This standard contains protocols for use between a DTE and a Facsimile DCE. It supports automatic calling and answering.

This standard defines the commands that the DTE may issue to configure and control the DCE, and the responses the facsimile DCE shall issue to those commands.

This standard is useful for intelligent DTEs and DTE software, facsimile DCEs, and facsimile terminals with digital connection to DTEs.

This standard assumes that the DTE and DCE are connected via serial asynchronous connection using TINEIA-232-E (or V.24) circuits; it requires the provision of the Packet Protocol (Section 9) when used on serial ports. However, the protocols defined may be implemented in any environment that provides a character serial bidirectional data stream, including processor-bus-attached "fax boards", local area networks, Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI, ANSI X3.131), etc. The adaptation of these protocols and procedures to these alternative communication schemes is beyond the scope of this standard.