Running 2 modems??

**GuyG** · 20th July 2011, 10:34 AM

Is it possible to run 2 modems on the one computer?

The reason for wanting to do this is we have adsl2+ as our main internet connection which we have a wireless modem so as to use with other computers in the house. This modem is not voice compatible.

Then on the main computer they are using a program called Faxtalk which is a combined fax/voice answering machine which saves and stores the messages on the computer. To operate this program they need an oldder style voice modem (possibly a dial up one) The computer has windows 7 64 bit, plenty of ram etc - it is quite new. Are there going to be conflicts in trying to operate the 2 at the same time? The adsl modem is on 24/7.

Alternatively are there any other programs around that do the same thing?

**rainman** · 20th July 2011, 10:48 AM

There are a few variables here, but make sure you have DHCP turned off on the dial up modem, and as long as you have the ADSL2+ modem's IP address set as the default gateway on all of the PCs you should have internet.

As for how FaxTalk actually works is beyond me. I imagine there would be something in the set up to tell it which "gateway" (ie modem) to use - not sure.

.... I think. I hate computers.

**steveG** · 20th July 2011, 11:03 AM

Shouldn't have any problems as they are completely different types of devices.
The fax one is only doing phone type dialling/answering, the broadband one is network/internet.

It actually sounds like your wireless modem is a really a modem/router and doesn't require any computer connected to it to enable it to connect (eg if you unplug computers that are connected to it then you can still access the internet via wireless from a laptop etc).

How does the main computer connect to the internet now (or doesn't it)?

As Rainman said, there are quite a few variables here.
There are also nice ways to set things up, and also some bad, unmanageable ways that will still work (mostly) but are a nightmare when things stop working.
The collective brains on here should be able to steer you in the best direction.

Steve

**GuyG** · 20th July 2011, 06:07 PM

My understanding of the current setup is as follows; there are two computers that are hard wired to the adsl modem, and then my computer and the laptops have access through the modem wirelessly. The main computer does not need to actually be turned on to enable internet access - this is where the phone line/modem is located. Both modems should be connected to the one line.

The main computer is hard wired to the modem - one of the blue cords.

Then we are trying to get faxtalk to work on the main/downstairs computer. We have been getting lots of different answers and its rather confusing/seems to be taking up more time than would seem necessary.

We are looking for a nice way to set it up

**Mick_Marsh** · 20th July 2011, 06:58 PM

Yes you can.
The ASDL modem is not a modem, it is a router.
Therefore you only have one modem to connect.

Optional info that generally confuses people:
A modem connects a digital network to an analogue network. It converts digital signals to analogue signals i.e. modulates and demodulates - mo-dem - modem. That analogue signal is then transmitted down the telephone lines to another modem.
A router connects two digital networks. ADSL is a digital network. The digital signal can be transmitted on the same telephone lines. Another router or server at the other end picks up those digital signals.

**OffTrack** · 21st July 2011, 07:10 AM

As steveG says there shouldn't really be any problems. I run a similar setup on OSX Server but same principles apply.

Your network setup works so you don't need to touch it.

The fax line is connected to a dial up modem connected directly to the computer running your fax software. The dial up modem will handle calls on the fax line and has no bearing on your network setup.

All the setup work will relate to installing the dial up modem and driver then install and configuration of the Fax Talk software. Reading the FaxTalk documentation it is assumed that you have already installed your dial up modem and that it is working.

FaxTalk Support Knowledge Base - There is no modem listed during installation

One observation I'd make is that FaxTalk doesn't appear to have the ability to operate as a network fax server which may potentially be an issue if you primarily work off laptops.

cheers
Paul

**GuyG** · 21st July 2011, 08:32 AM

Thanks for the info I will pass it on. The faxtalk is only being used on the one computer to which the phone line/modem is connected and does not need to be shared through the network

**rainman** · 21st July 2011, 08:36 AM

Just tell "him" it can't be done

. No one uses fax anymore, and just use Telstra home messages 101 for an answering machine. It's free, and you don't have to run a PC day and night, thus saving money and the planet!

**GuyG** · 21st July 2011, 08:50 AM

Originally Posted by rainman

Just tell "him" it can't be done

. No one uses fax anymore, and just use Telstra home messages 101 for an answering machine. It's free, and you don't have to run a PC day and night, thus saving money and the planet!

If only he'd listen

, pretty sure we tried that in the first place but unfortunately he's convinced this program will work because it has worked in the past, no-one else has memories of it working the way he believes it does - but then its not on our computers. His phone has answering machine capabilities, he has a multi function printer, my understanding of Win 7 is that it can send faxes - but all this aside he wants/likes the benefits?? of Faxtalk

**clubagreenie** · 21st July 2011, 12:34 PM

I see a few issues here;

my understanding of Win 7

You're trying to understand a microsoft product.

With a MFP you even when you 'fax" it's scanning and memorising then sending, not truly operating as a fax in the original sense of the word (kind of secondary but the conversion to little black/hite dots takes place in post scan processing).

You've got the ADSL connected via ADSL modem which takes signal into it's internal router which connects to each computer on the network (it's 2 devices in one). Connect this to the internal network card via blue cable (as I think you've noted it is). You still have a traditional phone line and phone yes? If so, it depends on your internal modem, if it has line in and out connect the phone line to the modem in and the phone to the line out. You should still have dial tone even when computer is off.

Now remembering back to my dark ages, you can install a "fax" like you do a printer than you can direct output traffic to like you can print to a variety of sources. I remember office having a toolbar for outputting doc to fax.

What version is he trying to run? I just looked at tghe specs for V8 and while it's not high computer wise you need some pretty specific hardware modem wise. It's just a normal fax capable modem fax wise but needs also to be capable of voice messaging and considering the prevalnence (in this country at least) of service provided voice messaging services, ADSL/Cable services for internet connection and multi function printers with throughput for phone I doubt you'd find one here.

Best solution would really be telstra etc messaging so he doesn't need to leave PC on 24/7 just to be receiving messages. His MFP will send receive faxes at will plus it should also (as mine will and it's at least 5 years old) be capable of sending from the PC connection through it's own software. Canon & Epson will.

So to answer your original Q's

Is it possible to run 2 modems on the one computer?[/quote]

Yes, but this isn't what you need. The ADSL modem connects via the network. The voice capacity of a modem/riouter reflects it's VOIP capability.

Then on the main computer they are using a program called Faxtalk which is a combined fax/voice answering machine which saves and stores the messages on the computer. To operate this program they need an older style voice modem (possibly a dial up one)

The voice modem as long as it works with win 7 (could be many driver issues). This will require the PC to be on 24/7 still and should have pass through connection for the phone. The modem will only act on the phone line for incoming calls, it should never have to dial out for anything.

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