I recently sent an e-mail to a cable provider (Cox @home) inquiring about networking multiple computers. The message looked something like this...
I heard that I can use a router to hooked multiple computers up t the connection. Is this true?
Pretty vague eh? I was sure not to throw out any red flags such as "IP translation." So, I get a response today and this is the support's answer:
You can have up to 3 computers on your cable modem, but in order for this to work you will need a router or a hub. With a hub you will need to activate multiple computer access.
Of course, by "multiple computer access" they mean buy more ips. But, is there any validity to the first part about not being able to hook up more than three computers even with the use of a router. And let's say this router is an 8-port Linksys (hehe.) Is this true or is my service trying to screw me out of an addition 7 bucks per IP a month?
Cable modem myth???
With a router hooked to cox(I have cox and a friend that works there)they can only see the router. You can put as many systems on your lan as you want because it only uses one address. Every thing goes through the router. I have 5(one on hub). My friend has confirmed that he can only see my router when looking at my MAC address.
Okay, cool.
Thx for clearing that up guys. I appreciate the speedy responses. 
