How to Have a Fax Machine & Phone & Dial-Up on One Phone Line

Combining a fax machine, phone and dial-up internet service makes a great home office.

Working from home in your own home office is a growing trend in the United States. The flexible hours and independence of telecommuting for work are attractive inducements for home-based employees and self-employed entrepreneurs alike. But having only a single phone line in your home office can limit your electronic communication options. That's especially true when you need the use of a fax machine and telephone in addition to your dial-up internet service. Fortunately, combining these functions in one phone line takes only a small investment and a few minutes.

Things You'll Need

• Three-line phone jack
• Three telephone wires

Instructions

1. Buy a three-line phone jack from your local hardware or electronics store. As of November 2010, a three-line jack can cost anywhere from $1.00 to $7.00. You'll also want to buy three short (10- or 15-foot) phone cords if you don't already have them.

2. Plug the three-line phone jack into the wall phone jack outlet. The jack can only be connected in one way, so don't worry about connecting it incorrectly. You should hear a small "click" when the jack connects correctly.

3. Plug one of your phone wires into the back of your telephone, and plug its other end into the first slot in the three-line phone jack.

4. Plug another phone wire into the slot marked "Line" on your fax machine, and plug its other end into the second slot in the three-line phone jack.

5. Plug your final phone wire into your computer's dial-up modem, and plug its other end into the last slot in the three-line phone jack.

6. Test your phone and fax connections by picking up each one's handset and listening for a dial tone. If you hear a dial tone, your equipment is correctly connected and ready for use.

7. Test your dial-up internet connection to ensure that this phone line is also working correctly.

Tips & Warnings

• Be aware that although you've connected all three items (phone, fax and internet), you can only use one of the three at a time. For example, if you're online with your dial-up connection, anyone calling your telephone or fax number will receive a busy signal.

Resources

• Shopping.com: Prices for Three-Line Phone Jack