What is the key feature of T.38 in fax communication?

The key feature of T.38 in fax communication is its support for real-time packets. T.38 is a protocol designed specifically for transmitting fax over IP networks, enabling the transmission of fax data in real time. This real-time support is crucial as it allows fax transmissions to occur without significant delays, which is essential for maintaining the integrity and reliability of fax communications in a digital environment.

Unlike traditional analog fax systems that can only operate over specific line types, T.38 is adapted to work over packet-switched networks. It efficiently encodes and decodes the data so that it is suitable for Internet transmission while ensuring the timely delivery of fax documents, even over less reliable connections.