When the DCAF session is in the active state, the controller operates and controls the target workstation. The keystrokes typed by the controller are relayed to the target workstation and acted upon as if they were typed by the target user. The keystroke input and the resulting screen image are seen on both the controlling and target workstations.

During the active state, keystroke input from the target workstation is not accepted. However, if the hot key combination is enabled for the target workstation, the target user can invoke this key combination to regain control of the target workstation. The target user also can choose to change the session state (for example, from active to monitoring).

The controller can establish concurrent sessions with multiple target workstations and can access each session by switching to a different window. Multiple controlling workstations can be defined within the network, however, only one of them at a time can establish a session with any single target workstation.

The controlling and target workstations are connected by a communication link.

The Sample DCAF Direct Connection figure above shows a direct connection between the controlling workstation and the OS/2 target workstation. Direct modem connections can be established between OS/2 workstations or between OS/2 controlling workstations and Windows Version 3.1 target workstations.

The Sample DCAF Connection figure above shows a connection via a DCAF gateway workstation that acts as an interface between the controlling workstation and the target workstations on a local area network (LAN). Connections through the DCAF gateway can be established from a DCAF controlling workstation to any kind of DCAF target (OS/2, DOS or Windows).