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Fax Glossary

Alphanumeric

A term used to describe a character set containing letters and digits.

Application Program Interface (API)

This term describes an organized method for arranging communications between multiple computer programs or between multiple modules of a single program. Usually an API is either based on a standard file exchange method or a collection (library) of different functions.

Auto fax/Tel switch

Automatically determines whether incoming calls are voice calls or fax calls and routes them accordingly. Some switches incorporate an answering machine feature.

Automatic document feeder

A device that feeds documents into a facsimile machine without operator assistance.

Binary File Transfer (BFT)

This is an approved standard format for transferring binary files via facsimile and other telecommunications services. The ITU-T document which describes this standard is T.434 and the US version is TIA/EIA-614.

bps

Bits per second. Used to designate the speed at which data flows over transmission lines. For example, 9,600 bps would indicate that 9,600 bits of information are being transmitted per second.

Broadcast

The transmission of one set of documents to two or more receivers.

CCITT

This is the abbreviation for the International Telephone and Telegraph Consultative Committee, which is the international standards body which has created standards (also called recommendations) for data communications systems and equipment. This term has been phased out in favor of ITU-T. (See ITU).

CIELAB

This is a convention for specifying colors via a "color space" which is independent of the type of device or media on which a color image or document is reproduced.

Class 1

The Class 1 digital interface is for fax devices which only do fax data transfer, where the T.4/T.6 data compression and T.30 session management are handled by software on a controlling computer. This was originally published as EIA/TIA-578 and since updated as TIA/EIA-578-A. The ITU version is T.31.

Class 2

The Class 2 digital interface is a proposed standard for controlling fax devices which can handle T.30 session management, where the T.4/T.6 data compression is handled by software on a controlling computer. This has been published as TIA/EIA-592. Amendments have been published as IS-134. The ITU version is T.32.

Class 3

Class 3 is a type of digital interface and related command set which will apply to a class of fax devices which provide both T.30 session management and T.4/T.6 presentation management (e.g. text to fax and other format conversions). This functionality may be incorporated in a future MFPI proposed standard. (see MFPI)

Class X

The Class X digital interface has been proposed to control fax devices which will act as data pumps. Computer resident software will manage T.30 fax session management and T.4/T.6 data compression. Batching of commands will be permitted to relieve critical timing problems.

Compatibility

Indicates the ITU-T communication mode supported by the machine. There are four standard modes: Group 1 (G1) mode, which is also referred to as 6-minute FM mode, was used on the first generation of analog machines; Group 2 (G2) mode, which is faster and more automated than Group 1 machines, was used on the second-generation analog machines; Group 3 (G3) mode, which supports bit-per-second rates up to 14.4 Kbps, is the first mode to utilize digital technology. Many Group 3 machines are also compatible with the older Group 2 and Group 1 machines. G3 is the most common mode presently in use. Group 4 (G4) mode is the latest standard. It is designed for high-speed communication (up to 64,000 bps) and must be used on private or special digital (as opposed to analog) telephone lines.

DCE

This is Data Circuit-terminating Equipment, which is any device which connects a computer or terminal (DTE) to a data communications network. In the case of fax, this could be a fax modem or other fax device.

Determination

This is the first step of the Resolution 1 process used for approving ITU-T recommendations. A draft recommendation may be "determined" at a Study Group or Working Party meeting once the content is considered to be technically stable.

Digital

Transmission of data in the form of on/off electrical impulses representing digits, as opposed to the continuously varying signal of analog transmission.

Dpi

Dots per inch. A measure of resolution in input devices such as scanners, display devices such as monitors, and output devices such as fax machines and laser printers.

DSVD

This term is an abbreviation for Digital Simultaneous Voice and Data. This is a method by which a user can simultaneously make a voice phone call and send data to the same recipient. The voice is compressed and the data is transmitted using the remaining bandwidth of the analog voice channel. There is a series of pending ITU-T recommendations for this method.

DTE

This is Data Terminal Equipment which is any terminal or computer which can provide commands to operate a data communications device (DCE). For fax, this device can be a computer of any size.

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