HYLAFAX SERVER OPERATION
In normal operation HylaFAX server machines run three independent programs: The faxq scheduler process is normally started once when the system is booted. If faxgetty processes are to be used, they should be setup so that the init(1M). program will start them on each port where a fax modem resides. The faxd.recv program is intended to be started by the inetd(1M) process.

Under IRIX the normal installation procedure sets up the system so the faxq process will be started up by init(1M). On other systems you will need to arrange for this yourself (typically by editing /etc/rc.local or similar). faxgetty processes must be manually setup by editing the appropriate control file for init; usually either /etc/inittab or /etc/ttytab. faxd.recv is setup to be started by inetd when the faxaddmodem script is run to configure a modem for use with HylaFAX.

If you need to start the faxq server by hand, consult the faxq(1M) manual page and the shell script etc/hylafax that is used under IRIX.

Incoming facsimile are placed in the recvq subdirectory of the spooling area and probably will need to be cleaned up periodically. Likewise there is logging information in the log subdirectory and accounting information in the etc subdirectory of the spooling area that may need some attention.

The faxcron script is designed to handle the periodic maintenance of the spooling area. This script is designed to be run from cron(1) every day.

If you want to do accounting check out the xferstats and recvstats scripts for a basic attack on how to process the etc/xferlog accounting file that has records of all facsimile transmissions and receptions. Note that faxcron uses these scripts to deliver statistics about facsimile that were recently transmitted and received.

Otherwise the only matter to be concerned with is the support for data connections. If your modems are capable of differentiating data connections from facsimile connections the fax server can be configured to startup a getty program whenever a call from a data modem is received. Alternatively, if your modem does not support an adaptive-answer facility, but it is a Class 1 modem, the server may be able to do adaptive answering in software. In any event, beware that if you enable data connections you should take the normal precautions you would take when there are dialup ports on your machine. Specifically, make sure that you have passwords, appropriate file protections, and proper configuration of uucp or similar.

If you encounter problems sending or receiving facsimile you can enable copious tracing information by editing the HylaFAX configuration files. Consult the Troubleshooting section and the config(4F) manual page, in particular, for help. There is also information in the HylaFAQ on problems one might encounter during server operation.

HylaFAX documentation.
HylaFAX table of contents.


Sam Leffler / sam@engr.sgi.com. Last updated $Date: 1995/04/04 16:33:44 $.