Hey all - Thanks for all the support so far
Question:
Can I have simple DSS appearence on one CTX100 unit showing the station status on another CTX100 via our VPN network they are both connected to?

Equipment: 1x CIX100 Rel3 1x CTX100 Rel3
Station cards and RCOU cards only - no IP cards

What would it take if it's possible (hardware)?

Yes, if you have a Stratanet license for both CIXs.

He stated no IP card, you will need IP card

You don't need the IP card. The network DSS info is done via the processors' NIC when you define it in the I/O devices. The xIPU does not control DSS info. That's why you can have Stratanet using xPTU cards and still have network DSS. In the OP's case, it's not clear whether he has Stratanet via PRI or no Stratanet at all. If no Stratanet calling, the DSS keys are only good as BLF buttons.

I do not have stratanet setup. BLF for ext.'s at other ctx location would be just perfect. I have them both on a vpn network and emanger5.2 but having just installed the second system, i've had the thought of how possible it is to have the main system show blf for other system ext.
I don't know anything about stratanet.....Yet

IP Stratanet licenses in both systems and 5 mins to setup and you will have what you are after.

Great! I will talk to my license guy about that. I would like to add that to our new system. Thank you again, I would be using string and cans without this forum.

Is there any consideration I should make for duplicate ext. numbers between the two CTX100's? I can avoid that now, before the new main system goes into action next month. Otherwise, my main ctx has the same ext no.'s for voicemail as my office dkt ext's on satellite ctx..

You'd have fewer headaches if the extension numbers don't appear in two places.