Apple Configurator 2 Request Timed out & Assign License long delays

I'm trying to update over 200 iPads using AC2. Every single time, no matter what I do, I get "the request timed out" and it has problems communicating with the network. The only thing I am able to do is update the IOS, and even then it is likely to put the iPad into recovery mode just as much as update the IOS. I switched off the wireless to CAT5 to see if I had the same problem. It will update the IOS a little faster BUT I can only do 1-2 apps at a time and it takes between 15-30 minutes to assign EACH license. At this rate, the most I can get done in a day is 3 (I don't have a cart so I'm having to connect 3 devices at a time to the iMac).

I tried to reinstall apps and still get the hang-up on assigning licenses. Once it moves past the licenses, it seems to move OK.

I tried shutting the iMac down and restarting twice. There are no updates to install in the app store. The iMac is running High Sierra. Any suggestions???