User guide

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. FaxFinder Admin User Guide 8
Chapter 2 – Getting Started
Introduction
This chapter steps you through initial installation and setup of your Multi-Tech Model
FF130/230/430/830 FaxFinder.
The FaxFinder Fax Server is an IP enabled fax server that interacts with other devices and services on
your communication network to send and receive faxes and to perform administrative functions.
The FaxFinder requires access to an SMTP server that will relay emails generated by the FaxFinder.
These emails contain administrative notifications, log files and most commonly, faxes. It is
recommended that a DNS "A" record be created for the FaxFinder. Depending on the location of the
email recipients and IP resources, access through your network's Internet Gateway (providing WAN
access) may be required.
The fax ports of the FaxFinder require analog telephone lines that provide dial tone and ring voltage at
traditional levels and cadence (traditional electrical characteristics of a POTS line). To fully utilize the
FaxFinder's inbound fax routing capabilities, the communication lines (PBX ports) need to pass DID
(direct inward dial) information (in the form of DTMF digits) to the FaxFinder (upon the FaxFinder port
going off hook to answer the call). See "FaxFinder Versatility, Phone Line and PBX Compatibility" below
for more details.
Before installing the FaxFinder onto your IP Network, understand the target network's current IP
scheme and implementation. What Ethernet equipment will the FaxFinder be connected to? Is it a
simple traditional switch or hub, or a Managed V-LAN switch that is IP address aware (that will block
traffic not of its configured subnet), or a port on a network enabled appliance like a PBX or router that
has similar controls as a Managed Switch?
The FaxFinder is set from the factory with an IP address of 192.168.2.1 (netmask 255.255.255.000).
Identify a workstation that can be used to perform the initial configuration of the FaxFinder. Depending
on your network variables, you may have to connect a workstation directly to the FaxFinder to perform
initial network setup of the FaxFinder. Having the ability to identify (and possibly change) the current IP
configuration of the workstation may be required. The mobility of a laptop can be helpful but be sure to
take into consideration any active WiFi connection to avoid any network conflicts with the Ethernet
connection to the FaxFinder.
FaxFinder Network Requirements
The FaxFinder requires a static IP address (automatically assigned IP addresses via DHCP is not
supported). The FaxFinder's Ethernet interface is full duplex, auto negotiating 10/100 Mb and auto
polarity sensing. Auto polarity allows you to use a traditional straight through or cross-over, Ethernet RJ-
45 cable.
The FaxFinder does not support POE (Power over Ethernet) or 1GB speeds. These features may need to
be disabled on the port of the Ethernet equipment that the FaxFinder is connected to.