Internet Fax - Internet Fax Servers/gateways

Internet Fax Servers/gateways

The Internet has enabled the development of several other methods of sending and receiving a fax. The more common method is an extension of computer-based faxing, and involves using a fax server/gateway to the Internet to convert documents between faxes and emails. The process is often referred to as "fax to mail" or "mail to fax". This technology offers the advantage of dispensing with the machine as well as the additional telephone line, and because of this, has started to replace the traditional fax machine.

Reception:

• Fax machine → Phone line → Fax gateway → email message (over Internet) → computer email account

A fax is sent via the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) to the fax server, which receives the fax and converts it into PDF or TIFF format, according to the instructions of the user. The processed file is then transmitted to the Web server, which sends it as an email containing the fax as an attached file, and sometimes sends a message reporting delivery to a mobile phone.

Sending:

• Computer → Internet → Fax gateway → Phone line → Fax machine

The user connects to the supplier Web site, specifies the receiving fax number, and uploads the document to send. The document is usually converted to PDF or TIFF format and sent by the Web server to the fax server, which then transmits it to the receiving fax machine via the telephone network. The sender usually receives confirmation that transmission was successful, either in the web interface or by email.

An Internet fax service allows faxes to be sent from a computer via an Internet connection, thanks to a Web interface usually available on the supplier's Web site. This technology has many advantages:

• No fax machine → no maintenance, no paper, toner expenditure, possible repairs, etc.
• Mobility → All actions are done on the Web interface; the service is thus available from any computer connected to Internet, everywhere in the world.
• Confidentiality → The faxes are sent to the recipient's email account, which may be more private than a fax machine used by several people.
• No installation of software or hardware required → the Web interface is used.
• No need for a telephone line for fax use.
• Several faxes can be sent or received simultaneously, and faxes can be received while the computer is switched off.

Early email to fax services such as The Phone Company and Digital Chicken were developed in the mid-1990s.