Having problems setting up new home network

[RTDopp]

Ok, here is the deal. I am currently running a home network where my cable modem connects to the router, and all my computers connect to the router. Easy, works great, but I am trying to learn more about networking. I wwould like to set it up where my main computer (AMD Athlon XP 2400+ with 1gb of ram running win xp pro) acts as a server, the only direct link to the internet, and my other computers connect to my main computer. The other computers are Laptop-Compaq Presario P3 600mhz, not sure memory, also running win xp pro Desktop-Compaq somthing er'other P2, running Win ME. My Router is a D-Link Di-604 with latest firmware update. My Cable modem(Motorola Surfboard SB4200) has both USB and Ethernet hook ups. So I was thing that I could Hook up the cable modem to my main comp. by USB, have the main computer hook up to the Router by ethernet,(not sure if should connect into the WAN input, or in 1 of 4 outputs, tryed both) and the other two computer also connect to the router by ethernet. I tried this for about 7 hours with no luck at all. If I connect the main to the router through the WAN input no lights turn on and computer says network cable unplugged. When plugged into 1 of 4 ports, i can setup network connection, but wasnt sure how to setup where the ethernet alows the computers to access my USB inter connection. Is this even possable? I would really like to try it just for my own knowledge and experiance. If any one could help me that would be greatly appreciated. Hope I didnt confuse anyone!!

[homer15]

what exactly do you want you're server to do? i think you might be getting a little confused on your thinking (but i might be reading it wrong). if the computers were to run through your comptuer to get to the internet, it would put a bigger stress on your server. if you go back to the modem hooked up to the router, all outbound traffic can still make it out without bogging down the server.

do you want this server to be a file server or something?

[RTDopp]

Basicly yes file server. Also I am very aware that it will bog it down. Just want to experiment and learn how to set up a network like that. Ir proboly wont be permenent. I just love trying new things with my computers, different setups, new network ect. I cant count how many times I have reformated and reinstalled just because I wanted to try a different OS, or a duel boot, or anything like that.....

[homer15]

in order to get this to work, you'll want to plug the server into the switch with the rest of the computers. from there, the server is plugged into the cable internet, and the internet connection needs to be shared. i don't have an xp computer in front of me, or i could walk you through the steps, but essentially you right click on the internet connection and go to sharing. this might not even be totally necessary (i've never done it with xp).

on the other machines, however, in their default gateways need to be setup to match the servers ip address. when you share the connection, it'll probably change the servers ip to 192.168.0.1, so that's what the other machines will need for their gateway.

basically, you're taking the routing part out of your router and using it as a basic switch.

edit:
again, i'm sorry that i don't have the machine in front of me, because i'm afraid i might be missing a step.

[RTDopp]

Thanks, will give it a shot after work.