I have a simple problem, but I don't know that much about this, so here goes. I am purchasing cable internet and have 2 pc's and an xbox to hook up. I priced the connection for the 2 computers and is higher than what I wanted to pay, would it be easier and cheaper to have intall to one pc and just use a wireless router to connect the rest, pc's and xbox in different rooms. Also, is there anything besides the wireless router that I will need. Adam

Yes, there is. Buy just a simple router ( wired) or make a computer work as a server by enabling connection sharing and then all you need is just a simple hub. but note that in this case, you need two network cards on the server computer. Alireza Alireza Alireza@arnit.net

You would not need a router if you wanted to use a pc [with two nics] as a router. This is referred to as ICS [internet connection sharing]. This is a poormans router. You are using software to do your routing. I don't think trying to hook up a xbox thru this is advisable. You would be much better off with the wireless router as you first thought. If you wired [used patch cables] the xbox and other pcs you would not need a wireless card in each. I don't know if xbox supports wireless as a addon but I know you can get wireless cards for the pc.

XBox supports wireless: http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/broadbandnetworking/productdetails.aspx?pid=015 It sounds like you have a good handle on what you need for your LAN. Drawback with wireless is it sometimes has troubles with walls and you have to set up the passwords properly to ensure good security. Ethernet is more secure, faster, and easy to set up if you don't mind running cable through/along the walls. Regardless, you want to go with a router solution because you have 3 clients to connect and chances are you'll find some excuse to install another client or two down the road. It's all so much easier with a router.