Broadband connection Router versus Bridge

[BitsNotBytes]

Hi All,

For years I've been running ICS on W2K using a dialup and a small LAN
using a ethernet hub. On the network folder for the computer using
the dialup there is an icon for dialup and lan. You configure the
dialup icon for what the ISP needs and the lan icon for what ICS needs
to provide Internet access to the computers on the lan.

I've been talking to providers for broadband service and when the
discussion comes to LANs they all mention routers. Let's say I don't
want the added expense of an 'expensive' router replacing my ethernet
hub. I'm no networking guru but over the years I keep hearing the
discussion of bridges. In this case it seems all I need is replace
the dialup connection with a 'cheap' ethernet card for connection to
the broadband device and somehow configure the same for ISP
connection. I happen to have a XP on the network with two internet
cards (one good, one dead) and it installed an icon for MacBridge
which I've never used. Would W2K do the same and would this be good
enough to configure for broadband service using the added card in lieu
of dialup, existing ethernet hub and ICS?

Thanks,
BitsNotBytes

 

[BitsNotBytes]

In this case, it is a wireless broadband provider. I don't want to
pay for what will probably be their expensive proprietary router.
I've seen other posts about two nics setup but using W2K server. I'm
using Pro. In any case as far as I can tell the Network Folder should
recognize the new card with Cat5 connection to their receiver as an
incoming connection but it remains to be seen if ICS using the other
card will do the necessary bridging or routing or magic.

BitsNotBytes