I have 2 pcs and would like to connect both to my DSL modem and also share files. The modem is a westell 2100 with LAN and USB capability. I just purchased a 5 port LAN switch I found on clearance at a local store thinking I could share files and the internet connection by connection the HOST to the DSL modem via USB and the 2 PCs together via RJ45 through the switch. (I'll explain why I used USB to the modem in a minute). Anyway....the project didn't go so smoothly. The Instructions that came with the switch basically said "plug in the wires and read NIC mfrs instructions regarding connetion sharing." I have built in RJ45s on each mobo...not NIC cards. Belkin (maker of the switch couldnt help much as they dont support connectability info for routers or switches. I went to Networking in my PC and there was no tab for Sharing on either PC while connected to the switch. Both PCs did show they had connected to the switch though at 100mbps. I connected the DSL modem via usb and then a 2nd network connection showed up in Network Folder(the DSL modem). After that, I checked the LAN connection properties again and the Sharing tab showed up finally. I enabled Sharing...then unplugged the modem usb cable and connected it to the 2nd PC and also got the Sharing tab to appear in LAN properties and enabled it. The computers did not connect but what DID happen is I lost internet connectivity. The modem was no longer connecting to either PC via the USB or when I plugged the modem back in via LAN cable (after modem reset of course). I Disabled Sharing on each PC and got them to connect to the DSL modem again individually. Is what I'm trying to do not possible? Do I need a DSL router instead of a switch...and if I get a router...am I going to have the same problems with connecting? I am running AVG virus protection and Mcafee firewall express and I think that will be sufficient if I get a router that has a firewall or NAT built in. I dont think the mcafee firewall is causing a problem now (or will with a router)...but am not 100% sure. I wouldnt know which port to enable if it was. I should also note that the reason I was running USB cable from the DSL modem to the HOST PC is I've always had intermittent problems with IE stalls and freezes when connecting to the Bellsouth DSL modems via LAN cable. Ive had 2200 6100 and 2100 modems. All hae the same issue. Work fine sometimes then for no reason IE stalls and freezes. This is on both of my PCs. I tested a few LAN cables as well to make sure it wasnt cable issues. Bellsouth has never had an explanation or been any help to resolve the problem. Both PCs run VIA chipsets so maybe it has to do with VIA and bellsouth modems? Who knows... I only know that connecting via USB I rarely have problems and never have stalls or freezes...so I stuck with it. Looks like I may have to give up the USB to modem connection if I go with a DSL router though...so I hope I don't have any issues with internet stalls /freezes again. In order to connect both PCs to the internet and also file share....I'm guessing I ned a router vs. a switch here? Question is....will I have the same connectivity problems...as I'm having with this switch? Or...is it basically plug into the router and go? I hope? Any info will be appreciated. Thanks

A switch doesn't do NAT but a router does. That's your problem. Both PCs can't get an IP address from the modem or the switch. If you get a router, connect the WAN port to the modem and the 2 PCs to the LAN ports on the router. You can use the switch between the PCs and the router but it's not needed since there are only 2 PCs.

Bout what I figured. Thanks for the reply. I did a bit more testing tonight and was finally able to get the PCs talking to eachother...sorta. I was able to see the printer and fax/modem icons for each...and that was it. I thought maybe enabling sharing would give me more access to files, drive partitions etc...and tried to enable ICS sharing in the HOST but got a connection error message that said LAN wasnt active (even though it was) and the ICS would not be activated. Either way....the only way to get the HOST LAN to connect was to disable connection2 (westell modem/usb). One of my buddies is an IT tech and said some mobos share ethernet controllers for LAN and USB and dont allow both to connect at the same time. Looks like I'm stuck getting a DSL router and have to hope I dont start getting IE freezes and stalls again. Since that problem was never resolved over 3 modems 3 cables 2 PCs a few windows installs ....etc...the only commonality is the onboard VIA rhine II ethernet in both PCs so that has to be why it stalls sometimes on the LAN. Must be VIA and westells dont play nice all the time. Guess I'll get a DSL router and hope for the best. If I have problems...might be an excuse to put dedicated NIC cards in ....or better yet...get new mobos... dual channel, sata, nforce chipsets...hmmmm....mmmmaybe....

Yes, go for the router. I never had much success with ICS.