Yes, get a Linksys BEFSR41 4 port Cable/DSL router. Configure it to use DHCP (via it's kickin' web interface) and tell your computer to use DHCP also (aka: "Get IP address automatically"). Then, make sure the empeg is set for DHCP.

Plug the comp and empeg into the "Linksys box" with straight-thru cables and plug the cable modem into the Linksys with a straight-thru cable, and you're done. Well, then there's some configuration for the Linksys.

Oh wait... Horrible memories of setting up a Linksys on a one way cable modem are coming back to me! The Linksys will handle your internet connection now. You can connect and disconnet the cable connection via the Linksys; no longer with your computer. (that's a good thing because now it's always on) But, some Cable companies are obnoxious with routers.

In working with a cable modem / Linksys setup, I learned this. The cable company assigns your cable modem an IP address via DHCP based on the MAC address of the computer (or, in this case, the Linksys) that is used to connect to the cable network. The trick is, the first time you connect to their network, they'll get your MAC and associate it with a DHCP table entry (or associate it with an IP, I guess).

So, if you try to drop a Linksys between your comp and cable modem, it won't work because the Linksys has a different MAC than the comp. There are two ways to handle this. The clean way, which doesn't work, is to call the cable company, tell them "Look, I'm putting a new comp on my cable modem. Reset my DHCP entry so that the MAC of the next device that connects should now be assigned my IP address." That doesn't work, though, because the Linksys has trouble making that connection, for some stupid reason. The other option, which is where the Linksys shines, is to fool the cable company. The Linksys (BEFSR41, still) can "clone" it's MAC address (which rocks, in my opinion). In the web interface, set it's "cloned" MAC to be the MAC of your computer. Then, though a different device is maintaining your cable connection, the cable company will still think it's your main PC.

THEN plug in all your devices and enjoy perminant connection, no more need for X over cables, added router security, and the Linksys' extra cool flashing lights on your desktop which makes your desk look more like a spaceship command console when you turn the lights out. Enjoy.