Ubuntu Broadcaster Host ID changes after OS Upgrade

Broadcaster unlicensed after Ubuntu OS upgrade

The Zixi license Host ID is a machine fingerprint built from virtual hardware parameters, including the vNIC's MAC address. Ubuntu OS upgrades touch the kernel, drivers, and the systemd/udev network stack that identifies that vNIC and can also trigger the hypervisor to reassign it. Any of that can shift the fingerprint, changing the Host ID and then the old license key no longer matches.

This affects Ubuntu and not Rocky, as Rocky is RHEL-based, while Ubuntu is Debian-based with different kernels, different udev/network-naming behavior. This is an Ubuntu/Debian-specific quirk, and not related to the Zixi Software.

After the upgrade reboot, if the Broadcaster comes up unlicensed, get the new Host ID and re-apply the license key in the portal.

Before you upgrade a production box have your licensing information ready to reactivate the broadcaster.