Welcome to the Fax Basics web-based training module.

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This page shows the navigation instructions for the course.

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This page lists the learning objectives of the Fax Basics
course. At the end of this course, you will understand the fax
standards and user features. You will be able to identify the
components of a facsimile. In addition, you will understand
the communication protocol and the different types of fax
communication networks.

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In this course, you will learn about the facsimile history and
who governs its international standards. You will discover
some great facsimile features and develop an
understanding of the basic facsimile structure. You will find
out how facsimiles communicate with each other and learn
about the different fax communication networks.

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In this chapter, you will discover what a fax is and who
develops the fax standards.

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Have you ever wondered what the word facsimile means?
The official definition for facsimile is: “An exact copy,
especially of written or printed material”. Fax machines are
not so common these days. However, they are still an
important tool, especially in some business areas.

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In this slide, you will learn about who creates the worldwide
recommendations for communications between fax
machines. As a result, fax machines from different
manufacturers will work with each other.

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ITU-T classified facsimile into four groups that are known as
G1, G2, G3 and G4 based on their specifications:

G1 and G2 fax are now old technology and no longer exist.

G3 and super G3 fax are the most commonly used
technologies today.
Super G3 has a faster modem speed in comparison to G3.
G4 is not wide spread because of the backward
incompatibility of G4 with G3 and the requirement of ISDN
lines.

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In this chapter, you have learned that most of the current
facsimiles use the G3 and Super G3 classification and that
the ITU-T governs those classifications. You have also
learned that G4 facsimiles will only function on a digital
network.

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In this chapter, you will learn about some great features of
facsimile such as fax forwarding, memory reception and
confidential sending. You will also learn about the difference
between internet and PC faxing.

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The first feature that we are looking at is fax forwarding.
This feature allows an incoming fax message to be
forwarded to another fax machine. For example if a person
works offsite, the office fax can be set to forward all
incoming fax messages to that offsite location. General
forwarding options are [Off], [Forward and Print] and
[Forward and Print on error]. These days, many fax
machines are also capable of forwarding messages to e-
mail.

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Following on from fax forwarding we will now introduce
memory reception. In this feature, documents are
received into a Memory Rx User Box of the destination
facsimile. The received documents can be printed with the
correct password. The user can view and select the only
document that they wish to print.

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Next we look at confidential transmission that is also known
as F-Code transmission function. In this feature, a
document is transmitted to a specific user box of the
destination facsimile with a password. This password is pre-
set in the user box of the receiver. The received confidential
document can only be printed with the correct user box
password.

The user box number is entered into the SUB Address field,
the password is entered into the Sender ID field.

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Internet fax uses email protocols to transmit a fax with an
attachment that represents the fax document.

The original is not scanned as an e-mail document. The fax

scan is sent as an e-mail attachment in a TIFF format using
fax specifications.

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The final feature that we are going to look at is PC-Fax. You
can use a built in modem to transmit the fax from the PC via
the PSTN to the receiving fax. Alternatively you can use the
fax driver to transmit the fax via your locally connected fax
device.

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In this chapter you have learned that an incoming fax can
be forwarded to another destination such as e-mail, another
fax device or a PC. You have discovered that a fax can be
set to receive documents into its memory for later retrieval.
You now know that confidential fax transmission and
reception is possible and that you can use the Internet for
faxing. Finally, you learned that you can fax a document
from your personal computer using a fax modem or a fax
driver.

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In this chapter, you will learn about the structure of a
facsimile and the specific function of the individual unit that
is shown on this list.

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The fax process consists of the following units: Reading or
scanning unit, image processing unit, memory unit,
communication unit, line connect unit and recording unit.
The function of each unit will be explained on the next slide.

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The reading unit is the original document scanning section.
A CCD is typically used for scanning. CCD is known as the
Charge Coupled Device. Photoelectric conversion and
analog to digital conversion takes place in this section. In
other words, light is converted into analog electrical
voltages. The light is converted into digital format as in
zeroes and ones. The scanned data is then passed to the
image processing unit to be processed.
In an MFD, the reading unit is used for copying, scanning
and faxing.

