Fax setup

[tobdec90]

Hello! So we are trying to setup the ability for our client to use an analog fax machine. We have a ATA in palce and I tried setting it up to connect to 3CX but when it does there is no dial tone. Maybe you guys can help us we're a bit new here. I worked for a previous MSP that sold it and we used an ATA to do this and it worked great. I have the fax server setup and a fax extension the ATA is supposed to be reaching out to. We are using wiretap as our SIP provider. Any ideas?

 

[cobaltit]

This is the exact reason why we offer 'store and forward' fax adapters that work over HTTPS. We require customers either use that or keep a POTS line. Faxing over ATA can be influenced by so many factors it's just not worth the time to troubleshoot.

 

[tobdec90]

This is the exact reason why we offer 'store and forward' fax adapters that work over HTTPS. We require customers either use that or keep a POTS line. Faxing over ATA can be influenced by so many factors it's just not worth the time to troubleshoot.

I whole heartedly agree after this whole fiasco. Ive spoke with a business that used magicjack for several years now in 4 locations for fax and said its absolutely wonderful. I think this is going to be our new standard.

 

[leejor]

Good news. There are always a lot of questions about trying to get fax working when 3CX is hosted.
Have you noticed if the machine changes to a slow data rate, such as 9600 automatically, or does that happen when you use the "Accept VoIP" option?

 

[gd1]

What SIP trunk provider are you using?

Flowroute

 

[gd1]

Good news. There are always a lot of questions about trying to get fax working when 3CX is hosted.
Have you noticed if the machine changes to a slow data rate, such as 9600 automatically, or does that happen when you use the "Accept VoIP" option?

When I select the Basic(for VoIP) option in the Brother menu, it automatically drops down the baud rate to 9600 bps.

 

[gd1]

Selecting Basic also turns off Error Correction Mode (ECM) According to the manual:

 

[gd1]

ECM and Baud rate are just another piece of the puzzle when trying to get FoIP to work. I am just testing this for $hits and giggles and may use it on a client if testing continues going good on my end. For now I ask all clients to keep one analog line just for faxing.

 

[leejor]

A big link in the chain, is the provider (or gateway) connection to the PSTN. It must also support the faxing method (g.711), that you choose to use. One of the big issues is fax speed. Many new machines seem to have an issue slowing down to 9600, unless, as above, there is a setting to force this. There are so many variables involved.

 

[cobaltit]

It's just not worth the hassle EVER. You can dial in everything perfectly and it will work until the internet is slightly off. And then because the folks who still use a fax machine are generally technophobes it becomes an issue where the sky is falling and they have a deadline and blah blah blah. POTS line or HTTPS fax adapters and know that it will always work.

 

[leejor]

I agree that using a dedicated Fax (PSTN) line is the best solution. Unfortunately, that doesn't always work for everyone. there is still a surprising number of people that insist on using fax machines , many times for security reasons, and you've got to do your best to accommodate them.
Interesting article on the topic...
http://theconversation.com/why-do-people-still-use-fax-machines-109064

 

[cobaltit]

PSTN line absolutely works for everyone. There was a time when there was no other option and it's law pretty much everywhere that there land line service has to be available. Now some people don't want to pay the cost but that's fine. I just won't setup FoIP without a big disclaimer that I make folks sign, and the first sign of trouble I point to that and make them get a POTS line or HTTPS fax adapter. I'm not saying no fax machines, I'm saying traditional ATA with T.38 or G.711 is just not worth the headache.

 

[leejor]

When I say the it doesn't always work for everyone, I mean, there may not be a PSTN line (service) available at a location. Many companies (POTS providers) are in the process of discontinuing copper service and removing Class 5 TDMA switches. In it's place is usually fibre for the internet and TV, with VoIP phone service as an after-thought. Those using the competitors (cable, wireless?) internet offering may have no choice but to give up the current ISP, in order to get a phone line, which, in some cases, is not "guaranteed" to carry analogue data.

 

[cobaltit]

Many life safety situations (elevators for example) still require POTS access so I can't see how they can get away with it. I'm pretty sure in the US at least POTS service is considered a required utility, although I remembered reading how Verizon has been trying to get away with cutting or neglecting copper in areas served by their FIOS product and was getting sued by competitors because the laws didn't require them to give them access to the fiber like they did the copper. Not sure how that turned but I would think you can force the LEC to run PSTN service to a business location at least. But not really my area of expertise, just my experience. Thankfully I haven't had issues in my neck of the woods with AT&T.

But I guess in those cases you are describing you either use the emulated POTS service from the provider should that guarantee faxing or go with the store and forward. Hopefully faxing dies before the POTS line dies!