machine or such business, or entity, or individual. In order to program this information into the fax function of your modem, please refer to the documentation of the fax software you will be using.

Modem as Fax Machine

Modems can also be designed to include a fax transmitting and receiving function similar to a fax card. Since the modem's interface with the computer is the standard serial RS-232 interface, this interface is used for both modem and fax operations. Fax image coding and decoding must be done in the computer. Modem/Fax, also called fax/modem, can be either an external stand-alone unit or a plug-in card. External stand-alone units can be connected to any computer with a standard RS-232 serial port.

Your modem supports Group 3 send and receive facsimile functions. For normal fax operation, you must connect the modem to a computer, usually a PC. The computer serves as the input/output device for the fax function. The RS-232 serial connection or the ZyXEL serial port interface connects you modem to the computer. Your modem uses the same interface for both data and fax applications. In fax operations, the modem performs protocol handshaking and image data transfer. The computer handles image data creation, capturing, conversion, compression, decompression, retrieval, and storage.

ITU-T T.30 Fax Protocol

The ITU-T T.30 fax protocol is known as the G3 fax handshake signals and procedures. The modem takes full control of this protocol - initiating and terminating fax calls, managing the communication session, and transporting the image data. Therefore, the modem relieves the computer fax software of the T.30 protocol handling.

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ZyXEL Communications U-336SA user manual Modem as Fax Machine, ITU-T T.30 Fax Protocol

U-336S, U-336SA specifications

ZyXEL Communications, a leading global provider of networking and cybersecurity solutions, has offered a range of products designed to cater to various connectivity needs. Among these, the U-336SA and U-336S modems stand out for their reliability and performance, particularly in the dial-up category during the heyday of internet access.

The U-336SA and U-336S modems are external devices that revolutionized the way users connected to the internet in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Designed for both home users and small businesses, these modems supported 33.6 Kbps data transfer rates, which, at the time, were considered cutting-edge. This capability allowed for reasonably swift internet browsing, email communication, and file downloads compared to earlier modems.

One notable feature of both the U-336SA and U-336S models is their plug-and-play functionality. This ease of use made them accessible to even the less tech-savvy users, allowing quick and straightforward installation. Users could connect the modems to their PCs or laptops via a standard serial interface, minimizing setup time and complexity.

Additionally, both modems were equipped with error correction and data compression technologies. The V.42 and V.42bis protocols enhanced data integrity during transmission, ensuring that users experienced fewer disruptions and greater reliability in their connecting experience. This was particularly vital for tasks like file transfers and large downloads, where data integrity was paramount.

The modems also featured compatibility with various operating systems, including early versions of Windows, which expanded their appeal to a broader audience. The U-336SA was specifically engineered as a standalone device, while the U-336S could often be used with existing computer systems, showcasing versatility in various deployment scenarios.

In terms of design, both modems were compact and lightweight, allowing for easy portability. This made them suitable for users who required connectivity on the go or in different locations.

Ultimately, the ZyXEL U-336SA and U-336S modems represent a significant technological achievement in the history of internet connectivity. Their introduction set the stage for subsequent advancements in modem technology and played a crucial role in the evolution towards broadband and high-speed internet access that we enjoy today. Their legacy endures in the foundational technologies and protocols that continue to drive modern telecommunications.