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The image processing unit is responsible for coding and
decoding the transmitted and received fax data respectively.
This process is also known as compression and
decompression. Without the coding or compression
process, there would be a large amount of scanned data
that requires processing. When the coding or compression
process is used, the amount of data is reduced, therefore
increasing the processing speed.

The four types of coding methods that are used are: MH

(Modified Huffman), MR (Modified READ), MMR (Modified
MR) and JBIG (Joint Bi-Level Image Expert Group). One
and two dimension coding is good for black and white, JBIG
is good for grayscale.

All these coding methods allow reproduction of the identical

image on the receiving side without any data loss.

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Another coding type that is used in color fax is called JPEG
(Joint Picture Expert Group). In this type, information is lost
during the compression process, so the reproduced image on
the receiver side is different from the sent image. Therefore, it is
called lossy coding.

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The memory unit is used for:

Processing outgoing or incoming fax data

Fax reservation, which allows multi fax jobs in a queue,
ready to be sent.
Storage of an incoming fax while the machine is out of
paper
Other features that require document storage capabilities
such as confidential fax user boxes.

The modern MFDs contain two types of memory units. They

are flash ROM and hard disk. Flash ROM is used for
temporary data processing for outgoing or incoming faxes.
The hard disk is used for fax transmission reservation. It
stores receiving faxes while the device is out of paper. It
also stores other features such as confidential fax user
boxes and so on. The flash ROM memory and the hard disk
are also used for other functions of the device such as copy,

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scan and print functions.

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The communication unit performs communication
handshaking between two fax devices. This communication
handshake is called fax communication control protocol.
You will learn more about fax communication protocol in the
next topic. The communication unit also performs
modulation and demodulation of the sent or received data.

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The line connect unit (LCU) is sometimes known as NCU
(Network Control Unit). This unit consists of switching relays
that connect the telephone line to the fax communication
unit. This connection allows the transmitting and receiving
fax machines to start communicating.

The relay on the NCU performs pulse dialing. However, it is

the fax modem in the communication unit that performs tone
dialing.

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This slide shows an example of a fax board, also known as
a fax kit. The fax board is responsible for most of the
functions in the fax process that you have learned
previously. These functions include telephone network
connection, modulation and demodulation and
communication protocol. Image processing such as data
coding and decoding is performed on the MFP board. To
find the specific fax kit information, refer to the product
manual of the relevant model.

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The reading unit is the original document scanning section.
A CCD is typically used for scanning. CCD is known as the
Charge Coupled Device. Photoelectric conversion and
analog to digital conversion takes place in this section. In
other words, light is converted into analog electrical
voltages. The light is converted into digital format as in
zeroes and ones. The scanned data is then passed to the
image processing unit to be process.
In an MFD, the reading unit is used copying, scanning and
faxing.

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The image processing unit is responsible for coding and
decoding the transmitted and received fax data respectively.
This process is also known as compression and
decompression. Without the coding or compression
process, there would be a large amount of scanned data
that requires processing. When the coding or compression
process is used, the amount of data is reduced, therefore
increasing the processing speed.

The four types of coding methods that are used are: MH

(Modified Huffman), MR (Modified READ), MMR (Modified
MR) and JBIG (Joint Bi-Level Image Expert Group). One
and two dimension coding is good for black and white, JBIG
is good for grayscale.

All these coding methods allow reproduction of the identical

image on the receiving side without any data loss.

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Another coding type that is used in color fax is called JPEG
(Joint Picture Expert Group). In this type, information is lost
during the compression process, so the reproduced image on
the receiver side is different from the sent image. Therefore, it is
called lossy coding.
.

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The memory unit is used for:

Processing outgoing or incoming fax data

Fax reservation, which allows multi fax jobs in a queue,
ready to be sent.
Storage of an incoming fax while the machine is out of
paper
Other features that require document storage capabilities
such as confidential fax user boxes.

The modern MFDs contain two types of memory units. They

are flash ROM and hard disk. Flash ROM is used for
temporary data processing for outgoing or incoming faxes.
The hard disk is used for fax transmission reservation. It
stores receiving faxes while the device is out of paper. It
also stores other features such as confidential fax user
boxes and so on. The flash ROM memory and the hard disk
are also used for other functions of the device such as copy,

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scan and print functions.

