FoIP stands for fax over IP and refers to the operation of sending and receiving faxes through an IP-based network such as the internet. Essentially, it is the ability to use your computer as if it is a fax machine to transmit data to the fax machine of another, or to receive information on your computer that is sent by another’s fax machine. The documents being faxed can either be printed at the time they are sent, or converted to PDF files and forwarded to an email account for future use. Many FoIP programs even have a fax interface where items are held for viewing, editing, transferring, or printing.
Fax over IP uses a VoIP gateway and occurs via a T38 protocol. The T38 is needed because faxes cannot be sent in the same format as voice signals. With T38, faxes are essentially converted from an analog format to an image. Then, they can be sent to another T38 device, and finally, converted back to an analog fax signal. In order for this operation to take place, FoIP requires a T38 cable VoIP gateway, as well as a T38 cable fax machine or fax software. The fax software communicates in place of the T38 protocol to permit direct sending and receiving through the VoIP gateway.
One of the main advantages of FoIP is that it uses an internet protocol to transfer data and sends information on a packet switched network, instead of the traditional circuit switched telephone network. For this reason, it avoids the use of long distance phone lines and reduces the cost of faxing. If you want to avoid the phone lines all together, you can purchase an IP fax machine that connects directly to the computer. Plus, FoIP allows individuals and businesses to use their computer for sending and receiving fax documents, without having to purchase a separate fax machine at all. There is also Fax Freeware available. Faxes that are routed directly to an email account conserve on energy and paper. Overall, FoIP offers a more cost efficient way of doing business.
FoIP is a seamless process that occurs instantly. If you have ever sent a fax from a computer, you may have already used this protocol without even knowing it. In order to take advantage of FoIP to send and receive documents through your computer, there are several routes you can take. There is the option to buy an IP fax machine as discussed previously, subscribe to an IP service using a 3G fax machine, buy an FoIP/VoIP server, or buy the software that enables IP fax on your computer. Regardless of which method you choose, you will likely save on the cost of faxing, and may receive some added features and benefits that can help you manage daily business.
The world is increasingly moving to IP technology for convenient and cost efficient communication. Therefore, fax services should be no different. Overall, FoIP provides an advanced technology that makes faxing across a network the way of the future.