Connecting A Fax Machine; Option 1 - Dedicated Fax Line; Option 2 - Distinctive Ring - Talkswitch CT.TS005.003904 User Manual

Connecting a fax machine

If you are connecting a fax machine to a TalkSwitch unit, plug it into an extension jack.
TalkSwitch provides you with three options to configure your fax machine. Choose the best
option for your office.
Option 1 — Dedicated fax line
You may already have an incoming dedicated fax line. You can leave this line directly connected
to your fax machine. Connect the remaining telephone lines to your unit. Telephone lines will be
handled by the unit and your fax will work the way it has always worked.
Figure 12: Dedicated fax line
Advantages: It's easy to set up and you don't need to change the way your fax handles calls.
Disadvantages: The dedicated fax line cannot be shared with the other phone devices (i.e. you
cannot make an outbound voice call on your fax line). The dedicated fax line costs money, and
may not be used as frequently as it could be.
Option 2 — Distinctive ring
Distinctive ring is a service provided by your phone company. A second phone number is added
to a telephone line. A call to either phone number will ring the same line, but with different
ring patterns. You can use one ring pattern to indicate a fax.
Figure 13: Distinctive ring
Advantages: This option does not require a second physical line for faxes. More telephone lines
can be added as you grow. You can keep the same fax arrangement.
Disadvantages: Your phone company may charge a fee for the distinctive ring. If you choose
this option, you will require the distinctive ring service from your telephone company.
T A L K S W I T C H I N S T A L L A T I O N 14