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[Xevious]

I'm assuming that your router has a built-in switch...

Yep, get a cheap hub, connect it to the router's switch (you may need to use the port labeled "uplink"), and connect your game systems to the hub. Problem solved. You can even be on all three systems at once and it will work.

BTW, hubs and switches are functionally the same; the key difference is that hubs simply re-broadcast traffic to all ports while switches intelligently direct traffic to the correct clients. Switches therefore are much less wasteful of network bandwidth than hubs, a fact that is rarely important for home network configurations.

[jamminj606]

thanks for the help.  I always wondered what the 'uplink' connection was for.

Just one more question, Ive heard that hubs are around $20but where should i go to get one for around that price(and whats the best brand)?
I have all the major retailers in my area except for Fry's.

[opjose]

What you really want is a DSL/CABLE "router" with built in NAT/Firewall/Switch/DHCP etc.

This permits all devices to share the one connection without additional ISP charges.

[Xevious]

QUOTE (jamminj606 @ Nov 12 2002, 05:13 AM)

thanks for the help.  I always wondered what the 'uplink' connection was for. Just one more question, Ive heard that hubs are around $20but where should i go to get one for around that price(and whats the best brand)? I have all the major retailers in my area except for Fry's.

                                    You'll pay too much at most retail stores... I remember buying a 4-port switch online for $25 then seeing it the next week at Circuit City for $129. Check out Pricewatch and go for a cheap hub. For your application, any will work, so the cheaper the better.