DSX Access Systems, Inc.

DSX-HSCS Hot Swap Comm Server

WinDSX Hot Swap Redundancy Software

Hot-Swap Redundant Communications Servers provides continued availability of System Communications and Control through the implementation of Primary and Backup Communication Server PCs. Available only with WinDSX SQL the Hot-Swap Supervisor runs on the Backup Comm Server and monitors the Primary Comm Server. When the Primary fails all communications are redirected to the Backup Comm Server. LAN connected locations are transparently transferred to the Backup Server and with the use of a DSX-SPS Serial Port Switcher all dial-up and direct serial port connected Locations are also switched automatically. WinDSXSQL Workstations automatically switch to the Backup Server and continually display which server they are talking to. This feature requires the purchase of the Hot Swap Comm Server software and optionally the DSX-SPS Serial Port Switcher.

Both Comm Servers are defined in the system as either the Primary or Backup Comm Server and both have static TCP/IP addresses. Both PCs are running at all times. The Backup Comm Server PC runs the Hot Swap Supervisor software. The Supervisor Software polls the Primary Comm Server. Once the polls have failed for a predetermined amount of time the Supervisor Program starts an instance of Comm Server on the Backup PC. The Supervisor Software also initiates any hardware switch over that needs to take place (direct connects, dial-up modems) by sending the appropriate commands out a serial port to the DSX-SPS Serial Port Switcher.

The Workstation program on all PCs in the system will automatically switch to the Backup Comm Server when the Primary Comm Server fails. The Workstation program has a real time status display that shows which Comm Server is on line.

The Hot Swap Supervisor Software has a Stop button that allows the Backup Comm Server to be shut down, the Primary Comm Server to be restarted, and the serial port communications to be returned to the Primary Comm Server.

LAN connected Location Master Controllers that have a Dynamic IP Mode connection will automatically communicate with the Backup Comm Server PC.

Each DSX-SPS will accommodate the switching of up to 20 serial ports from the Primary Comm Server to the Backup Comm Server.