Linksys WRT32X router is "exclusively built for gamers"

by Mark Tyson on 23 August 2017, 10:11

Tags: Rivet Networks, Linksys

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Linksys has launched its "first true gaming router" at Gamescom 2017. The new product is the Linksys WRT32X gaming router and it leverages a trio of technologies to earn those stripes, says the firm.

First and foremost the Linksys WRT32X incorporates networking technology from Rivet Networks, the company behind the well known Killer Networks sub-brand. The WRT32 is the only router on the market which has Killer Prioritization Engine (KPE) built-in. When combined with your Killer Network equipped PC or laptop (from the likes of Alienware, MSI, Gigabyte, Razer, Lenovo and others) gamers will benefit from up to a 77 per cent reduction in ping times, claims Linksys. The technology reduces lag and provides the advantage of "faster kills" claims the company.

Vince La Duca, global product manager at Linksys, says that unlike rival company 'gaming router' efforts, the Linksys WRT32X isn't just "some 'gamer-bait' visual accents coupled with some smart marketing". It's exclusive built-in Killer Prioritization Engine (KPE) and other design optimisations are "built to deliver the best online gaming experience".

So what else, other than built-in KPE, is on offer here? The second of the trio of technologies designed into the WRT32X to provide the best gaming experience is a new Firmware and GUI, built from the ground up. According to Linksys "the core firmware level uses the latest stable Linux kernel version for a streamlined and lightweight code base with low latency as the top focus." You won't find this firmware on any other router and the GUI is said to be easy to use promoting the important network settings for gaming, to provide network usage statics, and designed in an 'edgy' attractive way for gamers.

Those with PC-side Killer networking hardware will see a 'router' tab on Killer's Control Centre App when the WRT32X is attached. That makes it even more convenient to adjust settings if you feel the need.

Finally, to get all the above working smoothly Linksys has specified the WRT32X with "enterprise grade hardware". Inside the router you will find the following top of the line fast network enabling components: a 1.8GHz Dual-Core ARM CPU, 802.11ac Wave 2 Dual-band 3x3 wireless radio AC3200, 256MB Flash and 512MB of DDR3 Memory, and 5-port SOHO-grade Gigabit Ethernet switch with TCAM. Full hardware details are provided below.

Product Technical Specifications:

  • Wi-Fi Technology: AC3200 MU-MIMO
  • Network Standards: 802.11a/g, 802.11n, 802.11ac
  • Wi-Fi Speed: AC3200 (N600 + AC2600) ‡
  • Wi-Fi Bands: 2.4 and 5 GHz (simultaneous dual-band)
  • DFS certified for operation in the clear DFS channel airspace
  • 5-port Pro-grade Gigabit Ethernet ports: 1x Gigabit WAN port, 4x Gigabit LAN ports
  • Other: One(1) USB 3.0 port, One(1) Combo eSATA/USB 2.0 port, Power
  • Antennas: 4x external, dual-band, detachable antennas
  • Processor: 1.8 GHz dual-core
  • Memory: 512MB DDR3 RAM / 256MB Flash
  • Wireless Encryption: WPA2 Personal
  • VPN Support: PPTP IPSec pass‐through
  • Storage File System Support: FAT, NTFS, and HFS+
  • Browser-based Setup and custom graphical user interface
  • Open Source ready for OpenWrt

The Linksys WRT32X is available for pre-order now from Amazon, BestBuy.com and Linksys.com and will begin shipping from 21st September, 2017. Later next month it will also roll out to stores such as Best Buy, B&H, Fry’s, Micro Center, New Egg and Target with an MSRP of $299.99. UK residents will have to wait until October for the WRT32X to become available.

HEXUS Forums :: 16 Comments

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Posted by peterb - Wed 23 Aug 2017 10:17
Hmm another “gaming machine” ‘ker-ching’ £££

So
the Linksys WRT32X isn't just “some ‘gamer-bait’ visual accents coupled with some smart marketing”. It's exclusive built-in Killer Prioritization Engine (KPE) and other design optimisations are “built to deliver the best online gaming experience”.
Well Im afaraid to my cynical mind thats exactly what it is - a bit of marketing flummery with another Three Letter Algorithm (TLA) thrown in for good measure.

I like the idea of a minimal kernel, but latency is a function of the internet, and while fast and optimal code in the router might reduce latency in that device, once a packet has left the router, it has no more control over the latency over the connection to the destination server than I have over the earth's rotational speed.

But I'm not the the target market as it is
built exclusively for gamers
but I'm sure there will be some who will part with their cash, but for $300 (probably around £300 when it hits the UK) I can think of other routers I'd rather spend my money on - but then, I'm not a gamer!

However, I'm always willing to be proved wrong so I look forward to a comprehensive HEXUS review!
Posted by rabidmunkee - Wed 23 Aug 2017 10:36
exclusively for gamers, ok, is it me or does all that wifi jiggery pokery kick it right out the ‘gamer’ ball park, wired all the way for me.
Posted by philehidiot - Wed 23 Aug 2017 10:38
Peterb - exactly my thoughts. The majority of latency is not in your own network (assuming you bought half decent hardware and it is functioning normally), it's at the mercy of the internet. I'm sure spending the money allocated for this on a decent ISP will work better for most people. There is latency associated with wifi but you can't speed that up very easily, only ensure that you use MIMO, etc for the most robust connection possible in your environment. Or a wire.

As you say, a kernel built from the ground up for minimal latency is good, but then to put a flashy interface on top of that surely is using resources, etc that needn't be used? Stupid “edgy” interfaces take up R&D time better spent elsewhere. Ensure the interface is intuitive and works properly and sod the fancy graphics. Gamers will love a black and white, mostly text display as it'll make them feel like a hacker and l33t.

Any proper hardcore gamer will just use a bloody wire if it matters that much.
Posted by Bagpuss - Wed 23 Aug 2017 11:02
Marketing BS designed to pull in the gullible 18-25yr olds with their first credit cards.
Posted by Iota - Wed 23 Aug 2017 11:06
This was announced back in CES, and was due to be released in Spring. They've taken so long to get it to market that I went with a completely different router with fairly decent QoS (works well enough for me).

All things considered I was no longer prepared to wait, I'm glad I didn't, September 2017 isn't “Spring”.

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