Fax Connector Routing for Fast, Secure PSTN Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional faxing methods are limited by slow transmission speed, high cost, and incompatibility with modern computer-based networks, lacking ease of use, security, and cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a fax connector and a fax registration system deployed over a computer-based network, allowing transmission of faxes over both computer-based and PSTN networks, with security features like encryption and verification, and a cloud-based implementation to enhance accessibility and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fax transmission is performed over PSTN, then security and traceability are improved, but transmission speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fax server as an intermediary component that bridges PSTN and computer-based networks. The fax server receives faxes from the computer-based network, converts them to appropriate formats, and transmits them over PSTN when needed, thereby enabling secure PSTN transmission while maintaining the speed advantages of computer-based networks for initial reception and processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the fax transmission process into multiple stages: initial receipt over computer-based network, intermediate processing and formatting at the fax server, and final delivery over PSTN when security is required. This segmentation allows different transmission paths to be used for different portions of the same fax transmission workflow, optimizing both speed and security
2Reliability
If fax transmission is performed over PSTN, then security is improved, but cost deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic routing that automatically selects between computer-based network and PSTN transmission paths based on real-time conditions including security requirements and cost considerations. The system can dynamically switch between low-cost computer-based network transmission for routine faxes and secure PSTN transmission when security is paramount, thereby optimizing the cost-security tradeoff
Solution Approach 2:
The fax server performs preliminary actions by pre-converting and pre-processing faxes received over the computer-based network, so that when PSTN transmission is required for security reasons, the conversion and formatting work has already been completed. This eliminates redundant processing costs and reduces the overall expense of secure fax transmission
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional faxing is used, then compatibility with existing systems is improved, but ease of use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal fax system that can operate across multiple platforms and networks. The fax server acts as a universal interface that accepts faxes from various computer-based networks, converts them to standard formats, and can deliver them via either computer-based network or PSTN, thereby providing broad compatibility while presenting a simplified, unified user interface that improves ease of use
4Speed
If fax transmission is performed over computer-based network, then transmission speed is improved, but security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fax server serves as a secure intermediary that receives fast computer-based network transmissions, validates and secures the content, then selectively routes to PSTN for final delivery when security is required. This intermediary approach maintains the speed advantage of computer-based networks for the majority of the transmission path while ensuring security through controlled PSTN segments
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiment of systems and methods for the sending, delivery or receiving of faxes are disclosed herein. In particular, certain embodiments include a fax connector that may be deployed at users' sites, and a fax registration system that may be deployed remotely from these users' sites. The fax connector can be accessed at a user's site over a computer-based network in order to perform functions associated with faxing, including sending, receiving and obtaining status on faxes. The fax connector deployed at a sending user's site communicates with the fax registration system to obtain destination data associated with a recipient user's fax connector and transmits the fax to the destination fax connector over the computer-based network based on the destination data obtained from the registration system. The fax can then be presented to the recipient at the recipient user's site.