Connecting with USB

Question

I have a cable modem with an ethernet and USB port on the back. The ethernet port is being used, so when I tried using the USB my Macbook will not even recognize the modem. The cable worked fine when I tried it on the other computer, but won't work on my Macbook. When I went to Network Settings I didn't see any USB listing to choose, all I see is Firewire, Ethernet, and Airport. Is there something I need to install from Apple to get it to work? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

With a cable modem I would recommend a 1-to-4 router for its firewall protection. Be sure to set up the permissions. Some brands like Linksys, may have trouble supplying software for Macs, check it.
I have DSL and use the simpler n-way symmetric switches. My DSL modem only has one output so I have an 8-fold switch there--2 Dish DVRs, my MacBook, and 2 long cables to 5-way switches with only 1 to 3 items on each. Those would use 6 and 4 of the ways including the "input". No firewall needed. Put the modem first on the line into the house then you only need one filter after it on the phone line rather than filtering each line.
Look for a sale on any of these near or under $20/$10. The cable modem should be free from the cable company but the router may be say $20, on sale.
-Ken