Fax over IP (FoIP) using T.38 Protocol

T.38 is a protocol that explains how fax can be sent over a computer data network. It is required because fax data cannot be transmitted over the Internet in the same way as that of voice communications. The fax messages are sent as TCP/IP or UDP packets. Since faxes are different than voice communications, T.38 was designed to ensure the accuracy and completeness of image data, even if it requires additional time and bandwidth for proper transmission of data. T.38 stream is also known as Fax over IP (FoIP).

In other words, FoIP is the process of sending a fax from your fax machine over the Internet to another fax machine which may be a traditional line or another FoIP service while transmitting the information over the internet via T.38 protocol. FoIP is different from the traditional way of sending and receiving faxes, which is achieved using telephones lines. In FoIP, no telephone lines are needed for the transmission of data... hello monthly savings!

With VoIP.ms, you can make use of T.38 to send faxes over Internet using a fax machine. For sending and receiving faxes you will need the following:

1. A VoIP.ms Virtual Fax DID number, and

2. An ATA with T.38 support.

Thereafter, you need to make sure your fax machine is connected to an ATA and that the ATA is configured with a SIP account and registered on one of the dedicated fax servers. Also, the caller ID number of the SIP account must be configured to match any of the Fax DIDs available in your account. This will be the number used as the sender.

To know more about Fax over IP, T.38 and VoIP.ms, click here!