Gateway-based network...compatible with USB DSL modems?

[Haervii]

Now I believe in a gateway based network(for internet sharing), the DSL/cable modem connects to the
gateway computer and not the network switch. So does that mean that a USB DSL modem will work just fine in
a gateway network with your average network switch? In summary, does a USB DSL modem fit in your average gateway network,
and if not, is there a wait to make it fit?

 

[vi edit]

If the USB modem does not have a LAN port on it, the PC that it is hooked up to will be the "gateway". The "gateway" PC will have to have a second network card in it to share the connection out to the rest of the network. Any machine wishing to access the internet will have to point to that gateway PC and flow through it.

I have seen USB modems though that do have an available LAN port on them to dump directly into a router and then you can effectively use the router as the gateway.