[Macpilot]

Hey folks. Happy Holidays to all!

Just set up a new iMac for my little nephews, but need to get it on the internet.

Here is the config of the house:

Two story home....cable modem is upstairs hooked up to a router with two ports that are taken up, two cables going to two PCs. One PC is upstairs next to this router, and the other is downstairs next to the new iMac, which of course has the Airport card in it.

Is there a way to "split" the cable that has been run downstairs into two cables? Is this what they call a splitter? I have not been able to find this product from Linksys or Belkin. I would think a splitter (like they make for regular phone lines) would be rather cheap, like $10.

Or is the best way to just get the Linksys G router for around $60 and replace the two-port router that is upstairs with it? With the Linksys, it has 4 ports on it so it would still provide wired access to the two non-wireless PCs.

Thanks guys!

[Macola]

Get an Ethernet switch...cheap, around $10-20. You could also get another router and use it as a switch, but this would be: a) overkill, and b) require additional configuration, which may cause problems.

[chabig]

You definitely need a router or a switch. Just a few days ago, I saw D-Link 4 port routers going for $10 after rebates. In many cases, you can find a router for less than a switch, because they're more common.

Chris

[Macpilot]

Thanks for the quick replies!

So, you can have the cable modem going to one router, which then supplies another router?

And if I go the switch route, I suppose I can get a switch at Best Buy or Circuit city?

[tooki]

Don't get another router. (Double-NAT=bad.)

Just get a switch. And yes, both of those stores, as well as any office supply place like Staples, will carry them.

tooki

[chabig]

Double-NAT is bad. But all routers let you turn that off. I'd just buy whatever's cheaper at the time you go shopping.

Chris