is there a way to hook up a DSL connection and a cable modem connection to either the same computer, or the same router?

For the same computer you'll need two network cards. For a router, you'll need two WAN sockets, which seems unlikely. It gets tricky doing this, with routes to sort out and all, I would not attempt this if you are not technical. Just swap the cables by hand, it can't happen that often.

Well, to be fair, dual-source modems and routers are becoming more commonplace and much more user friendly. However, if you're asking this question, then I'm assuming that your best bet will be to get two network cards [You can get internal ones which I recommend, or, a USB-ethernet adapter which are fine, but not for the method I am about to propose.] like Lord Snooty suggested.

Your best bet is to get two internal ethernet ports, plug one into your cable modem, and plug the other into your DSL modem. Then, if you are using Windows XP, select both connections and choose the option to "Bridge Connections". While this isn't the best approach to most things, if you're just looking for fail-safes for your online poker, this works just fine.

I use the above approach and even bridge my iPhone 3G tethered connection with them as well. I've had the power go out on my laptop and lost both wired internet connections, and the 3G takes over just fine and let me continue playing.

Moved from software.

Juk

You would not be doing this to play two accounts would you?

just kidding

some network card manufacturers do make network cards that are really two network cards. Usually go in servers.


What will happen on your computer is you must tell the computer which outgoing internet connection to use first. If a failure happens then use the other connection. There is also a Automatic Metric feature for Internet Protocol that can allow two connections to determine which connection will be possibly faster to connect to a site. I have never tried this and do not know if it works.

Multi-accounting was not even something I considered with the OP, I guess I'm not a cynic like you are, haha.

There are PCI server cards [Intel makes the best, imo.] that can handle this, and I think in XP the point of bridging connections is to, in part, handle this exchange of which connection handles what. [At least in a very simple sense of if one connection fails.]

The Automatic Metric feature you talk about doesn't really apply much when it comes to general web-browsing, and probably not even to internet poker server connections because the difference is so miniscule, but, don't quote me on that.

This is correct in that the Metric feature assigns a value to each network interface(lower value faster) but it also can detect if the default gateway is down. This would automatically direct to the other network interface. I have not tried this so I do not know if it is real fast switch over or one of those 30 second time out situations that turns into a nightmare. Also with special abilities such as Automatic Metric the network interface could be turned off once a default gateway being down is detected which would be unwanted.

Search this forum for the term "dual wan" and you'll find what you are looking for.

Juk

thanks everyone