This article explains how to connect your Level365 Fax ATA (Analog Telephone Adapter). Fax ATAs come pre-configured by Level365 so only a few simple steps are needed to get the device online. Details are listed below on how to make the physical connections, what the indicator lights mean, and how to confirm everything is working correctly. Basic troubleshooting tips are also included to help resolve common setup issues.
Level365 will configure the Fax ATA for you. You will only need to connect the ATA using the below steps.
Fax ATAs cannot be used to make voice telephone calls. The device communicates via HTTPS and is designed specifically for fax transmissions only.
Back of a Fax ATA
- WAN Port: Connect an ethernet cable to the WAN port and the other end to a live network connection. The ATA will need to pull an IP address via DHCP.
- LAN/PC Port (optional): Connect an optional device to utilize the additional LAN port such as a network printer.
- Phone 1 / 2 Ports: Connect a phone cord (RJ11) from the port marked LINE (or similar) on your fax machine to Phone port 1 on the Fax ATA. If we programmed the FAX ATA for 2 DIDs/Fax machines, plug the second fax machine into Phone Port 2
- Power Port: Connect the supplied power supply which allows it to initialize. There is no ON/OFF switch so the Fax ATA turns on as soon as you connect the power.
Fax ATA lights
- POWER LED is lit (green) when initialization completes, about 1 minute.
- STATUS LED will change from red to solid green.
- The unit may automatically reboot within the first few minutes after downloading updated settings from the server. Wait for all 3 lights to again turn solid green
- Phone1 or 2 will blink when a fax is being processed.
- WAN/LAN will flash orange/green when it is communicating with the network.
Physical Troubleshooting
Most fax issues that occur when using an ATA arise from the fax machine itself. This happens because the fax server can reach the ATA device, which attempts to transmit to the actual fax machine, but then fails due to a physical issue with the machine. (e.g. paper jams, out of toner, loose cable)
1. The first thing to check is the physical connection from the fax machine to the ATA. This should be from your analog input line on the fax machine to the Phone 1 port on the ATA. The WAN port on the ATA should be connected to an internet connection.
2. If the connections are firmly in place, check the status lights on the ATA device. The Status and Power lights should be a solid green. Phone 1 will blink when a fax is being processed and WAN will flash amber and green when communicating with the network. Note the status of these lights to relay to Level365 technicians.
3. Regardless of the light status, reboot the ATA by unplugging the power cable labeled 12VDC. Leave it out 10 seconds, and plug it back in.
4. While the ATA reboots, check the fax machine itself for any errors on the display and resolve any errors/warnings such as paper jams, toner deficiency, etc.
5. After the ATA has rebooted and the Status light is solid green, attempt to send a fax. It is important that you use strictly the area code and the fax number, e.g. 3171234567. Any leading 1 or 9 that is not part of the area code should be omitted. In total the number should be 10 digits, no more and no less.