Freepbx Allow Extension To Send Fax

6 min read Oct 03, 2024

How to Allow Extensions to Send Faxes in FreePBX

FreePBX is a powerful open-source PBX solution that offers a wide range of features, including the ability to send and receive faxes. However, you may need to configure your system to allow specific extensions to send faxes. This guide will walk you through the steps to enable this functionality for your FreePBX system.

Understanding the Basics:

Before we dive into the configuration, let's understand the key components involved:

FreePBX: The primary software that manages your phone system, allowing you to configure extensions, dial plans, and other features.
Fax Module: A module within FreePBX responsible for handling fax transmissions.
Fax Server: A separate server or software that converts documents into fax-compatible formats and sends them over the network.

Configuring FreePBX for Fax Sending

Install the Fax Module: Ensure the "Fax" module is enabled in your FreePBX system. Navigate to Modules -> Installed Modules, and make sure the Fax module is installed and active. If not, you can find and install it in the Modules -> Available Modules section.
Configure a Fax Server: You need to configure a dedicated fax server that will handle the conversion and transmission of faxes. There are various options available, both commercial and open-source, such as:
- HylaFAX: A widely used open-source fax server.
- AsteriskFAX: An Asterisk-based fax server.
- Other commercial fax server solutions: Consider options like Fax.plus or eFax.
Configure a Fax Destination: Define the phone number or email address where faxes should be sent. This can be configured within the Fax module, depending on your specific fax server solution.
Assign Extensions: Within the FreePBX interface, go to the Extensions section and select the specific extension you want to allow to send faxes. Under the Extension Details tab, you can find an option to enable fax sending.
Set up Fax Dial Plan: The dial plan determines how your system handles outgoing fax calls. You need to configure a specific dial plan for fax calls, allowing extensions to initiate fax transmissions. This usually involves a dedicated code or prefix for fax calls.
Testing: After configuring everything, test your setup by sending a test fax from the designated extension. Ensure the fax reaches the intended recipient successfully.

Example: Using HylaFAX as the Fax Server

Here's a simplified example of using HylaFAX as your fax server:

Install HylaFAX: Install HylaFAX on your server using the appropriate package manager for your distribution (e.g., apt on Ubuntu).
Configure HylaFAX: Configure HylaFAX by creating a hylafax user with the necessary permissions, and set up your fax modem or VoIP gateway.
Integrate with FreePBX: Configure the Fax module in FreePBX to connect with your HylaFAX server, specifying the server's hostname or IP address, the hylafax user, and the necessary parameters.

Troubleshooting Tips:

Check Logs: If your faxes are not being sent successfully, examine the logs of both FreePBX and your fax server for error messages.
Firewall Rules: Ensure that your firewall rules are configured to allow the necessary ports for fax transmission.
Verify Network Connectivity: Verify that your FreePBX server and fax server have a working network connection.
Modem Configuration: If using a physical modem, double-check the modem's configuration and ensure it's properly connected.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can enable your FreePBX extensions to send faxes. Choose the appropriate fax server solution that meets your needs and integrate it into your FreePBX system. Remember to test your configuration thoroughly to ensure everything works as expected.