Warning 292006 - cannot contact license server

When attempting to connecting to 18000@servername in WorkstationA license setup GUI it produces the error message:

292006 Cant't contact license server "18000@servername" -- this server will be ignored

but when using a custom license file:

SERVER servername NICID 18000

USE_SERVER

the quartus software licensing setup window gets stuck on "searching..." after "blue loading wheeling" for about 3 seconds.

Could really use the help, first time server setup.

Server is connected by wifi to router.

Workstation A is ethernet wired to router.

I'm trying to test this with one seat on the license and no quartus software on the server.

Happy Holidays