Abstract: System and method for receiving facsimile calls and data modem calls with a single telephone line. An incoming call is monitored for a first period of time following receipt of the call to identify the call as either a facsimile call or a data modem call, and a handshaking procedure is initiated if the call is identified. In the event that the call is not identified, a data modem handshaking procedure is initiated, and if that procedure is not successful, the call is assumed to be a facsimile transmission, and a facsimile handshaking procedure is initiated. When the type of call has been identified, appropriate FAX or data communications software is automatically selected for processing the particular type of call.