Fax Modems: What They Are and How to Choose One?

When you hear the word ‘modem,’ the familiar series of beeps that preceded gaining an dial-up connection in the early days of the Internet probably spring to mind. A fax modem connects to a computer to help users share critical data securely via fax message.

This article will explore the need for fax modems and how businesses can use fax modem software.

What is a Fax Modem?

A fax modem is a device that transmits data between computers and fax machines. The device ensures a dial-up connection to the Internet, enabling the user to send fax messages from their computer to a fax machine or fax number. A fax modem for PC can send fax messages using a mobile app or specific fax software.

Key Differences Between Internal and External Fax Modems

There are two types of fax modems: internal fax modems, installed directly inside a computer, and external fax modems, attached to a PC via a port like a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port.

Internal fax modems: An internal fax modem is installed directly to a computer’s motherboard via a fax modem card or PC card. The internal fax modem provides a phone line connection by being pre-installed on a computer or installed to the internal port. Desktop users often prefer to install an internal fax modem rather than have a USB modem attached to it but it can be challenging to install the technology on laptops.

External fax modems: An external fax modem connects to a computer via its external ports, most commonly a USB port. External fax modems connect to desktop PCs and laptops, and many users prefer them as they’re easy to plug in and quickly gain a phone line connection to send a fax message.

How Do Fax Modems Work?

Those familiar beeps that occurred before a dial-up connection 20 years ago represented data being transmitted via audio signals. Fax modems use this same technology to read and scan a document and turn it into audio signals on the sender’s end. They then transmit the fax message and translate the sound into data for the receiver, who receives the fax message on their machine. Fax modems communicate with other fax modems and fax machines.

How Much Do Fax Modems Cost, And Where Can You Buy Them?

The price of a fax modem depends on whether you’re buying an internal or external fax modem. Typically, a fax modem is available for between $15 and $40, with additional labor charges if you need an IT professional to install it. Fax modems are widely available online via marketplaces like Amazon, large retail and office stores and specialist electronics stores.

3 Modern Alternatives To Traditional Fax Modems

Fax modems allow you to establish a phone line connection to send fax messages. However, several modern alternatives make it easier for users to securely send faxes to colleagues and clients at any time.

Online Faxing:  A popular alternative to using a fax modem is to use an online faxing service. An online fax solution enables users to send faxes like they’re accustomed to sending emails from their laptop or PC. They simply log in to the online faxing service, compose a fax message, attach their documents or photos and send the message to their contact’s fax number.

Email-to-Fax: Another option is to send a fax message via popular email providers like Gmail and Outlook. To do this, users must connect their email client to an online faxing service, write their email, attach their documents and send the message to a contact’s fax number.

Fax From Mobile: Perhaps the most convenient alternative to using a fax modem is to send fax messages from a mobile phone, including any Android or iPhone device. Users can send faxes from their phones using an online faxing provider’s mobile app. In the app, users simply compose a message like they’re used to writing emails on their phone, scan and attach documents and send their message as a fax to their contact’s fax number.

eFax: Securely Send Faxes Online Without Using a Fax Modem

eFax is an online solution that’s redefining the process of faxing. The technology eliminates expenditures typically associated with faxing while helping businesses enhance productivity and build efficient data ecosystems. The benefits of eFax include:

• Encrypted Protection: Businesses must use an online faxing solution that keeps their data secure at all times. eFax encrypts data and fax messages on devices and while it’s in transit via AES 256-bit encryption and Transport Layer Security (TLS) encryption. eFax also enables you to securely monitor and audit fax usage and compile reports on specific clients, employees and fax numbers.
• Reducing Costs: eFax provides significant cost savings compared to traditional fax usage. It removes the need to purchase fixed telephone lines, fax machine maintenance or topping up paper, ink and toner.
• Cloud Storage: eFax provides unlimited cloud storage, meaning you’ll never have to worry about running out of space or your critical documents being lost or deleted. All faxes are securely stored in the eFax cloud environment and can be accessed at any time and on any device.
• Platform Agnostic: eFax is designed to integrate with your existing applications, infrastructure and workflows. The technology is compatible with major email providers, social media services, collaboration tools and cloud storage solutions to maximize user productivity. Securing your fax communication is easy as eFax doesn’t require any proprietary hardware or software to get started.
• Regulatory Compliance: Complying with increasingly stringent data privacy regulations relies on robust auditing and reporting processes. eFax makes it easy to bring your faxing communications in line with laws like the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation.

FAQs Around Fax Modems