---
title: Site and Node-Locked License Overview for Belden Horizon Data Manager
slug: bhdm/site-and-node-locked-license-overview-for-belden-horizon-data-manager
createdAt: 2023-12-06T18:27:43.480Z
---

For a Belden Horizon Data Manager (BHDM) instance to be able to fully access all features, it must carry a license. This license can be a site license or a node-locked license. 

For information about Belden Horizon Data Operations (BHDO) licenses, see [Site and Node-Locked License Overview for Belden Horizon Data Operations](docId\:TMwxRxbDzBiIZhXlpSAdq).

# Understanding and Adding a Site License for Belden Horizon Data Manager

Belden Horizon Data Manager contains a license server that must be added with a site license. Unlike BHDO, a BHDM must use the site license within its own embedded license server to access all features. The BHDM cannot use a standalone license server's site license.

A site license, depending on its constituent features, may act both as a BHDO site license and also a BHDM site license.

To add a site license to BHDM, add it in [License Server Management](docId\:FK7wm14xfcBInPs7ZbeUf). To set BHDM to use the added site license, see [Admin Console Licenses](docId\:JjqcJ9jtJd6KlB5IGLVFM).

# Understanding and Adding a Node-Locked License for Belden Horison Data Manager

For a BHDM to carry a node-locked license, you will need a license key. The key will be a 16-digit code (`####-####-####-####`) that is valid for certain number of years, based on the license SKU definition. The node-locked license key can be requested from your account executive. 

A BHDM node-locked license key cannot be used as a BHDO node-locked license key. 

To add a node-locked license key to the BHDO, see [Admin Console Licenses](docId\:JjqcJ9jtJd6KlB5IGLVFM). 

:::hint{type="warning"}
**Important**: Each node-locked license key is bound to a BHDM MAC address. If the MAC address is changed, the license key will be invalidated.
:::

# Understanding BHDO and BHDM License Differences

Both BHDO and BHDM can carry their own node-locked License version. However, a site license's constituent features will determine whether the site license can be used to a BHDO instance, a BHDM instance, or both.

## BHDM Features for BHDO Licenses

BHDM also offers features that manage the BHDO site and node-locked licenses. From BHDM, you can do the following:

- Monitor the expiration date of BHDO instances. See [Licenses](docId\:cgJtU_CbZRLXyoD9DoFSc).
- Set the initial license status of a BHDO instance. See [Step 1: Create an Activation Configuration in Belden Horizon Data Manager](docId\:q6zoEFIXfuOkABwaLBObM) to learn more. 
- View and change the license status of one specific BHDO instance. See [License](docId:1ePCYEABmuqyXEG8fVOfk).
- Manage site licenses that BHDO instances will receive (and the BHDM itself can also receive). See [License Server Management](docId\:FK7wm14xfcBInPs7ZbeUf).

# BHDM Site Licenses and Node-Locked Licenses Compared

| **Site License**                                                                                       | **Node-Locked**                                                                             |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Access to features/capabilities depends on type of license. <br />Activation can be completed offline. | Provides access to all BHDM features. <br />Activation can be completed online or offline.  |
| Can be upgraded with additional features/capabilities.                                                 | Can be upgraded with additional features/capabilities.                                      |