if i can have a block of 8 ip addresses (6 useable) from an isp...

what do i need at my end to handle that?

is the routing for the subnet handled by the isp and therefore i would only need a layer two device i.e. a hub or a switch...plug that into the modem and hey presto?

or - do i need a router at my end to handle the routing of the subnet they allocate me?

cheers.