I have this thought. It involves being in a network behind a firewall, and a network which isn't simultaneously. I have a Microsoft MN-700 Wirless Access Point/Router. It allows one IP addres from ISP to be shared amongst 256 other computers in theory. I have 5 computers in my house, and I have occasional LAN parties, so this is very helpful. However, I despise the NAT firewall. So, I use the Microsoft hub, as an "Access Point" which basically makes a wireless switch. The NAT is turned off, and the DHCP is my ISP, not the hub. My ISP assigns 5 IPs, so everything is all set right now. But, my parents are buying a laptop for themselves during X-mas, and they will be expecting me to get them online. They could care a less about firewalls. Here's what they're concerned about: Print sharing, and file sharing. Now, I want to enable the Router, and get everyone EXCEPT me, behind the firewall under one IP. Now, I've tried the so called DMZ host. But for some reason, the hub assigns me two IP addresses, and I've put both in before at seperate times, and port checking software, shows ports closed regardless. So I've concluded it doesn't work good. My idea is this: 1. Install a second NIC in my comp. 2. Plug the cable modem, into a swith in the uplink. Port 1, will go to the second NIC. Port 2 will go to the "Modem" port on the Microsoft Router. 3. I will then have a second wire, running from Port 1 on the Microsoft, to my 1st NIC. By doing this, I figured I'd have unfirewalled internet, and access to the workgroup behind the firewall. BUT, there will be an internt connection coming from both sources. Is there a way I can select my Internet to only come from NIC #2, and my networking to only come from NIC #1? Phew, I KNOW that's really long. I may have scared off a lot of helpful people. But for those of you who read this, thank you, you're input will be very much appreciated!

Reading back through that, there are some unclear things there. 1. I know the 256 computer option is not available when using it as an access point. Only the router function. 2. In Step #2, I said "plug into port 1, etc, etc." I forgot to mention, that I also have a regular switch, which I intend to plug the modem into. Also, if you could tell me where possible flaws would arise due to the setup, like, the way I have the cable modem setup, will not allow for internet to reach the router, etc, etc. To helo clarify my like, twisted description, I made a paint image. network setup diagram thanks again!

Ah, a total of 3 posts from one man. Sorry, no direct image linking. the html version bye