Connecting to the Internet with more than 1...

The PureData 16 port is just a hub and does not perform any of the housekeeping functions you would need in order to create a home network and connect several computers to the Internet at the same time. The reason why your procedure works is because your service provider by default will only allow you to have one IP address. When you unplug your modem that forces the providers equipment to reconnect to your computer and reissue the IP address. The way to get your desktop and laptop to connect simultaneously is to go down to your local computer store and purchase a home router/firewall. I?ve seen some on sale for as little as $35 at times and are fairly easy to setup.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.