The traditional method of sending and receiving documents via facsimile utilizes a dedicated telephone connection. This connection provides the necessary pathway for transmitting analog signals representing the document’s content. Older facsimile devices were designed to function exclusively with this type of physical connection to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).
The requirement of a dedicated telecommunications link for facsimile operations was a significant factor in infrastructure planning and cost considerations for businesses. Historically, this requirement dictated the physical location of the device and involved recurring monthly expenses for the telephone line itself. This necessity also impacted the portability and ease of use of facsimile technology. The dependence on a physical line limited the ability to send or receive documents from remote locations without established telephone infrastructure.