All computers that want to use the cable modem have to be authorized through the cable company. So we wait and call back tomorrow. Finally we get through and get them to authorize two of the computers that weren't. Okay, everything's fine now. Each computer has an IP address assigned by the cable modem.
Parents go berserk.
Cousin proposes that we buy a router and a switch to minimize the cost. Okay, so they buy it and bring it home. All computers are running well on the Internet until a few weeks later when 100baseT NICs are bought for the rest of the computers. Then suddenly nothing is working. No one can see anyone.