Facsimile Transmission, commonly known as “fax,” is a telecommunications technology used to transfer scanned printed material (text and images) over a phone line.
Historical Context
Invention and Development
- 1800s: The concept of transmitting scanned data over distances can be traced back to the mid-19th century when Alexander Bain, a Scottish inventor, patented the first facsimile machine.
- 1960s: Modern fax technology saw significant development with the advent of the first commercialized fax machines.
- 1980s-1990s: The widespread adoption in offices due to advancements in technology, making fax machines more reliable and affordable.
How does Fax Work?
Modern Fax Machines
Modern fax machines include the capabilities to:
- Scan: Convert the physical document into electronic signals.
- Transmit: Send the signals via a phone line using audio frequency tones.
- Receive and Print: Convert signals back into a printed copy at the recipient’s end.
Digital Fax Services
With advancements in internet technology, facsimile transmissions can now occur over the Internet, known as Internet Fax or Online Fax.
Applicability
Facsimile transmission is still in use for sending:
- Legally binding documents that require a signature.
- Medical records due to regulations requiring paper trails.
- Business documents in environments where computers are not predominant.
Comparisons
Fax vs. Email
- Security: Faxes can be considered more secure as they transmit data over phone lines rather than the internet.
- Convenience: Emails are more convenient, allowing for virtually instant sending and receiving of digital documents.
Fax vs. Postal Mail
- Speed: Faxes offer immediate transmission compared to postal mail, which may take days.
- Reliability: Fax offers a real-time receipt confirmation that physical mail does not.
Related Terms
- Telecommunications: The broader field encompassing facsimile technology.
- Modem: A device used to modulate and demodulate signals for transmission and receiving faxes.
- Internet Fax: A method of sending fax documents via the internet.
FAQs
Is fax still used today?
Can faxes be sent without a phone line?
Is sending a fax more secure than an email?
References
- Bain, Alexander. Patents and Inventions.
- Telecommunication Technology Handbook. Various Authors.
- The History of Communication Technology. Various Institute Publications.
Summary
Facsimile transmission, or fax, has been a cornerstone of business communication since its invention in the 19th century. While now largely superseded by digital means like email, it remains significant in various industries for securely transmitting signed and formally documented materials. With options for both traditional and internet-based faxing, it continues to be an essential and versatile technology.
