Possbile share cable connection without a router

I currently have comcast cable and I trying to figure out of there is a way to share the connection without having to purchase a router. I have a standard workgroup switch. My cable modem runs VIA eithernet to the switch but only my desktop can use it. I am assuming this has something to do with the Mac address. Is it possbile to hook up another computer to the switch via eithernet and also use the connection? Unfortuanety I dont think ICS will work because it changes the ip address to 192.168.1.1 or something like that and I have to use a comcast assigned I.P

Any help would be greatly appericated.

Thanks

 

Nope. Multiple pc's require a router.

 

You need two NIC in the Host computer.

ICS do not affect the original extrenal IP.

The pages below were written a while ago. Ignore the prices and the Hardware recommendations, stick to the principles.[/I]

Link to: AnandTech - FAQ. Basic Options for Internet Connection Sharing

Link to: AnandTech - FAQ. Hubs, routers, switches, DSL, LANs, WANs...?



P.S. Not Purchasing a Router sound like very important words. However a functional Router can be found for $10 (which is about the price of a second NIC).

 

Effectively making the host machine a router.

 

How does a hub figure into this? They aren't routers, but they split a Cat 5 ethernet signal? DOH! Note to self, read links stupid.

BTW, Routers have other BIG advantages. They are also a good firewall, and will help control outside intrusions that can end up with viruses installed. Found this out the hard way. I do that a lot.