Hi,

I like to play multiplyer games with my kids and been used to using a dial-up connection plus an ethernet cable. Now we've got broadband and I don't know how to do multiplayer anymore. If I use the ethernet cable, I just get the old 'limited or no connectivity' sign. Does an ethernet cable have to be supported by an internet connection to work, and if so can this be done with broadband? Is there any way of two computers communicating directly for gaming without having to go online at all?

Phil

Depends entirely on the game. For example, in Starcraft if both players are on the same network you can play over your LAN without any Internet connectivity at all. But in that same game, you could also connect to their online service (BattleNet) and play with others around the world via your internet connection.

What does your setup look like? A typical broaband setup consists of a DSL or cable modem which is connected to a router. Then each computer connects to the router either via an Ethernet cable or a wireless network card, assuming your router is capable of wireless.

Describe your setup here... what game(s) are you trying to play, can you access the Internet from each computer, etc.