is ethernet splitter appropriate?

[jco]

my modem has only one outlet that I use to connect my router. Could I use a splitter to connect both my router and magic jack. My magic jack is currently connected to my router and it often freezes (callers get message that customer not available when line is actually free. I've called magic jack about this several times to no avail.

 

[USAFRet]

No, not the way you're thinking. The modem serves up one and only one address.
Modem -> router -> devices (incl MagicJack)

What is the pathway you have it connected now?

 

[jco]

pathway??? Not familiar with such technical terms. The magic jack is connected to the router but for reasons I ignore the magic jack doesn't always work correctly. I have the magic jack connected directly to my modem/router in my home in Canada and I've never encountered the problem described

 

[USAFRet]

So, you have:
modem -> router -> MJ and other things.
As indicated above.

You can't run both the MJ and the router directly off the modem. The modem will only talk to one device, the router.

Personally, I'd ditch the MJ in favor of a different phone device. I had a Gen 1 MJ, and it was nothing but trouble.
Now I use an Ooma, and it has been flawless in 2+ years of operation.

 

[USAFRet]

but for reasons I ignore the magic jack doesn't always work correctly.

Those reasons might be why it is not working correctly.

 

[jco]

Thanks for the tip. I'm checking into Ooma...