In enterprise time-series database deployments, software authorization management keeps the system running in compliance with licensing terms. TDengine provides LicenseCenter service for centralized license control and flexible configuration.
Component Architecture
LicenseCenter consists of two components.
ELS (Enterprise License Server) is the central management side. It runs in the vendor’s or authorized service provider’s data center and handles license generation, distribution, and management.
CLS (Customer License Server) is the local management side. It runs in the customer’s own environment, communicates directly with TDengine database services, receives authorization information from ELS, manages local license state, and provides authorization verification to TSDB components.
Authorization modes
Online Authorization
CLS maintains a stable network connection to ELS for automatic license synchronization. This mode is simple to configure and easy to maintain. Licenses can auto-renew before expiration. Online authorization is the preferred choice when network connectivity between the customer environment and the license server is reliable.
Offline Authorization
This mode suits network-isolated or high-security environments. The administrator first obtains a public key token from the management interface, provides it to the service provider to generate a license file, and then imports that file into CLS to complete deployment. Offline authorization adds a manual step but removes the requirement for an outbound connection from the secured environment.
TSDB Configuration Parameters
| Parameter | Description | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| clsEnabled | Enable license functionality | true |
| clsRefreshInterval | CLS communication interval in seconds | 3600 |
| clsUrl | CLS service address | http://localhost:6043 |
| clsLicenseId | License ID from provider | (as provided) |
| clsQuotaSlotId | Quota slot ID from provider | (as provided) |
Configuration Methods
You can configure these parameters through taosExplorer, the graphical management tool, by navigating to the system configuration section. Alternatively, use SQL commands with the UPDATE CLUSTER OPTION statement to set each parameter. Both methods produce the same result; choose whichever fits your operational workflow.
Common Issues
CLS connection timeout. Verify the clsUrl value and confirm that the CLS service is running. Use curl to test reachability from the TDengine node to the CLS endpoint.
License verification failure. Check that the license ID and quota slot ID match exactly what the provider issued. Also confirm the license has not expired.
Online authorization sync failure. If the network path between CLS and ELS is unreliable, switch to offline authorization mode and complete the license import and update manually.
Summary
This guide covers the ELS and CLS component architecture, the two authorization modes (online and offline), the TSDB configuration parameters for license management, and practical solutions to common setup problems.
