Running an Old PC as a router

[BEn_2600+]

I understand you can use and old PC as a router in Linux but im just wondering if this would boost internet speed (ie Pings to game servers, page loading times etc, Not the actual sync speed) over a stand alone router? Is this so or do people use a PC for more features etc?

Thanks, Ben

 

[ste_bla]

I understand you can use and old PC as a router in Linux but im just wondering if this would boost internet speed (ie Pings to game servers, page loading times etc, Not the actual sync speed) over a stand alone router? Is this so or do people use a PC for more features etc?

Thanks, Ben

It only really allows more control over what ports and speeds a computer can access the net at and also slightly more security compared to some routers

So non of the stuff you asked really

Uses a fair bit more power also!

 

[mejinks]

No, it wouldn't boost ping times as there will be an extra hop. If you install a piece of cacheing software like squid on there, it will boost webpage loading times.

Download smoothwall and you will see there are loads of features and cool stuff that can be done.