Cloud Fax Interconnect Virtualization Reducing Hardware Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional fax server technologies are costly and require significant network infrastructure and administrative expertise, making them impractical for many organizations, especially with the shift to cloud computing and alternative voice communications that may not meet stringent timing requirements.
Innovation Solution
The etherFAX system virtualizes facsimile interconnect devices and processes, allowing facsimile communications to be managed through cloud computing infrastructure using internet protocols, reducing overhead and enabling secure communication across data and telephony networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fax server technology is deployed with dedicated hardware at each station, then fax communication reliability is maintained, but device complexity and total cost of ownership increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple dedicated fax hardware devices into a single centralized fax server. Multiple fax stations that previously required separate hardware are merged into one shared system, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining communication reliability through the centralized server's coordinated management of all fax transmissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized fax server performs multiple functions that previously required separate dedicated hardware at each station. The server handles fax transmission, reception, formatting conversions, and network communications for multiple clients simultaneously, making the system more versatile while reducing the number of specialized devices needed.
2Reliability
If dedicated fax hardware is installed at each location, then fax transmission timing requirements are met, but ease of operation and administrative burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fax server automatically manages fax transmissions, formatting conversions, and network communications without requiring manual intervention at each station. The system self-manages timing requirements and routing decisions, freeing users from operational complexity while maintaining reliable fax transmission timing through the server's automated scheduling and coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized server continuously monitors and coordinates fax transmission timing across all clients, providing feedback mechanisms to ensure timely delivery. The server adjusts transmission schedules and routing based on real-time conditions, maintaining timing requirements while simplifying user interaction through automated timing management.
3Quantity of substance
If fax server technology is centralized on a corporate network, then cost reduction is achieved, but network infrastructure requirements and administrative expertise needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fax server as an intermediary component between clients and the network infrastructure. This mediator handles the complex tasks of formatting conversions, timing coordination, and network communications, shielding the rest of the system from infrastructure complexity. The server absorbs the burden of network requirements while providing simplified fax services to clients.
4Reliability
If traditional PSTN/PBX circuits are used for fax interconnect, then fax communication reliability is ensured, but adaptability to alternative voice communications and cloud computing decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fax server is designed with dynamic adaptability to work with multiple communication protocols and network infrastructures. It can dynamically switch between traditional PSTN/PBX circuits and alternative voice communications or cloud-based services, maintaining fax reliability while adapting to changing communication requirements and technological environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized fax server provides universal functionality that supports multiple communication methods including traditional PSTN, VoIP, and cloud-based fax services. This multi-functional design enables the system to adapt to various voice communication options and cloud computing environments while maintaining reliable fax transmission capabilities through a unified platform.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides systems and methods for the virtualization, aggregation, and distributed processing of facsimile communications. The Remote FAX Interconnect known as etherFAX® is a system and method that allows for the reception and delivery of information based on cloud computing infrastructure to or from one or more facsimile systems using Internet/web based communication protocols such as HTTP(S) as the transport between a facsimile capable application or hardware and the remotely accessible etherFAX® services.