vmware faxserver

[Lokol]

hiho!
i want to try to install an faxserver with t38 connect to oxe on an vmware, because otuc works bad and its expensive.

i will use debian linux with hylafax, t38modem from the debian pakages.


sombody has try that? maybe i write an howto.

[cavagnaro]

Hum I have read a few on this HylaFax and only works with PSTN right? No SIP support? Seems only with a third party software...more possible problems to the chain...
Now OTUC Faxserver (SAGEM) isn't bad at all when is installed correctly. SIP, Outlook, Web interface, etc etc works fine for me at office and at customer site. I admit the installation is a pain in the ass but once you got it, it is good.

[Lokol]

in debian you can install by apt-get the packet t38modem. i will try it

do you have expirience with otuc fax on vmware?

[krzysioD]

Cav:

The Hylafax is "the #1 fax solution" in opensource world from times like '90...

It could use a analog modem or some ISDN card (from passive 2B+D to things like Eicon Diva Server cards). It scales very nice and i've instalations with uptime like 999 days still up and running fine.

To connect hylafax to something other that /dev/ttyS0 (the serial port in Linux) or a CAPI capable controler you need anykind of modem "emulator" one of them is t38modem it uses h323, there is also very good IAXmodem which allows to connect hylafax to (for example) asterisk.
I'm running some tests, and right now the configuration: OXE <> siptrunk <> asterisk <>IAXmodem <>hylafax works for me
Of course i need to use the G.711 for SIP. Asterisk+IAXmodem+Hylafax run under one machine (typical PC, no "server" machine used).

For me, most cost effective solution for faxserver is linux+asterisk+hylafax+nx(2B+D)card. Used passive isdn controlers cost like <10 Eur / pcs. New card with 4x S0/T0 for asterisk is like 200-300 Eur.

Connecting by ip (both h323&sip) took me some time, and for many systems is too complicated, needs upgrade, compresors etc.

Another thing: 9600 bps for fax is FINE. Don't bother to fight for speeds like 12000 or 14400 bps, it's useless... Too many errors, problems with analog fax machines on the other side, retransmitions.

[cavagnaro]

Well I can't argue on that as I got into the faxing world with this faxServer of SAGEM still reading on the matter. Cool to know there are many other solutions, however for my market we can't introduce on our portfolio a solution that uses Asterisk...
Regards

[krzysioD]

So:
hylafax + isdn card (capi capable). Scalable with good price to two passive isdn boards like AVM Fritz!. So 4 x B channel. (With that, you could use a 14400 with a good G3 capable faxmachine on the other side).

For more than 4, cards go expensive (but still configs with 60 B channels are possible and work, mostly in Germany).

Disvantages: use hardware (no pure IP) and scales with steps of two to 8 B channels, then in steps of 30...

Another option t38modem. Good scalling, no isdn/analog hardware. Still no asterisk used, but GPL software. OXE is running linux (GPL) so there should be OK to put this in your portfolio. I assume that only Digium products are blacklisted?

Btw, quick output from t38modem session (use minicom or something similar):
AT#CID=10
OK
(now call the t38modem)
RING
NMBR = your_calling_number (national format, or even international )
NDID = number_being_called (realy the extension number, not full national schema)
RING

So, using h323 + t38modem + hylafax looks fine for me. And for managment use: http://www.avantfax.com/