Go buy a D-link or SMC router (both are manufactured by the same company). Line the cat-5 cable from the cable modem into the back of the router. The router will have 4 or 5 ports on the front. Run a cat-5 cable to your PC and one cat-5 cable to your PS2 adapter.

A router will allow you to have multiple hookups on your single cable modem line. In addition, it is a hardware firewall which will provide protection from hackers. Essentially the IP that gets assigned by your cable modem provider will be taken by the router. The router will then sign unique address to your internal machines. When you are at your pc and make an internet request for a page it goes to the router first and then out. When that information comes back the router knows which port the request came from and delivers it there.

Don't worry about the bandwith being shared. I have 3 pcs going on my cable modem line all the time. The only way you would notice is if all 3 machines were doing large simultaneous downloads.

I'm partial to Linksys myself, but to each their own

Trigger,
If you just tell your ISP that you are adding a firewall to your setup they won't charge you. If you use the word router, they may. Among other things that routers do is obviously work as a hardware firewall. Most ISPs have no problem helping you add a firewall but if they know it's a router they may try and tack on extra fees.

Ah yes, but that would then defeat the purpose of getting the router to work, as they would be trying to configure a firewall and not a router. But anyway, as this thread has diverged way off track for no reason other than in response to my attempt at humor,

I too hope PS2 online will be inexpensive.

Hey I have a few questions about PS2's internet plan. First off, if I buy the PS2 modem, won't I also have to pay for an IP (Sony?, Adelphia- if they're still around ). My second question is; can I hook my PS2 up to my house's network (via USB ports), is there anyway to get the system to use the LAN wirless connection?

Well thanks in advanced for your help! I just hope I won't have to pay another $40 for a second line!

To start you might wanna check out the thread I started some time ago when I had questions as well. Can't say I'm clear on everything now but I feel a bit better.

PS2 Online Better Be Good Cause It Sure Is Expensive

Thanks. Merging threads.