Can I share one phone line with two modems in two PCs?

Yes, it is possible to share one phone line with multiple devices. Actually, this solution works for all devices that connect to a phone line: answering machines, fax machines, modems, or even other telephones.

Radio Shack makes a device called a telephone line protector. This little device connects between your modem and the wall (or your surge protector). It senses when something else has the phone line off hook, and blocks your modem from dialing. This prevents your modem, fax, or other device from dialing out on someone else’s call. Even better, it prevents someone else from interrupting your modem call or fax transmission by picking up another extension. Now you don’t have to worry about someone else accidentally breaking your connection.

December 1998

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