How Can I Receive Phone Calls While on the Internet?

When you are connected to the Internet over a dial-up modem, depending on your setup, you may not be able to answer the phone or receive phone calls. Because the Internet is taking up the phone line, no phone call will make it through, and if someone else tries to make a call from the house line, it will disconnect your computer from the Internet. Luckily, there is a way to stay online and answer phone calls at the same time.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• V.92 56K Modem

1. Purchase a new computer modem if your current computer is several years old. These newer V.92 56K modems will have a call waiting feature on them that allows you to pause your Internet browsing while you answer the phone.

2. Set the new modem down next to the computer. Connect the phone line into the "Internet" port on the modem.

3. Connect the computer's Internet access port to the modem with another phone line cable.

4. Plug a third phone line cable into the "Phone" port on the modem. Plug the other end of the cable into the phone.

5. Power on the dial up modem. Everything will still function the same, however, now when you receive a phone call, you will be able to answer it, without completely missing the phone and without canceling your current connection.

References

• Receive Phone Calls While on Internet