
10. Restart the Master Server’s TAC Vista Server and its TAC Workstation first. Then start the Slave Servers’ TAC Vista Server and their TAC Workstation. You should be able to view the Slave Servers under Master Server.

Note: Master Server can view all Slave Servers’ projects, and each Slave Server can view Master Server’s project. However, each Slave Server cannot see other Slave Servers unless you node Slave Servers to each other. Any change made in Slave Server’s TAC Workstation will be reflected in the Master Server’s TAC Workstation. Vice versa also works.