Thanks.

The 'typical setup' is how we're running at work but still wondering if I
can hook the hardware up so I don't have the router powered on all the time,
just when I need it.
The cable modem has two outputs in back, cat5 and usb. Can I hook my desktop
to the usb(my desktop has an on-board lan card) and the router to the
cat5(to run my laptop when needed)?
Is there such a thing as a cat5 splitter? One leg running to my desktop and
the other running to the router.
Would that freak out the modem?

If this won't work, it's not that big of a deal. I can leave the router on
7/24 but seems a waist since I don't need it that much or just hook it up
when I need it.

Just wondering and playing with this.

"Jack (MVP-Networking)." wrote in message
news:evqC6RK4IHA.4988@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> Hi
> Typical connection should look like this,
> http://www.ezlan.net/network/router.jpg
> If you do not set the sharing the computers would not talk one to the
> other even if they are on the same Network.
> Jack (MVP-Networking).
>
> "L.S." wrote in message
> news:O7B$YoH4IHA.784@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>> Have cable hook-up at home running my desktop. cable-Charter modem-
>> desktop.
>> Need to use my business laptop at home ~ 3 days a month.
>> Would like to connect my wireless router but only have it on when I need
>> it.
>> Don't need the 2 systems hooked to each other, just need internet. In
>> fact, I don't want them talking to each other.
>>
>> Is there a way to hook the router into the cable modem without running my
>> desktop through it?
>>
>> Hope this explains what I'm trying to do.
>>
>>
>> L.
>>
>