DSX System Design Guide

Software Configuration

The WinDSX System consists of three main programs, Comm Server, Workstation, and DataBase. These three programs work in concert to provide a flexible and efficient system. The WinDSX programs are run locally at each PC.

The WinDSX System is scalable from a single PC to an Enterprise solution. A single PC and single Controller can grow into 999 PCs with thousands of Controllers. With its wide variety of features the WinDSX system is flexible enough to fit almost any application. Below is fundamental information on the system architecture and communications.

The Comm Server Program (CS.exe) is the communications program that communicates to the field controllers and to other WinDSX workstations in the system. It works in concert with two other main programs. It downloads all data to the controllers and uploads all system activity to the historical database. Click here for more information on Comm Server.

Workstation is the real time user interface for the Comm Server program. It polls the Comm Server program for the current activity and provides alarm monitoring along with input and output control. Click here for more information on Workstation.

DataBase is the core component of the WinDSX application. It is where the system is configured and all data is input. This is where Card Holder pictures are taken, saved, and printed as well as system and historical reports. Click here for more information on DataBase.

What is WinDSX SQL? - is covered in the document. It describes the differences between the Access Version and the SQL Server Version. Click here for more information.

When do I use WinDSX SQL? - is a document that outlines the reasons and factors that call for the use of WinDSX SQL. Click here for more information.

Software Component Deployment focuses on the Software and PC Hardware deployment of different size and application styles of system. It discusses several common applications and their typical configuration. Click here for information on Software Deployment.

Networking WinDSX discusses the network configuration of the WinDSX and WinDSX SQL software. It details Permissions and Operating Systems. There is a very informative FAQ section at the end of this document. Click here for more information on WinDSX and networking.

Daily Operations is the automated process that typically the comm server executes. This includes automated backups and the ASCII import process as well as Card Holder start/stop evaluations. Click here for more information on Daily Operations.

The DSX DataBase Management API is a document that outlines the use of the DSX Markup Language which allows for the Card Holders to be added, deleted and maintained from another system without compromising the integrity of the database. Click here for more information.

Badge System Implementation is a quick document that provides some insight into the photo id application. It provides helpful hints to get you on the right track and producing top notch photo id cards. Click here for more information on Badge System Setup and Configuration.

Text File Configuration Options is a list of text files that can be created to change the operation or configuration of the system. Click here for more information on Text File Options.

Redundant SQL Servers or Fail-Over Clustering is a method utilized to provide high availability of the System SQL Database. This can be used in conjunction with Hot Swap Comm Servers for a total redundancy of system operability. Click here for more information on SQL Clustering.

PC Hardware Requirements is a document that outlines PC specifications, Operating Systems and Service Packs and peripheral hardware to be used with the WinDSX and WinDSX SQL Systems. Click here for the PC Hardware Requirements document.

The Controller Communications Overview provides a simple understanding of the DSX Controller communications. Click here for more information on Controller Communications.

Controller to PC Communications is a brief description with examples of different communication methods between the Comm Server PC and the DSX Master Controllers. Click here for more information.

DSX Communications Polling from PC to Controller and Bandwidth usage. This document explains the polling from the Comm Server to the Master Controller and from the Workstations to the Comm Server. Bandwidth is also discussed in this paper. Click here for more information.

Slave Communications is an outline of the different methodologies used to achieve Panel to Panel communications. Click here for more information.

Typical System Layout is a comprehensive drawing depicting the many different ways communications can be achieved in the same system. Click here to see the drawing.