how do I split an @home connection 5 ways

[Leland]

Hi,

I'm moving in to a house in two weeks that will be hooked up with a cable modem. Cox@home supports up to 3 computers, but I have 5 that need to be hooked up. What do I need to do?

I'm going to first be running this mainly from an old win95 laptop (p-133) and then a win2k box. So, I think I'll need to do it via hardware.

I know that I'll need a router and a switch -- should I get them combined? Could I get away with a four port one and have one person directly connected to the cable modem? Or should I just screw it and get an 8 port one? Also it would seem to be cheaper to get a four port router/switch and then another four port hub. Can I do that? Anyway, I just want to get the connection running and have it stay running no matter what I have hooked up to it.

Someone please just tell me what I need to do...Also, should I be worried about changing computers and having the MAC address of the ethernet card change? Will that matter?

TIA.

 

[Tonec]

http://practicallynetworked.com/

 

[Ender78]

If you have 5 machines already, I would recommend an 8 port router (or a lower port router and an X port switch). If 8 is likely to be what you need, get a 4 port and a switch (should cost you about the same as an 8 port). Since only the router will be directly connected to the cable modem, they will be under the impression that you only have one machine connected.