Fax over IP, also referred to as FoIP or virtual fax, is the process of receiving and sending faxes via a VoIP network. With FoIP, information is transmitted much more reliably and can be sent between fax machines and email addresses. Fax over IP smooths the transition between old and new technologies, as communication methods and numbers are kept. Here, readers will learn about FoIP, its benefits, and FaxBridge’s role in the process.
How FoIP Works
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The idea of fax over IP is a simple one, especially for a user with previous VoIP experience who may be interested in FaxBridge. First, faxes are packetized as images and sent from one point to another via the T38 transport protocol. T38 explains how to send faxes over computer data networks, and to work, it requires a compatible VoIP gateway as well as capable fax software, a fax card, or a fax machine.
Problems with the Transition from Analog to IP Fax
Whether you’re thinking of office phones or a surveillance system, you’ve likely encountered a few obstacles in the process of moving a small- to medium-size business into the new world of technology. Of all the systems business owners use, none has been tougher to transition from analog to digital than fax.
Over the past few years, faxing has been dropped in favor of other methods of information transmission. While companies are receiving and sending faxes at a reduced rate, faxing is still a reliable way to get and send important documents. In simple terms, faxing is still a necessary, relevant technology for today’s businesses.
However, as technological advances have driven the digital transformation of communications systems, many users have found it difficult to send and receive faxes over IP networks. Some of the most common problems include:
- Jitter
- Latency
- Packet reordering
- Packet loss
These issues typically result in failed or incomplete transmissions—which are something business owners can’t afford considering the importance of most faxes. Such problems aren’t exclusive to FoIP; they’re due to the nature of data transmission over IP networks.
With trillions of packets moving through the world’s IP pipelines at any moment, there’s a chance that a few of them will get lost, take a wrong turn, or not show up at all. If you’ve ever used a VoIP phone, you’ve probably encountered similar issues with the technology.
How Fax Over IP Helps Small- to Medium-Size Businesses
Before we discuss how FaxBridge resolves the problems surrounding FoIP, let’s discuss why small- and medium-size businesses should focus on choosing fax over IP solutions. If your business sends and receives faxes regularly, you’ll gain the following advantages from FoIP.
- Unified connectivity. Fax over IP leverages existing WAN and LAN IP networks, so there’s no need to pay for or manage a distinct analog network.
- Advanced management. Bringing fax technology into the world of IP allows for the simple and reliable storage, sorting, emailing, and archival of documents.
- Low cost. With fewer networks to oversee and pay for, there are significant cost savings in the use of FoIP. This solution is much more cost-efficient per minute than faxing over the PSTN (public switches telephone network), especially for international or long-distance faxes.
- Remote usage. Many places in the world don’t allow for the provisioning of conventional fax lines. In these areas, people typically use satellite internet connections, which facilitate FoIP.
All these benefits sound good, don’t they? After all, who would not want to simplify their business’ network management, make it easier to manage faxes, and save money? The next question is, “How can I make it happen?” We’ll discuss that below.
How FaxBridge Works
The FaxBridge ATA (analog telephone adapter) enhances conventional fax machines, allowing business owners to reduce the usage of phone lines and transmit faxes over an internet connection. No dedicated software is required, and it’s easy to check the device’s status via our web portal. Your fax machine will get an IP address that lets it communicate via our secured network, and any fax-ready analog device, including multifunction printers, can be connected to the FaxBridge.
FaxBridge Makes FoIP More Reliable for Small and Medium Businesses
By now, you likely understand the problems with and the benefits of fax over IP technology. Now, it’s time to learn how you can attain those advantages without the problems that typically come with them. Getting a completely reliable FoIP solution is easy if the solution is designed correctly. To achieve this goal, you’ll need:
- A FoIP gateway that interfaces analog fax machines with the IP network
- A fax over IP service on a dedicated network
Most importantly, you’ll need a VoIP fax adapter such as FaxBridge. Here, there’s no complicated installation or setup required. These components are shipped preconfigured, and they’re already assigned to your business account. Simply plug in the FaxBridge and get started! Here are a few other benefits of FaxBridge:
- Less wasted paper. A FaxBridge will help businesses decrease paper waste, as received faxes are sent to users’ email addresses. These components improve security and ensure compliance, as all transmitted faxes are stored in a secure cloud.
- Saving money. By installing a FaxBridge on a conventional fax machine, you’ll eliminate the need for analog/POTS phone lines. It really is possible to use fax machines without unnecessary costs!
With FaxBridge, you’ll get the same reliable transmissions you’d get with a traditional fax machine, but you will also be able to manage those documents more easily. Call or click today to find out how this technology can benefit your small- to medium-size business.
In Closing
Businesses all over the world are combining data, fax, and voice resources to simplify communications and cut costs. VoIP and FoIP are two technological components that have become crucial to companies as they create unified data and voice communications strategies. These technologies let businesses reduce ownership costs by eliminating hardware and combining the management of fax, data, and voice communications.
When connected to a FaxBridge device, a fax machine can be installed anywhere and used as a secure fax terminal. With auto-provisioning and no need for remote software configuration, it’s never been easier to send and receive faxes over IP reliably.
