What is the longest USB cable run that can be used, and can a cable modem signal be split without a router?

Answer 1

#1: that depends on how much signal distortion you're willing to accept.
#2: yes, but what that will do is split the 4 twisted pairs into 2 sets of 2 twisted pairs (which isn't what you want). routers can be had for pretty cheap if you're already springing for broadband.

Answer 2

The maximim limit for USB cable, according to the specification is 5 metres for USB 2.0 and 3 metres for USB 1.1.

You MIGHT be able to connect more than one computer to a cable modem without a router if your ISP allows this and if your cable modem has the capability. Most ISPs don't provide this service, and few cable modems have the capability.

You can use Windows' Internet Connection Sharing to connect multiple computers to the internet without a router, but there are no good reasons to do so. You'd need a switch to network the computers together and the primary machine would have to be on-line all the time for the other machines to get on the internet. Since most comsumer routers cost about the same as a switch and provide several switch ports for more machines to connect to this would be redundant. Also, setting up ICS is a first-rate pig. If you are running XP, it limits you to a pre-set IP subnet that often conflicts with the ISPs "management" network. When that happens, you can't use ICS at all.

Answer 3

The longest cable i presume out there is 27 ft long. Yes you can split your internet cable only through a USB Router. Since it is a usb internet connection the only other way you can split it is through internet connection sharing. So your best way is to go with a USB Router, which you will have a better resolution if you want a good connection.