1. HughsNet HN9000 Satellite Modem. The user guide for this modem indicates it has a DHCP server built-in which assigns IP addresses to your connected computers according to the service plan you have with HughsNet.
Depending upon your needs and service plans, a "switch" might work. Having said that, you can't go wrong by getting a home router. In a thread I browsed in a different forum, most if not everyone is using a home router with this modem. If push comes to shove, you can always just use the back-end switch component of the home router (no configuration necessary - just plug both computers and modem into the "LAN" ports of the router); but I think it would be best used as a router.
2. Reference(s):
a.
HughsNet User Guides b. Since HughsNet appears to monitor your "byte" usage, be aware the download link for the HN9000 Satellite Modem User Guide (pdf document) is almost 5 MegaBytes.