What are the advantages of using ISDN with GFI FAXmaker?

The information in this article applies to:

  • GFI FaxMaker 2011 for Exchange/SMTP
  • GFI FaxMaker for Exchange 10
  • GFI FAXmaker for Exchange 7
  • GFI FAXmaker for Exchange 9
  • GFI FAXmaker for Exchange/SMTP 12
  • GFI FaxMaker for Exchange/SMTP 14
  • GFI FAXmaker for Networks 11
  • GFI FAXmaker for Networks/SMTP 10
  • GFI FAXmaker for Networks/SMTP 8

Article ID: KBID001328

Query keywords: fax devices, isdn

GFI GFI FAXmaker integrates seamlessly into an ISDN environment, and is able to share an ISDN device with Internet dial up, or for instance RAS.

  1. Automatic inbound fax routing - Using an ISDN line and MSN (Multiple subscriber numbers) or DID/DDI (Direct Inwards Dialing) trunks, users can be assigned personal fax numbers without having to install physical fax lines for each number. The number of the line is passed to FAXmaker upon receiving the fax, and GFI FAXmaker will automatically route the fax to the corresponding user. This process is completely transparent to the sender.
  2. Decrease call costs - Using ISDN decreases call costs as transmission times are faster than analogue modems.
  3. Share device - If needed you can share the same hardware for instance Internet dial up, RAS, etc.
 
What ISDN cards are supported?

Please see this knowledgebase article for a list of supported cards
 

What is the difference between Msn and DDI/DID numbers?

MSN numbers (Multiple Subscriber Numbers), are usually used in a point-to-multipoint environment and DID/DDI numbers are usually used in a point-to-point environment. (see below for the description of point-to-point and point-to-multipoint) You can only have a maximum of 10 MSN numbers, but you can have many more DID/DDI numbers. Therefore if you need more than 10 extensions, you need to purchase DID/DDI trunks from your telecommunications company.

 
How much do DID numbers/trunks cost?

The costs of DID numbers/trunks vary from country to country, and sometimes even from city to city. The costs are usually made up out of a connection charge, and a monthly/quarterly fee per number range. In the UK for instance, the connection charge for a number range is approx. £200 and £30 per block of 10 numbers. The rental is £12.50 per block of 10 per quarter. To find out the exact costs for your country/city, please contact your local telecommunications company.

 
How many DIVA Pro cards can I install in one machine?

You can only install one DIVA Pro card in a machine. With a DIVA Pro card you can only send or receive one fax at a time (similar to one analog line).

 
How many DIVA Server BRI cards can I install in one machine?

You can install up to 4 DIVA Server BRI cards in one machine. If you use all channels of the 4 DIVA Server BRI cards for faxing, you will have 8 fax lines on which you can send and receive faxes simultaneously.

 
What is the difference between point-to-point and point-to-multipoint?

An ISDN line can either be point-to-point or point-to-multipoint. If you have a point-to-point connection, you can only attach one device (for instance a DIVA Pro or a DIVA Server BRI) to your ISDN line. If you have point-to-multipoint connection you can attach more than one device (more than one DIVA Pro or DIVA Server BRI or another ISDN device such as a pabx).

 
Can I share my DIVA Pro or DIVA Server BRI card with other applications?

Yes, you can also use your ISDN cards for Internet dial-up, RAS, picking up e-mail etc. If another application is using the card, GFI FAXmaker will give a busy tone for incoming faxes, or will hold outgoing faxes in the queue until the card is no longer in use.

Other useful ISDN links: