Start a SystemLink trial to connect test systems, monitor assets, and explore lab insights with full functionality.
Follow a structured approach to install, connect, and evaluate SystemLink capabilities so your team can quickly assess operational visibility, deployment workflows, and data insights across test systems.
To install and configure SystemLink, follow the step-by-step instructions in the getting started tutorial, which walks you through downloading the software, activating a license or trial, installing SystemLink Client, and connecting supported NI tools. The tutorial provides detailed setup guidance to help ensure a successful initial deployment.
The initial trial period is seven days, and the trial can be extended for an additional 45 days.
The trial includes basic SystemLink capabilities for connecting systems, monitoring assets, viewing dashboards, and testing integrations to support a realistic lab evaluation.
The trial supports connecting up to 25 systems, allowing users to simulate real lab environments and evaluate centralized monitoring and visibility workflows.
When the trial expires, licensed features become inactive until a license is applied. The installation and stored evaluation data remain intact.
A typical SystemLink evaluation installation takes about 40 minutes. Guided setup helps users install the server, activate the trial, and begin connecting systems quickly.
SystemLink installs on a host machine that acts as a central server. For evaluation, this can be a lab PC or cloud server. Installation typically takes about 40 minutes, and connected systems communicate with the server through the network.
SystemLink can be removed using NI Package Manager at any time, allowing users to safely uninstall the software after evaluation.
Yes. SystemLink Client must be installed on test systems to connect hardware and publish data to the SystemLink server during evaluation.
No. SystemLink Client does not require a separate license during evaluation. It connects systems to the licensed SystemLink server.
Yes. The trial supports integration with compatible NI software, enabling users to publish results, stream measurements, and monitor connected systems.
Yes. The SystemLink trial supports integration with common NI hardware, including PXI, CompactRIO, and DAQ systems, and third-party hardware, allowing users to evaluate monitoring and connectivity workflows.
Yes. Multiple authorized users can access the SystemLink web interface during evaluation, depending on configured permissions.
Yes. A purchased license can be applied to the existing installation, allowing users to continue working without reinstalling SystemLink.
Yes. The evaluation installation can be upgraded to a licensed SystemLink Server edition without reinstalling. Applying a valid license enables the additional features while preserving the existing configuration and data.
No. Internet activation is recommended, but offline activation is supported using a manual license file process when network access is restricted.
No. The SystemLink server and connected test systems can operate on an internal network without internet access. Internet connectivity is only required for optional online activation or updates.
SystemLink installation typically configures required communication automatically. Some environments may require IT review depending on existing firewall or security policies.
SystemLink requires web ports 80 or 443 and internal service ports 4505–4506 to be open on the server. Installation typically configures these automatically, but network security policies may require administrator approval.
The trial includes encrypted communications, authentication controls, and role-based access features consistent with licensed SystemLink deployments.