Faxing with a computer

[Rathji]

Ok, this is probably a really stupid question if I ask it straight up so let me clarify it a bit. I installed Windows Server 2008 on my home server last night and noticed it has a fax server role. I haven't looked into it, but I assume this will allow me to set it up so I can fax from any computer in the house.

My question is do I need to have a modem installed on the server? Or does anyone have any experience setting up this server through some sort of VOIP setup or other type of internet based service?

I would like to avoid needing to install a modem if it is possible.

[Azure]

http://www.srfax.com/srf/index.php

[Rathji]

Originally Posted by Azure

http://www.srfax.com/srf/index.php

I know these services exist and I could use them if I want.

Part of the reason I want to use the W2K8 Server to do the faxing is to learn how it is handled and what it supports (same reason I am using Server 2008 in the first place really). I can't find anything about the physical requirement for a fax modem or a regular phone line in the documentation so I am wondering if anyone knows about it.

[sclitheroe]

Originally Posted by Rathji

I know these services exist and I could use them if I want.

Part of the reason I want to use the W2K8 Server to do the faxing is to learn how it is handled and what it supports (same reason I am using Server 2008 in the first place really). I can't find anything about the physical requirement for a fax modem or a regular phone line in the documentation so I am wondering if anyone knows about it.

Without a modem, how do you propose Server 2008 should talk to fax machines?

[Rathji]

Originally Posted by sclitheroe

Without a modem, how do you propose Server 2008 should talk to fax machines?

That is why it was probably a stupid question, because logic would seem to dictate that you obviously need a modem.

When I started thinking about it though, if you can make phone calls with VOIP why couldn't you fax a document with that same technology? I wouldn't be hooking my fax machine up to the server, I would be using the Fax service in Windows to fax a file such as a pdf. A little research during lunch today had led me to believe that T.38 might be what I am looking for here, but I have had no time to check it out.

If what I am suggesting is totally impossible, or ridiculous to even attempt then I can accept that. It really annoys me that to fax something right now, I need to print it up and fax it. When 9/10 times I would not need to print anything or the only thing I would need to actually print is the page I would need to sign (the reason most people still require you to fax).

[sclitheroe]

Originally Posted by Rathji

That is why it was probably a stupid question, because logic would seem to dictate that you obviously need a modem.

When I started thinking about it though, if you can make phone calls with VOIP why couldn't you fax a document with that same technology? I wouldn't be hooking my fax machine up to the server, I would be using the Fax service in Windows to fax a file such as a pdf. A little research during lunch today had led me to believe that T.38 might be what I am looking for here, but I have had no time to check it out.

If what I am suggesting is totally impossible, or ridiculous to even attempt then I can accept that. It really annoys me that to fax something right now, I need to print it up and fax it. When 9/10 times I would not need to print anything or the only thing I would need to actually print is the page I would need to sign (the reason most people still require you to fax).

Check this out: http://blogs.technet.com/b/ucedsg/ar...messaging.aspx

This would be a better approach than Fax Services on Server 2008, in my opinion. You’re letting the PBX worry about the analog to T.38 conversions inbound and outbound. Of course this goes back to your original question about having to have a modem, and even here, the PBX acts as one.

[Rathji]

Originally Posted by sclitheroe

Check this out: http://blogs.technet.com/b/ucedsg/ar...messaging.aspx

This would be a better approach than Fax Services on Server 2008, in my opinion. You’re letting the PBX worry about the analog to T.38 conversions inbound and outbound. Of course this goes back to your original question about having to have a modem, and even here, the PBX acts as one.

Would work, but the added cost and hassle of the PBX would make it a not worth it wouldn't it? or am I overestimating how hard/expensive that would be on a home scale. I could see doing that at work where the infrastructure exists but at home it clearly doesn't make sense as a project to kill some time and learn something new.

Maybe I will break down and install W2K8 on my old laptop that has a modem built in.

[sclitheroe]

Originally Posted by Rathji

Would work, but the added cost and hassle of the PBX would make it a not worth it wouldn't it? or am I overestimating how hard/expensive that would be on a home scale. I could see doing that at work where the infrastructure exists but at home it clearly doesn't make sense as a project to kill some time and learn something new.

Maybe I will break down and install W2K8 on my old laptop that has a modem built in.

I think Asterisk, the open source PBX, talks T.38, but you still need modem hardware somewhere along the line. A pure Fax over IP solution like you are picturing needs IP devices at both sides, and that would only really happen in a big company with multiple offices, right?

[Rathji]

Originally Posted by sclitheroe

I think Asterisk, the open source PBX, talks T.38, but you still need modem hardware somewhere along the line. A pure Fax over IP solution like you are picturing needs IP devices at both sides, and that would only really happen in a big company with multiple offices, right?

That is what I have come to realize.

Thanks for the info, I may just find something else to occupy my summer months.

[sclitheroe]

Originally Posted by Rathji

That is what I have come to realize.

Thanks for the info, I may just find something else to occupy my summer months.

Lol...

I'm thinking of playing around with setting up OCS (MSN Messenger hosted on internal corporate networks)...the idea of having my own IM network is appealing, even if it would only consist of me, my wife, and two or three test accounts