Faximum - Supported Modems

Faximum will work with most external fax modems that comply with the Class 2 or Class 2.0 (EIA/TIA-592) standards for fax modems. Please see the following table which lists a number of Class 2/2.0 modems and indicates the support provided by Faximum. If your modem does not appear in this table, please see How can I check if my modem is Class 2/2.0?.

It is important for users to understand that with Class 2/2.0 modems, the firmware within the modem is responsible for handling the low-level communications protocol between the fax modem and the fax machine. If there is a defect with the modem's firmware then the user's modem may experience compatibility problems communicating with certain fax machines. This is obviously beyond the control of the Faximum software. While Faximum Software Inc. will work closely with the user and the modem manufacturer to resolve any such compatibility problems, we trust users understand that solutions to certain fax compatibility problems may depend entirely on the modem manufacturer and not on Faximum Software Inc.

For this reason, users with mission-critical applications are urged to consider Class 2 modems made by either Multi-Tech, Telebit, U.S. Robotics, or ZyXel if they wish to be reasonably assured of reliable operation and prompt support from the modem manufacturer.

Note that the Class 2 and 2.0 fax modem standards are different and incompatible. For more information on the Class 2/2.0 standards in particular, or on fax technology in general, please contact Faximum Sales for a copy of "Frequently Asked Questions about Fax Technology" (available on the web at http://www.faximum.com/faqs/fax).

The following table lists some Class 2/2.0 modems and their current level of support by Faximum. Please note that the information in this table is rapidly changing and users ought to contact Faximum Software for the most up-to-date information.

Class 2/2.0 Modems - Recommended

The following fax modems are recommended for use with Faximum:

• MultiTech (all models with fax capability)
• TeleBit (all models with fax capability)
• U.S. Robotics (all models with Class 2.0 fax capability, Faximum Client/Server only)
• ZyXEL (all models with fax capability)

Please note:not all U.S. Robotics fax modems support the Class 2.0 interface (many models are Class 1 only). Before attempting to use a USR modem with Faximum please verify that the modem does indeed support Class 2.0 (see How can I check if my modem is Class 2/2.0?).

Note that Class 2.0 (i.e. U.S. Robotics) modems are only supported with the Faximum Client/Server products (i.e. DG, HP, and Sun platforms). Faximum ELS and Faximum PLUS (for Intel and AIX/6000) do not yet support Class 2.0 modems. This will be added to the next release.

Note also that Faximum does support the Everex Everfax 24/96D (Part Number EXO 960-51), and the Everex Everfax 24/96E (Part Number EXO 967-02) for existing installations but does not recommend their use for new sites since the manufacturer has discontinued support for these modems.

Class 2/2.0 Modems - Operational

The following fax modems are known to work with Faximum but may exhibit compatibility problems with certain fax machines:

• Computer Peripherals VIVA Fax Modems
• Supra FAXModemPLUS
• ZOOM Fax Modems (other than FX96/24)

Class 2/2.0 Modems - Others

The following fax modems have been been used by Faximum users with mixed results. Some have experienced problems while others are satisfied with their operation with Faximum. This variation may be caused by different ROM revisions or other differences between different versions of the same modem.

• AT&T Paradyne
• Practical Peripherals
• Supra FAXModem V.32 and V.32bis
• Other Rockwell Chip-Set-Based Modems

At the time this document was prepared, Hayes Microcomputer Products had not yet announced a Class 2 or 2.0 modem.

AT+FCLASS=?

If the modem is Class 2 or 2.0 then the response from the modem to this command ought to include the number 2 or 2.0.

If the modem is a Class 2 modem, then issue the first of the two AT commands shown on each line below

If the modem is a Class 2.0 modem, then issue the second of the two AT commands shown on each line below (i.e. AT+FMR?, not AT+FMFR?).

AT+FMFR? (AT+FMR?)

This will usually provide the name of the manufacturer of the chip set used in the modem. (You may need to type AT+FCLASS=2 or AT+FCLASS=2.0 before the FMFR or FMR command will be accepted by the modem.)

AT+FMDL? (AT+FML?)

This will usually provide the model number of the chip set used in the modem.

AT+FREV? (AT+FRV?)

This will usually provide the firmware revision level for the modem.

AT+FBUF? (AT+FBF?)

This will usually provide the size of the internal buffer within the modem.

For reliable operation with UNIX we recommend modems with at least 1K of buffer.

If you have any doubts or questions about your fax modem, please contact Faximum Technical Support (support@faximum.com), providing the response to these five commands.