Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Fax machines are electronic devices used for sending and receiving printed documents over telephone lines. They convert physical documents into digital signals that can be transmitted and reproduced at the receiving end.
Related terms
Telecommunication: Telecommunication refers to the transmission of information over long distances through various means such as telephones, radios, or computer networks.
Modem: A modem (short for modulator-demodulator) is a device that enables computers or other devices to transmit data over communication channels such as telephone lines or cable connections.
Document Transmission Protocol: Document transmission protocols define the rules and procedures for transmitting documents between different devices or systems. Examples include protocols used in fax machines, email attachments, or file transfer protocols (FTP).