What is a Fax?
If you’ve ever purchased a house, visited a doctor, or signed a contract, chances are you’ve encountered a fax machine. Faxing appears as simple as scanning a document and typing in a phone number, pressing send, and the recipient receives the fax. But what is actually going on in this complex piece of communication technology?
In this article, we’ll answer the question, “What is a fax?” We’ll also discuss how fax machines work, what a fax number is, and how to get one. We’ll also go over some modern faxing solutions, like online faxing.
Explained: What is a Fax?
A fax is a way to send printed documents, such as health forms, images, or contracts, from one location to another using a phone line. Traditional faxing uses physical fax machines, which look similar to a printer but include a set of number keys and a phone connection.
Modern faxing takes place entirely online, with the only hardware requirements being a computer, tablet, or mobile phone. Instead of scanning documents in a fax machine, you can upload documents to a cloud storage service or app and then send the fax using email or a dedicated fax number.
How Fax Machines Work
Fax machines work by sending copies of images and text from one fax machine to another through a phone line. When you send a fax, you scan a physical document using the fax machine and enter the phone number of the receiving fax machine. This is why fax machines require a phone line and a dedicated phone number.
The fax machine then converts the contents of the document into a data signal representing the different images or text on the page. It sends the signal containing all of the data through a copper phone wire connected to a phone modem. The receiving fax machine interprets and converts this data into a copy of the original fax.
What is a Fax Number, and How Do I Get One?
A fax machine requires a phone number to send and receive faxes. A separate, dedicated fax number allows your business to send and receive faxes without tying up your main phone line, which you might use to take or make customer calls.
While a fax number is a real phone number, it is assigned to a fax machine instead of a phone. You can often use the same phone line for faxes and phone calls, but separate phone lines are recommended. The main reason for having separate lines is that you can’t make a phone call and send or receive a fax from one phone line simultaneously.
The easiest way to get a fax number is to sign up for one online. You can sign up with an online fax provider like MetroFax to get a dedicated fax number to send and receive faxes. You only need to create an account, choose a plan, and sign up.
Modern Online Faxing
Even though traditional faxing has been around for nearly 200 years (since 1843, in fact!), modern online faxing services are gaining popularity. These services let you send and receive documents from your computer or phone. You can use them from home, your office, or even on the go.
Online faxing replaces the bulky, expensive faxing equipment you must maintain and does not require you to purchase ink and paper supplies. Instead, use a modern online faxing service to send and receive faxes from your computer, laptop, mobile device, or tablet as long as you can access the internet.
How Online Faxing Solutions Work
Modern online faxing solutions are designed to be easy to use. Here’s how online faxing typically works:
- Go to the faxing service’s website or download their mobile app.
- Sign up for an account and select a pricing plan.
- Import your fax contacts or phone numbers.
- Upload documents, images, and files to your account.
- Create the fax, add recipients, and fill out the message.
- Hit “Send”.
Depending on the contact type, your recipient will receive either a printed fax or an emailed version. It is that easy to use online faxing. Modern faxing solutions usually offer bulk recipients, cloud storage for your uploads, delivery confirmation emails, and support for multiple file types.
Choosing the Right Online Faxing Service
It can be tricky to choose the right faxing service. Before you begin searching, consider these key points when looking for an online faxing service:
- Volume of faxes: Consider how many faxes you expect to send and receive per month, then look for an online fax service that offers tiered plans based on fax volume. Find a plan that meets your usage expectations, as this will prevent you from overpaying or running out of faxes before you’re done sending them.
- Features: What features matter to you most? Do you need a local or toll-free fax number? Do you want to be able to fax from your email or mobile app? Consider the top two or three features that your fax service must have, then make sure the online fax service you’re considering offers them.
- Security: If your business sends or receives sensitive information, ensure the fax service offers robust security features like encryption and password protection. Security is particularly important in jobs requiring compliance, like in healthcare, where HIPAA compliance is necessary when faxing.
- Ease of use: The user interface should be intuitive and easy to navigate. If you’re not very tech-savvy, look for a service with a simple interface and helpful tutorials.
- Customer service: Reliable customer support is critical if you encounter any problems. Look for a service that offers multiple channels for getting help, such as phone, email, and live chat.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, while traditional faxing with dedicated machines has served us well for decades, modern online faxing offers a convenient and versatile alternative. Online fax services eliminate bulky hardware and maintenance, allowing you to send and receive faxes virtually anywhere with an internet connection.
With features like secure document transmission, cloud storage, and compatibility with various devices, online faxing is a powerful tool for businesses and individuals. So, whether you’re clinging to the familiar dial tones of a fax machine or ready to embrace a modern solution, there’s a fax service perfectly suited to your needs.
Sign Up for a Metrofax Account
Sign up for a free MetroFax Account to start your online faxing journey. MetroFax offers tiered pricing plans to scale with the number of pages you need to send and receive. You’ll never be charged for the length of time it takes for a fax to be sent, and there are no registration fees or contracts.
FAQs
What is fax and how does it work?
A fax is a way to send printed documents, such as health forms, images, or contracts, from one location to another using a phone line. Fax machines send copies of images and text from one fax machine to another through a phone line. When you send a fax, you scan a physical document using the fax machine and enter the phone number of the receiving fax machine.
What is fax short for?
Fax is short for facsimile, which means replica. Fax machines transmit scanned copies of documents, creating a replica or facsimile of the original document.
What is fax used for?
Faxes are used to send a recipient important or sensitive documents, contracts, and other paperwork. Faxing is a fast, secure way to deliver information using a fax machine or online service and a phone number.
