if i buy a Cisco router (ethernet ports permitting) would I be able to NAT it up and stick it inplace of my linksys beetwen my switch and cable modem/set top box.
I say it sounds dumb because ive done CCNA but i just have this weird feeling.
Yes you can but like tdg said, it needs two ports. A dual 10/100 port router it gonna cost you but u can get a dual 10 meg for pretty cheap. Look into the 2500 series.