IP faxing, a process for sending faxes over the Internet network, has been around for many years. Internet faxing converts the data packets of a fax transmission in the same way that voice over IP would convert the analog signals of a voice call. Much like voice over IP, using the Internet to send or receive a fax requires encrypted digital packets to travel along a data network. Completely abandoning the need for a PTSN line and eliminating potential long distance charges. Because of the cost efficiencies associated with using a data network for communications purposes, Internet faxing provides optimal results to the small business market.

Unlike a conventional method of faxing, IP faxing relies heavily on the Internet Protocol to transmit data over the network as digital packets, instead of analog packets over a telephone line. When using an Internet faxing solution there is no need to purchase or maintain a traditional fax machine since all functions can be accesses virtually via computer connected to an active broadband Internet network.

When deploying IP faxing in conjunction with a voice over IP solution, it is completely possible to send and receive faxes through a voice over IP server, although most will recommend not using the same network as this can cause quality issues as faxing requires more broadband than voice communications.

The greatest benefit of utilizing the Internet to send and receive faxes come in the form of complete mobility. Faxes can be received from any geographical location, much like emails. In fact, both processes are nearly identical. Incoming fax notifications can be received as email attachments, and emails can be sent as faxes.

Another great benefit of IP faxing is the ability to receive faxes to WiFi mobile phones, either as voicemail notifications or as incoming data messages.

Nextiva offers low cost Internet faxing, known as vFax, in addition to award winning business voice over IP solutions.