jamescoe

At the current time I have 4 computers connected into a ethernet hub all sharing a wanadoo broadband connection, printers and files. The broadband modem is a external usb speedtouch. the 4 computers run 1x XP 2xME and 1x98. I am looking into getting Xbox live and therefore need a router but I have a number of questions about this as i am very unclear about routers and cannot find any information on them that is easily digestible.

1) If i simply replace my hub with a router can I still share printers and files?

2) Most routers I have looked at have a usb connection. Does the computer that the router is connected to be on for the router to work?

I have found out that I can connect a single-port router to my hub however I am also unclear about this.

3) If i follow this configaration will my network work in a similar way as present?

4) How would you connect the Xbox into the LAN? Into the hub or directly into the router?

Finally:

5) The wanadoo site recommends the speedtouch 510 or speedtouch 530. With one being multi-port and one single-port respectively. If anyone has wither of these would these be sufficient for my needs?

NB. I know the speedtouch 510 only has 4 ports and I have 5 devices but I am prepared to unplug 1 computer to play xbox live.

I appreciate your responses in advance,

James