RFC 2305 (rfc2305) - Page 2 of 13
A Simple Mode of Facsimile Using Internet Mail
Alternative Format: Original Text Document
RFC 2305 Simple Mode of Facsimile March 1998
A G3Fax device has substantial restrictions due to specifications in
the standards, such as for timers. This specification defines a
profile for Internet mail, rather than creating a distinct "facsimile
over the Internet" service. The semantics resulting from the profile
are designed to be compatible with facsimile operation over the
general switched telephone network, so that gateways between
facsimile and Internet mail can operate with very high fidelity.
The reason for developing this capability as an email profile is to
permit interworking amongst facsimile and email users. For example
it is intended that existing email users be able to send normal
messages to lists of users, including facsimile-based recipients, and
that other email recipients shall be able to reply to the original
and continue to include facsimile recipients. Similarly it is
intended that existing email software work without modification and
not be required to process new, or different data structures, beyond
what is normal for Internet mail users. Existing email service
standards are used, rather than replicating mechanisms which are more
tailored to existing facsimile standards, to ensure this
compatibility with existing email service.
1.1 Services
A facsimile-capable device that uses T.4 [8] and the general switched
telephone network (GSTN) is called a "G3Fax device" in this
specification. An "IFax device" is an Internet- accessible device
capable of sending, receiving or forwarding Internet faxes. A
message can be sent to an IFax device using an Internet mail
address. A message can be sent to a G3Fax device using an Internet
mail address; the message MAY be forwarded via an IFax offramp
gateway.
1.2 Cases
This specification provides for communication between each of the
following combinations:
Internet mail => Network printer
Internet mail => Offramp gateway (forward to
G3Fax)
Network scanner => Network printer
Network scanner => Offramp gateway (forward to
G3Fax)
Network scanner => Internet mail
Toyoda, et. al. Standards Track