Fax machine and Cat 5 network question please

[fRostiE]

Hi everyone.

Ive had a bit of a weird problem at work I was kind of hoping someone can help me out with please.

I was asked to move a fax machine earlier today (simple enough you think).

The old setup was. Cat5 adaptor > pstn lead > fax machine

the new setup is same cat5 adaptor > 30 metre extension lead > different pstn lead (old one broke) > fax machine

I dont understand why it doesnt work now

Can someone please explain to me how fax machines work through a cat5 network please - im totally stumped and ive been scratching my head all day on this

Thanks

 

[Badger2003]

Ok then, where to start.....

Firstly the problem is likely to be the pstn lead - there are different types of leads - some wired straight through, some with the wiring crossed. Compare the old lead to the new one to ensure they are the same / different etc.

The problem could also be with the extension leads though this is a little unlikely. The cat 5 cable is twisted pair whereas the extn leads tend to be untwisted. I've had system telephones fail to operate with extn leads over 3 or 5 metres.

Couple of simple tests - unplug the fax and plug in a standard household type telephone - does this work? Now disconect the extn leads - does it work now? It's just a process of elimination now...

Why to faxes work through CAT5 cable? Well it's no different to having you telephone or even PC wired through the CAT 5. Assuming your Fax is connected through your office telephone system, the system extension ports will be terminated to CAT 5 ports in your office comms room.

The fax extn port is then patched out the relevent floor outlet and the circuit completed. The fax connects to the CAT5 socket using a MASTER cat 5 adaptor. The master adaptors have the capacitor and other components to make the fax ring, etc.

 

[flying grouse]

pstn cable is different on most fax m/cs, the are not standard spec,the bt connector will be the same but the connector to the fax will be wired differently to other manufacturers.

follow advice from above post..........

 

[fRostiE]

Ok then, where to start.....

Firstly the problem is likely to be the pstn lead - there are different types of leads - some wired straight through, some with the wiring crossed. Compare the old lead to the new one to ensure they are the same / different etc.

Cheers, it actually turned out that this type of fax machine uses a special pstn lead - just my luck. so im being sent one because i destroyed the old one while moving a desk that was sitting on it

The problem could also be with the extension leads though this is a little unlikely. The cat 5 cable is twisted pair whereas the extn leads tend to be untwisted. I've had system telephones fail to operate with extn leads over 3 or 5 metres.

interesting, i will bear this in mind as its going over a 30 metre extension. (bt phone extension)

Couple of simple tests - unplug the fax and plug in a standard household type telephone - does this work? Now disconect the extn leads - does it work now? It's just a process of elimination now...

Why to faxes work through CAT5 cable? Well it's no different to having you telephone or even PC wired through the CAT 5. Assuming your Fax is connected through your office telephone system, the system extension ports will be terminated to CAT 5 ports in your office comms room.

The fax extn port is then patched out the relevent floor outlet and the circuit completed. The fax connects to the CAT5 socket using a MASTER cat 5 adaptor. The master adaptors have the capacitor and other components to make the fax ring, etc.

thanks for your post