SBS - Fax and modems - USB or Serial?

Lately, we have been in a bit of a quandary. Pretty much all server boards no longer have PCI slots to install that 56K fax modem into anymore.

So, we started selling the US Robotics USB based external: 56K* USB Fax Modem:


All in all, we have had pretty good success with these units. There have been some anomalies with them that we haven't been able to pin down 100%. But, we are pretty sure they are the culprit. The anomalies are not critical in that they don't spontaneously reboot the server or interfere with critical server services. They are minor inconveniences.

One thing we like about them, they tolerate having other fax machines, such as MFPs, on the same line that are only used to send faxes from.

In some cases, we have installed the US Robotics USR5686E, USR325686E 56K V.92 External Faxmodem:


These serial based modems have worked well where the phone line quality is not so good. They do however, have an issue with any other fax machine trying to send a fax on the same line. They like to pickup and try and receive. So, they need to be on their own line for receiving faxes. They are that sensitive.

What are your experiences? What modems do you use, and how well are they working out for you? Have you had any issues with USB modems?

Please, let us know and thanks in advance! :D

Philip Elder
MPECS Inc.
Microsoft Small Business Specialists

*All Mac on SBS posts are posted on our in-house iMac via the Safari Web browser.