Distinctive Ring - Fax Machine Issues

Symptom

The fax machine isn’t accepting incoming faxes.

Cause

  • Customer owned equipment
  • Fax settings
  • Inside wiring
  • Provisioning/network issue

Resolution

If you are using a distinctive ring and fax machine on your line it is recommended that the long distance alert (LDA) be left off as it will conflict when calls are coming from long distance callers. LDA can be disabled in Online Manager or by dialing *49 from the home phone to activate/deactivate it.

  1. Is the fax machine properly installed and powered on?
    • If no, review the manufacturer’s documentation.
    • If yes, go to next steps.
  2. Has the ring pattern required to activate the fax machine been set? Ring Patterns: 
Main Line - Normal 1 long ring Normal, Original Main Line
Long Distance Ring - 1 long ring & 2 short rings  Long distance calls will have the same ring pattern on all lines.
1st Distinctive Ring - 2 long rings 1st Virtual Line
2nd Distinctive Ring - 2 sort & 1 long ring 2nd Virtual Line
  Some common ring patterns to avoid are: 
1 Ring (l long ring) This is used to announce incoming local calls. If your fax machine is set to 1 ring, all incoming local calls will activate your fax machine.
3 rings (1 long and 2 short) By default this ring is turned on. It is used to announce incoming long distance calls. If your fax machine is set to 1 long ring and 2 short rings, all incoming long distance calls will activate your fax machine.
  • If no, set the activation ring pattern on their fax machine.
    • Refer to the fax manufacturer’s User Guide for instructions.
  • If yes, go to next steps.
  • Plug a phone into the jack where the fax machine is connected.
    • Place a test call to the distinctive ring number.
    • If you are still unable to receive/send faxes and the distinctive number rings through on the test call, contact the manufacturer of your fax machine.
    • If the test call doesn’t ring through, check for dial tone then choose the next steps.
    • Note: Distinctive Ring doesn’t allow multiple, simultaneous incoming or outgoing calls. It is still one physical line.