Remote Fax Connector for Secure IP-to-PSTN Faxing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fax machines are limited by slow transmission speed and resolution, and network-based alternatives lack the security and traceability needed by businesses, while eliminating the need for PSTN access is desirable.
Innovation Solution
A fax connector deployed at the user's site communicates with a remotely located faxing system via a computer network, utilizing cloud-based services to send and receive faxes over the PSTN without requiring local telephony hardware or lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional fax machines are used, then secure and traceable fax transmission is achieved, but transmission speed and resolution are slow and limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fax server as an intermediary component that bridges the PSTN and IP networks. The fax server receives faxes from the PSTN and delivers them to clients via IP network, enabling fast Internet-based transmission while maintaining the security and traceability of traditional faxing through the server's controlled interface with the PSTN
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical fax machine system with a software-based fax server running on a computer system. This substitution enables utilization of high-speed IP networks and digital processing while maintaining fax functionality, thereby improving transmission speed and resolution without sacrificing the security features of traditional faxing
2Productivity
If fax servers are used over IP networks, then transmission speed and cost are improved, but security and traceability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fax server acts as a secure intermediary that controls all interactions between the IP network and PSTN. It implements authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) mechanisms to ensure that only authorized users can send or receive faxes, maintaining security and traceability while enabling efficient IP-based transmission
3Device complexity
If local telephony hardware and PSTN access are eliminated, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but fax transmission capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the telephony functionality from the client device and relocates it to a remote fax server. Clients only require IP network connectivity and fax software, while the fax server maintains the PSTN connection and handles all telephony operations, thereby eliminating local hardware requirements while preserving full fax transmission capability
Solution Approach 2:
The fax server provides universal fax services to multiple clients simultaneously over the IP network. A single PSTN connection at the server is shared among numerous clients, enabling each client to send and receive faxes without requiring their own telephony hardware, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of systems and methods for the sending, delivery and receiving of faxes are disclosed herein. In particular, certain embodiments include a fax connector that may be deployed at a user's site, and a faxing system that may be deployed remotely from the user's site. The fax connector can be accessed at the 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 the user's site communicates with the remotely deployed faxing system to send, receive, obtain status on, or perform other functions associated with, faxing.