I tried plugging my desktop into my cable modem by USB and my laptop
in thru the Ethernet cable. However, it only allows one of my PCs
net access. Any ideas why?

bob@coolgroups.com wrote:

Go out and buy a Netgear or Linksys G router with a 4-port switch.
Usually can find one on sale for $30 and $40 resp. (may involve a rebate).
Don't bother with trying to use the USB port on it. You could try using
the desktop temporarily via ICS as a gateway for the laptop, but I
wouldn't - the router gives you a lot more flexibility and safety.

[This followup was posted to comp.dcom.modems.cable and a copy was sent
to the cited author.]

In article <1147614778.001806.205920@j55g2000cwa.googlegroups .com>,
bob@coolgroups.com says...
First, the modem itself may only support one port at a time.

Second, even if it allowed both at the same time, most cable companies
only allow one IP address at a time, at least not without an extra fee.

As others posted, get a basic broadband router. They are cheap and
usually include at least a 4-port switch.

Finally, unless it's USB2 HiSpeed (not to be confused with USB2
FullSpeed, which is the old USB1 HiSpeed), you may not be able to get
the full bandwidth out of it anyways.

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$Bill wrote:

You're in luck this week:

Office Depot has a Linksys WRT54GC for $20 and no rebate !!!!!!!

$Bill wrote:

They're probably going to be hard to find though - they're out online,
but you may find on locally.

Staples had a similar deal with rebate (rebate may end today or soon -
not sure).

If you don't find a deal today, there will be other decent deals next
week most likely.