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The communication unit performs communication
handshaking between two fax devices. This communication
handshake is called fax communication control protocol.
You will learn more about fax communication protocol in the
next topic. The communication unit also performs
modulation and demodulation of the sent or received data.

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The line connect unit (LCU) is sometimes known as NCU
(Network Control Unit). This unit consists of switching relays
that connect the telephone line to the fax communication
unit. This connection allows the transmitting and receiving
fax machines to start communicating.

The relay on the NCU performs pulse dialing. However, it is

the fax modem in the communication unit that performs tone
dialing.

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To test your knowledge, please complete this quiz.

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In this chapter, you have learned that the basic fax process
includes five different units. They are the reading unit, image
processing unit, memory unit, communication unit and the
line connect unit. You have also learned about the functions
of each unit.

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In this chapter, you will learn about the phases and
protocols that are used in a fax transmission and reception.
You will also learn how to recognize some of the fax
communication issues.

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ITU-T Recommendation T.30 covers the G3 and super G3
facsimile communication protocols. The T.30 protocol is the
communication procedure between a transmitting and a
receiving fax. This communication procedure can be divided
into five phases, A, B, C, D and E.

Phase A is a call establishment or call connection phase. In

this phase, the transmitting fax initiates the call and the
receiving fax acknowledges the call.

In phase A, the transmitting fax sends a 1100Hz calling tone

(CNG) to indicate a fax call, not a voice call. The receiving
fax answers with a 2100Hz Called Station Identifier (CED).
By default, if the calling fax does not receive the CED within
35 seconds, the calling fax will terminate the call. This
feature is known as the T1 timer. This timer can be adjusted
in the service mode. Please refer to the relevant service
manual.

Phase B is a pre-procedure phase. In this phase, the

transmitting and receiving faxes establish an agreed 33
communication mode and ready for message reception.
Now that you have learned about the T30 fax
communication procedure and the communication signals,
let us hear it in the real world.

Please note, the communication protocol or communication

handshaking between a transmitting and a receiving fax can
be heard through the fax speaker on the bizhub devices.
This option is a useful tool for diagnosing fax
communication issues. You can enable this option using a
service switch setting in the service mode of the device.
Please refer to the service manual for specific information.

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A protocol trace list displays the phase communication
signals between the transmitting and receiving fax in a
hexadecimal format. It can generally be obtained in the
service mode. These lists can prove useful in identifying fax
communication issues. In these lists you, will find many of
the phase signals we have been discussing in the previous
slides. Read through the sample lists on this slide and
identify the signal acronyms. In Super G3 communication
mode, the modified answer tone (ANSam) replaces CED,
which is used in the G3 communication mode. In the
unsuccessful reception sample, the Failure to Train (FTT)
signal before the DCN indicates a failed reception.

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In standard transmission mode, each line discards an error
that is detected in an image signal transmission. As a result,
the received image becomes short in vertical direction. Error
detection by line is possible in this method, but it is
impossible to recover the correct data. To solve this
problem, ECM is established.

Fax ECM is the error correction mode that is used during a

transmission by fax machines and eliminates any loss of
information.

ECM divides fax page data into blocks, also know as partial
pages. It checks the requested data that is retransmitted
when an error is detected.

ECM relies on the auto redial functionality of the machine

and uses an exclusive memory buffer in both transmitting

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and receiving machines.

ECM can be enabled or disabled for transmitting or receiving

machine. This setting is available in the service mode on Konica
Minolta Machines.

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To test your knowledge, please complete this quiz.

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In this chapter, you have learned about fax communication
phases A to E and the protocols that are used in these
phases. You have also learned the basics of the error
correction mode.

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In this chapter, you will learn about different types of
telephone networks and how each network impacts
facsimile data transmission and communication.

