Hi
If the sharing on the computers are disabled they would not talk one to the
other.
Software Firewall can be set to block internal connection as well.
Playing too much with the hardware would result unstable inefficient
Internet and network operation.
Jack (MVP-Networking).

"L.S." wrote in message
news:eVt85SQ4IHA.4800@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
> 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.
>>>
>>
>
>