Review: Linksys WRT32X Gaming Router

Conclusion

We've previously stated that Killer's Prioritisation Engine is arguably the best example of network traffic management we've seen on a consumer device.

Detecting, identifying and prioritising latency-sensitive traffic makes sense, yet with the technology formerly limited to a single client, our approval was tempered by the caveat that Killer's benefits "are negated if other devices on the same network are gobbling-up bandwidth."

Given the proliferation of web-connected devices in the modern home, our prediction back in 2016 was that "it's surely only a matter of time until intelligent traffic management shifts from the PC to the router."

Such a router has been brought to fruition in the form of the WRT32X, a collaborative effort from Linksys and Killer. Combining the high-end ingredients of a WRT router and effective traffic management of Killer's Prioritisation Engine, it serves as a go-to solution for enthusiast gamers seeking maximum performance and minimum lag.

As the world's first Killer-enabled router, the WRT32X is a well built unit with a sleek user interface and a feature set that bodes well for networks with limited bandwidth or gamers battling in-home congestion. It is, ultimately, a good interpretation of a gaming router with purpose, though a few lingering provisos remain. Key benefits are limited to Killer-enabled clients - don't expect intelligent prioritisation from, say, a games console - and the £300 price tag serves as a significant obstacle.

Bottom line: the Linksys WRT32X does a fine job of delivering fast and prioritised performance, but prohibitive pricing limits its appeal to extreme gamers already rocking a Killer-enabled client or two.

Linksys WRT32X Gaming Router

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The Linksys WRT32X Gaming Router is available to purchase from Amazon.

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