I came across your thread because I am trying to set it up too.

I installed Maya 7.0.1 and the mental ray satellite on 2 other machines. I don't really understand the ports, maya.rayhosts file stuff but I am tryign to figure it out.

I have 3 machines with Windows XP prof, all network via a linksys WRT54-G router.

If I figure it out and it works I will update this. Right now, if anyone knows what I can do next....please advise. I am sorry I suck, I will try to do most of the work on my own....but I appreciate any guidance