Fax Relay
Fax Relay functionality requires the optional Fax Relay add-on, with Fax Relay configured faxes can be submitted from local fax machines or Multifunction Devices (MFD) for sending via the Zetafax Server. Systems using Fax Relay require the Zetafax FoIP Connector, either Standard Edition or SR140 Edition. The number of channels required depends on the number of concurrent calls which are required from Fax Relay devices – others users will receive a number busy tone if trying to send using Fax Relay.
Fax Relay works with any of the supported outbound fax devices – fax boards, fax modems and Fax over IP. Systems do not need to migrate to using Fax over IP for external calls, an existing Zetafax system using fax boards could implement Fax Relay simply by adding a Fax over IP Connector and suitable hardware for the fax machines, whilst retaining the existing fax boards and external fax lines.
Note: Systems using Fax over IP for external transmission must use the same edition of the Zetafax FoIP Connector for Fax Relay – installing both editions on the same Zetafax server is not currently supported.
These gateway units are typically configured with the IP address of the Zetafax Server, so that all calls made from the fax machine are directed to the Zetafax Server for onward relay. The “dial plan” of each unit is configured to pass a device ID (used for anonymous sending) and to give initial validation for user IDs (for sending by Zetafax users). The list of supported units and setup instructions is available on the Equisys website.
Required Hardware Setup
The Fax Relay feature uses Fax over IP (FoIP or T.38) technology to enable each fax machine or Multifunction Device (MFD) to communicate with the Zetafax Server for sending faxes. Each fax machine or Multifunction Device needs to be connected to a T.38 router - either an individual telephone adapter unit situated next to each device, or using a shared router situated in a central location. Both options are shown in more detail below.
Individual Telephone Adapter
For the individual unit configuration, a single or dual port T.38 Telephone Adaptor unit is required next to the fax machine of MFD, this needs to be connected to the phone line from the fax machine and a local area network (LAN) Ethernet connection. Each Telephone Adaptor unit will typically be used for a single fax machine, though in some cases two adjacent fax machines might be connected to the same Telephone Adaptor. The Zetafax Server may be configured to use conventional fax boards for sending and receiving external faxes (as shown at the start of this section), or to use the Zetafax FoIP Connector for external faxing.
Shared Unit
The shared unit configuration uses a multiple port T.38 gateway unit connected in a central location which is connected to the phone lines from multiple fax machines and a LAN Ethernet connection. In sites which are using Fax over IP for external faxing this may either use the same gateway unit for both functions (external faxing and fax relay), or use a separate gateway as shown below.
Configuring Fax Relay
To configure Fax Relay you need to do the following:
•Activate the feature in the Zetafax Configuration settings
•Create the Dial plan for the specific device
•Create a Zetafax user account
•Configure Anonymous sending as required