Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for the automatic configuration of a communication input /output port or terminal on a communication device. The communication device comprises one or more input/output ports or terminals, one or more switching devices, some form of switch device controller, and one or more communication circuitry, configured to facilitate communication with a remotely located communication terminal. The one or more input/output ports or terminals of the communication device connect to one or more communication cables or wires configured to transfer data with the remotely located communication terminal. In one configuration the communication cables comprise two twisted pair wires as is commonly installed for telephone communication and utilized for DSL communication service. To achieve automatic configuration, the switching device is initially set in a default position connecting the communication circuitry to at least one of the communication cables.