Go for the router, in my opinion it is the better solution. I had a setup where I was running a software router on the PC connected to the cable modem, and it allowed the other PC's to access the internet. I frequently had to reboot the system, as it would lock randomly. I switched to a Linksys router, and now it works flawlessly. The advantadge of the router is that once you get it set up, you can leave it alone. If you need to adjust settings are make modifications, you can do it through your web browser on any machine on the network by entering the router's unique IP address assigned to it. You will need a hub to connect the router, and of course the modem connects to the router. I have a single port router, so I needed a hub to connect to the network, Linksys also makes a router with an integrated 4 port hub. If you have any questions feel free to email, I'd be happy to help