I have cable Internet. My ISP PROVIDES me with 1 IP.

I want to connect to two hosts(i.e. computers) simultaneously. That is my goal.

I have a few questions:

First, I believe what I need is a router. Is that CORRECT?

I bought a switch which only allows one device to actually be connected at a time, but I have heard of "smart SWITCHES" that can act as a router, as well, and I know how to console in and go from there. The switch is advertised as a "5 port 10/100 ethernet switch" and only cost me around $25, so I would ASSUME it cannot do routing functions. Is that right?

Also, if my switch is incapable of routing, could I possibly do it with the cable modem?

It has one port on the back. Do modems often double as a router?


Much appreciated.You may simply be ABLE to place your cable modem (connected presumably by USB cable?) with a cable router, with ethernet ports. That's the easiest route. Otherwise you can use any onld hub/switch (or even a crossover cable) to connect your two computers and then enable Internet Connection Sharing on the one with the modem. But that's a messier solution that requires at least one of the computers to be on for either of them to get a connection.