Is it possible to share a phone line between data and voice?
From
BBS (
/u/droid_mike
https://www.reddit.com/user/droid_mike
) to
All on Sat Apr 4 05:06:12 2026
Let me explain... I have been meaning to fulfill a lifelong dream by setting up a BBS at home. It would be connected to the internet, but I'd also like it connected to a modem. I have a landline right now, and I could get a second dedicated one, but I'm not sure if it is worth it. The current line is mostly dead except for a few spam calls, but every so often I do get an important call that I'd at least like to have the ability for the caller to leave a voicemail.
I'm not sure if this can be done easily, which is why I'm asking the experts here. I know that fax machines have a setting where it waits for an old school answering machine to pick up, then listen to see if there is a fax signal coming in. If yes, then the fax machine picks up and takes the fax, otherwise, the caller leaves a message on the answering machine. I also remember there was software available in the old days, where you could use your PC modem as a voice mail and fax client. I'm not sure if these two methods would be viable, though.
Any ideas how or if this could be done? Thanks! submitted by /u/droid_mike [link] [comments]