I have a cable modem, linksys router, etc. Cable companies have become very aware of the need to share this connection with other computers. For instance, My cable provider originally would only give a maximum of 3 ip addresses for each individual service. Now they offer a maximum of 10. Also, they have been made aware several times that I have a router connected on my end. They are less willing to provide tech support once they hear this, and almost always blame the router for any trouble. To the original post...Here is my suggestion. If you are only using two computers, a second ip is the way to go. A couple of nic's, a cheap 10 baseT hub, and some cat 5 cableing and you are in business. Like was mentioned before...Have the provider rent you a modem, and install the connection on one computer. Watch him closely, ask questions, and more importantly ask how to obtain an additional IP address. If by chance you live in atlanta, I would be more than happy to assist you with this $