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A Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and a Private
Automatic Branch Exchange (PABX) are similar. However,
whereas the PSTN is an analog network, most PABX
installations are designed for digital devices. Many PABX
systems can be adjusted to provide access for analog
devices, but some may require the addition of an analog
interface or adapter. Others may not be configurable and
require the installation of a dedicated analog line.

Please note that PBX refers to a manually operated Private

Branch Exchange, as opposed to the automatic PABX.

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The two available dialing types are pulse dialing and tone
dialing. Pulse dialing is primarily used for analog lines and
older telephone exchanges. Tone dialing is primarily used
on digital exchanges. If the incorrect dialing type is selected,
the dial tone will remain unchanged while you dial the
destination number. The connection will not be established.

One way to determine if the correct dialing type is selected

is to connect a standard telephone handset to the wall
socket. If a standard dial tone of the telephone company is
heard, try calling an outside telephone number. If a
successful connection is made, the correct dialing type is
being used on the handset. Otherwise, change the dialing
type and repeat the test.

To hear a sample of the two dialing types, click the

respective buttons on the screen.

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The transmit (Tx) attenuation is how loud or soft the fax
transmits its data. This setting is also known as the pixel
attenuation. If experiencing frequent communication failures
this signal may require adjustment in the service mode.

Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency signals (DTMF) are the tones

that are heard when dialing an outgoing number. Each
number, character or symbol on the keypad generates its
own unique signal through the combination of specific high
and low tones. The X and Y axis of the push-button panel
represent the combination of the high and low tones that are
used to produce these signals. Though rare, the DTMF
transmission level may on occasion require adjustment.

The cable equalizer (EQL) is used to adjust the fax to

compensate for its physical distance from the local
telephone exchange. The adjustment scale may be
available as either distance or in decibels (dB). If
experiencing frequent communication failures, it may
require adjustment.
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Echo Protection tone (EP) is a 2100Hz signal added to the
beginning of the training signal. It activates the exchange echo
protection function, switching the line from full duplex to half
duplex.

Please refer to the service manual or contact your local

technical support for more information.

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Voice over IP and Fax over IP involve the transmission of
“data packets” over the Internet. Unlike i-Fax, Voice over IP
and Fax over IP communicate in real time, hence any
interruption during transmission will result in communication
failures.

This method is not the natural environment to convey a

modulating analog fax signal. As a result, it is subjected to
processing that can be detrimental to reliable operation.

For broad market acceptance, Voice over IP networks and

equipment must be able to handle traditional fax
technologies because of the large number deployed
worldwide. Because fax transmissions are much more
sensitive to packet loss than voice transmissions, faxing on
Voice over IP networks can cause problems. Various
different methods have been developed to ensure
successful fax transmission of Voice over IP. These

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methods include Fax Passthru, T.38 Fax Relay and Session
Initiation Protocol (SIP).

Neither Voice over IP or Fax over IP are currently supported

platforms for Konica Minolta fax connection. Due to
advancements in Voice over IP and Fax over IP, fax
transmissions will generally operate normally within these
environments. Please check for the current status regarding
Voice over IP and Fax over IP, plus specific settings via CSES
search in “My Konica Minolta”
http://www.konicaminolta.com.au/mykonicaminolta

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ISDN stands for Integrated Service Digital Network and is
designed for digital data transmission. For that reason G4
fax machines use ISDN networks.

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To test your knowledge, please complete this quiz.

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In this chapter, you have learned about the different types of
telephone networks. You have also learned the difference
between tone and pulse dialing.

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Congratulations. You have completed the fax basics course.
Let us review what you have learned in this course. You
have discovered that facsimiles are classified into G1, G2,
G3 and G4 and the most common fax we see today is G3.
You have seen that the ITU-T governs facsimile standards.
We have shown that an incoming fax can be forwarded to a
selected destination such as email or another fax device.
You have identified the fax procedure phases A, B, C, D and
E and all the handshaking protocols between transmitting
and receiving faxes. You have also learned the difference
between a PSTN, PABX, ISDN and Voice over IP or Fax
over IP network. We have explained the advantages and
disadvantages of each. Finally you have learned that output
levels of signals can be adjusted from the service mode of
the device.

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Congratulations on completing the Fax Basics web-based
training.

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