question regarding hub vs router

[biffbacon]

i just had a cable modem installed, i am having troubles networking my 2 computers. i can only get one online at a time. I am just using a network hub. This is the same setup i had been using at my old place, but there was a router inline before the line got to my hub. now the computer that wont connect is saying that it cannot get an ip address. is this b/c i need a router instead of the hub?

 

[Red Squirrel]

Chances are your isp limits you to 1 IP, if you get a router, you can get as many local IPs as you want, and still use one external IP (the router). So you'll need a router.

 

[JackMDS]

May be this can Help.

Link: AnandTech - FAQ. Basic Options for Internet Connection Sharing

Link: AnandTech - FAQ. Hubs, routers, switches, DSL, LANs, WANs...?

Link: Diagram of Broadband Connection with Cable/DSL Router.

 

[xSauronx]

good thing is, routers can be had cheap
i got a 4 port d-link for under 20 bucks after rebate, check hot deals, usually something there
i figured it was worth the small amount of cash to keep from messing with windows ICS