Some of these cable Internet outfits have policies concerning the number of computers or IP addresses. This is why routers are used. A router is acutally a limited use computer that connects a wide area network (WAN) to a Local Area Network (LAN). It also blocks attempts to find your true internal IP addresses and can make it look like there is only one computer attached by masquerading one Network Hardware Address of one of your NIC cards in one of your computers. You can typically get one with 4 or 8 ports. Some have Gigabit Ethernet and some have slower access. Since a Cable Connection is usually limited to less than 10 Mbps often the cable connection is 10Mbps and the switch side is 10/100 Mbps.
The Router has most of the network connection information like the IP address of the server, and how to connect, so that information is not needed by the individual comptuers. All your computers need to know is the workgroup name and than you connnect to the Internet through the LAN.
I use a Linksys router with a 4 port switch. They claim you can hook up like over 200 different devices to the router if you can afford to buy some switches, etc. In reality the devices sold for home use are dummed down versions and are easier to use. The full blown routers are harder to configure, require lots of training to set up, and come with a much larger price tag.
You need to compare options on routers before you buy one.
is a good place to look for some basic information. If you are going to be using cable modem service for over one year, it can be worth purchasing a Cable Modem. I use a Motorola Surfboard cable modem.
If you do not like my post feel free to point out your opinion or my errors.
