Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically switching between voice and data communications as directed by a voice and data capable modem via a cable assembly incorporating a switching means for facilitating and inhibiting the routing of voice information to a voice telephone. A voice and data capable modem incorporates the software functionality associated with a voice and data capable protocol with minimal impact to the form factor associated with the modem, To reduce the impact to the form factor associated with integrated modem designs, the switching hardware associated with voice and data capability is incorporated into a cable assembly used to interconnect the voice and data capable modem with the voice telephone. Additional means for identifying the cable assembly as having the requisite switching functionality is also provided.