Here are the links to my first two networking tuts in the series I'm writing. Some of it may help.
Part 1:
http://www.antionline.com/showthread...hreadid=220125
Part 2:
http://www.antionline.com/showthread...hreadid=222545

Here is the setup I have at home. SA Cable modem. LinkSys Router with 8 port switch. With LinkSys LNE TX100 nic cards. It works flawless with my Linux and Win boxes. Even works fine with my dual boot box. Thats the atvantage of having a router/switch with DHCP. Plug it in and go with it. Very minimal instalation woes.