Yes I have just worked that out. I thought that I would see how difficult it was to setup my windows 7 computer directly to the modem. I was amazed at how simple it was. Took me less than 60 seconds.

Ok, so I will get rid of the router as there is no difference in configuring the second nic for ppoe or for standard ip address to connect to router - in that every client will have a different config!

So the new setup will be modem - 2nd nic - 1st nic - switch - idiot client computers

Man I should stop asking questions - I am starting to look bad here! Oh well as they say, everyday you learn something is a day not totally wasted!