With SQL Server, you can have a server running a SQL gateway application (that is, an application that maintains a single connection to the SQL Server database). Multiple clients can access the gateway, which manages the database queries on behalf of the clients. However, the clients do not connect directly to the SQL Server database and so License Manager cannot track the usage accurately.
License Manager, in this case, will only detect one licensed connection.
Our product license specifically addresses this type of multiplexing or pooling application. Our license states that using software or hardware that reduces the number of users directly accessing or using SQL Server, which is sometimes called multiplexing or pooling software or hardware, does not reduce the number of Client Access Licenses required. The required number of Client Access Licenses equals the number of distinct connections to the multiplexing or pooling software or hardware "front end."