You can find the cables and switches at Best Buy, Staples, Walmart etc. a simple 4 or 5 port switch will 25 to 50 dollars. You can get the cables there as well.

A network switch really isn't much different than one of these:

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Yes, it's grossly oversimplified but the concept pretty much holds true. You're just splitting the signal just likes one of these adapters splits the power.

It probably don't much matter which switch you buy and frankly you might be do better with a router. A router is basically an advanced switch but you can use it as a switch too. They're far more common and therefore generally cheaper. You might look a eBay or Craigslist for used ones.

As for cables, buy the cheapest you can find. Local brick and mortar stores are generally the most expensive places to buy cables. Online at Monoprice or Amazon is far more economical.

As for more places to plug things in. One of these are any of the numerous variations are available at your local home center:

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Mike thanks for the explanations!

I happen to have an 8-outlet power-strip (Bright Way) but it states:
DO NOT PLUG INTO ANOTHER RELOCATABLE POWER TAP.

So should I assume that the 3-outlet strip in your picture is different than my Bright Way - insofar as plugging a strip inside my TrippLite?

I mean - isn't the TrippLite surge-strip a "relocatable power tap"?

Technically, Mike, you are close to describing a hub.

Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.webopedia.com/DidYouKnow/Hardware_Software/router_switch_hub.asp

David,

You are correct; I did confuse devices and probably oversimplified things incorrectly. All she really needs is a switch but as I said, a router is probably going to be cheaper just because they're more common.

Jally,

You really don't want to be stringing together a series of power strips because you risk overloading something. That's less of a problem with the smaller devices likes modems and routers because they draw so little power and mostly it's just finding physical space for the transformer.

Another alternative is something like the power strips offered by Quirky:

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They also offer short extensions:

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But so does Monoprice for a bit less money.

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I don't know why you are using Magic Jack to get VOIP since I think it quite pricey now!

Just go and get a cell phone and do 10 cents a minute talk plan! You can carry it anywhere and have the convenience of having your phone with you. And if you decide to make an upgrade to a smartphone like the iPhone or Android phone; you can get wi-fi calling at least on T-Mobile for now - kind free calls or use Skye to make and receive phone calls worldwide!

Mike thanks again for the info re: the extension cables etc!

Harry Wild, I'm up against what most people aren't - too much time on cellphones fries my palms & my ears. And I sometimes need to chat with people for more than brief periods, so I'd get fried.

I'm terrified of wireless stuff, because I'm like a child who has already touched the fire on the stove. AKA miner's canary.