Network connection

[carlgar]

A switch is fine and gives future expansion. Here is the switch I currently use http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833122141 ($44.99 after $15.00 Mail-In Rebate Card ) , but it has 8 ports. The first switch I used was a 5 port http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...2140&Tpk=gs605 $24.99 after $10.00 Mail-In Rebate Card). Both of the above switches auto sense the type of cable so either a straight or crossover cable will work. A straight cable is normal and is what came with the HD200.

You may also want to consider a crossover cable like this 25 foot one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16812608183 ($4.99) for a very simple connection.

[jm987]

Options:
1) Run ICS on your laptop and purchase a cross over cable that will plug in your HD200 to your laptop. ICS will take care of creating a network between your computer and HD200 and will provide the IP addresses.
** You may run into some issues getting the wired connection to work when away from home as it may require reconfiguration every time and reconfiguration when you come back home.

2) The switch route is the exact same as option 1 but you now have the ability to add additional HD200's or non wireless computers.

Take in mind that in both option 1 and 2, your laptop is your gateway to the internet. If it's down, you won't be able to access any of the additional services such as youtube, and weather information.

3) Purchase a router that allows your WAN connection to interface with the wireless service you have. Now your router is the gateway and you should configure your laptop and HD200 to communicate with your wireless router instead of the one provided by the condo. You can setup cables from your wireless router to your laptop and HD200 or have it setup via wireless, your choice. ** IMO: This setup requires the most upfront work but would be the one with the least head aches in the long run.
I just checked my Dlink 655 and it did not have this capability but a $10 router I had before had this capability.

JM