Facsimile data transmission over a low data rate network with fill bit removal and reinsertion

A method for minimizing a data bottleneck in a Low Data Rate Network (LDRN), said LDRN having a first side and a second side, said LDRN being coupled to a first facsimile (FAX) machine and a second FAX machine, said first and second FAX machines being capable of negotiating a value corresponding to a Minimum Scan Line Time (MSLT), said method comprising:

• scanning and encoding a data stream into a plurality of data lines using said first FAX machine;
• processing said scanned and encoded data stream, including inserting at least one fill bit into each of said plurality of data lines having a bit value (L.sub.line) less than said MSLT value, whereby said bit value for each of said plurality of data lines of said processed data equals or exceeds said MSLT value;
• transmitting said processed data from said first FAX machine to said first side of said LDRN at a fax transmission data rate R.sub.fax ;
• second processing said transmitted data, including removing from each of said inserted data lines said at least one fill bit;
• second transmitting said second processed data from said first to said second side of said LDRN;
• third processing said second transmitted data, including reinserting into each of said data lines said at least one fill bit;
• and
• third transmitting said third processed data from said second side of said LDRN to said second FAX machine.