After a paper document is optically captured and coded as a digital signal, it is transmitted over telephone, telex, or satellite to a receiver that decodes the signal and reproduces an exact copy of the original. This end-to-end process is called:

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Facsimile

Explanation:


Introduction:
Before scanners and email attachments became routine, organizations exchanged paper documents electronically using a system that encoded printed pages and recreated them at the far end. Recognizing the correct term clarifies historic and still-used workflows for document transmission.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • A physical document is scanned into a digital representation.
  • The signal is transmitted over telecom channels such as telephone, telex networks, or satellite links.
  • The receiver decodes and prints a facsimile of the original page.


Concept / Approach:
This process is known as facsimile or fax. A fax machine (or fax modem) scans the page, compresses the image, transmits it using standardized protocols, and the recipient device reproduces a near-exact copy. While modern workflows may use email or cloud sharing, fax remains common in certain sectors due to regulatory and interoperability reasons.


Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Identify function: document imaging and faithful reproduction.2) Map to technology: facsimile systems were designed precisely for this purpose.3) Distinguish from alternatives: telex transmits text-based messages only; email is a general messaging system, not necessarily paper-to-paper reproduction.4) Conclude that “Facsimile” is the correct term.


Verification / Alternative check:
International standards such as ITU-T Group 3 and Group 4 define fax procedures, compression, and signaling for interoperable document transmission.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Telex: network for typed text messages, not page-image reproduction.
  • Word processor: software for document creation/editing, not a transmission system.
  • Electronic mail: general message transport; not inherently page-to-page reproduction via telephony protocols.
  • None of the above: invalid because facsimile matches the description.


Common Pitfalls:
Assuming any digital document transfer is “email”; the process described specifically mirrors fax technology.


Final Answer:
Facsimile

More Questions from Networking

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion