Breadcrumbs

Use Backup Server (failover)

👉

A Failover license is needed for both the server and the backup server.

A Server machine is essential in a multi-machine network. It

  • stores/owns the show file

  • hosts Pixotope’s multi-machine network, allowing Clients to connect and work on the same projects

  • runs the Asset Hub server and holds its cache

Learn more about Roles - Stand-alone, Client or Server

Not using the server for running levels or passing tracking through it reduces the risk of the machine failing. However, there can always be unforeseen events.

To reduce risk further, a server failover system can be set up. This way a Backup server seamlessly takes over in case the Main server does not respond anymore.

Setting up a server failover system

1. Create a Backup server

  1. Log into the Backup server machine

  2. Choose the Server with failover license type

  3. Choose the Backup server role

Screenshot 2024-05-30 at 12.56.50.png

2. Create a Main server

  1. Log into the Main server machine

  2. Choose the Server with failover license type

  3. Choose the Main server role

Screenshot 2024-05-30 at 12.56.39.png

3. Connect the Main and the Backup server

  1. Go to SETUP > Machines panel on the Main server machine

  2. Click Add Backup server on the right of the Main server machine row

  3. Select your backup machine from the discovered list or use a custom IP address

If you are using encryption, make sure all machines have the same keys.

Learn more about Encryption

image-20250904-120154.png

Operating a server failover system

Switching to a Backup server

This is triggered automatically if the Main server can not be reached/disconnects from the Pixotope network.

Running on the Backup server (while the Main server is down)

  • All connected Client machines will switch to the Data Hub network of the Backup server

  • The Status chip will read "Backup is active"

    • Shown in the Status bar, Status, Machines, Delays, and Routing panels

No file changes can be pushed or pulled until the Main server is back.

If the Main server comes back online, it will not switch back automatically.

Connect a Client machine while the Main server is down

  1. Log into the Client machine

  2. Choose your license

  3. Choose Client

  4. Enter the main server’s IP address

    • needed for when switching back to the main server

  5. Enable Connect to a Backup

  6. Enter the Backup server’s IP address

  7. Click Connect

Switch back to the Main server

  1. Go to SETUP > Machines panel on one of the Client machines

  2. Click Delete icon on the right of the Backup server machine row

As a result

  • All connected Client machines return to the Data Hub network of the Main server

  • The Status chip will read "Backup is idle"

Remove a Backup server

  1. Go to SETUP > Machines panel on the Main server machine

  2. Click Delete icon on the right of the Backup server machine row

Adding & removing a Backup server can be done by

  • the Main Server

  • Client machines with Permission level 3