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

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.

• 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.