[eponymous1212]

Thank you all for your various explanations and points of view (the finer points of which are out of my depth). What I am able to clarify is:

1. It is definitely a switch
2. Right at the outset Matt picked up that it was “my actual ISP issued IP address, the address your cable modem gets” that was being detected.
3. The switch is fully automatic with no scope for configuration
4. To all intents and purposes I purchased the wrong piece of kit and thank you for enabling me to discover this.

The issue now is to avoid making the same mistake again.

- Is a manual switch box also an option or would I encounter precisely the same problem?
- Could you please suggest any basic routers that are likely to fit the bill?

Thanks again for all your help.
Eponymous1212

---------- Post added at 20:22 ---------- Previous post was at 19:40 ----------

Doc Dutch,

Very many thanks – looks just ticket and excellent value!

Many thanks,
Eponymous1212

---------- Post added at 20:24 ---------- Previous post was at 20:22 ----------

Kpanchev,

Thanks for this – on the question of learning the hard way … my mistake combined with the scope of the forum to help identify the problem has provided a very useful learning curve

On the other hand, PC World was a totally negative experience … and would never touch again with a barge pole … made the fatal mistake of requesting technical assistance on what product to purchase … was sold something totally incompatible and then had insult added to injury when they totally refused to take it back!!

So your advice is strongly endorsed.

Many thanks,
Eponymous1212