Linksys WRT32X Gaming Router Review (Accessory)

Linksys has announced the upcoming release of the WRT32X Gaming Router.

The WRT32X Gaming Router is a first of its kind, because it manages to incorporate the Killer Prioritization Engine (KPE) for high-speed gaming with gamers using Killer-enabled computers.

There are many benefits to having a router with KPE since the traffic has been optimized for low latency to create less lag during gameplay for a smoother experience. The WRT32X Gaming Router manages to give you incredible video and audio performance while playing your favorite games; alongside, managing other device traffic in your household to make sure they are not compromised.

The WRT32X Gaming Router also has a new firmware and graphical user interface (GUI) that was built to focus on monitoring and controlling gaming network traffic. While using the WRT32X Gaming Router with an Killer-enabled PC, we noticed that gameplay was smoother than we have had in the past. When playing most online games, we always get a bit of lag, but the WRT32X Gaming Router managed to give us a gameplay experience like never before.

One of the great aspects of the WRT32X is that the network priorities are completely customizable and can be configured in the Killer Control Center to allow streaming videos to become your top priority. The WRT32X Gaming Router then makes sure no other activity in the household impacts your streaming video networking packets. Gamers are streaming their gameplay more and more--and the WRT32X Gaming Router just made that a whole lot easier!

All-in-all, the WRT32X Gaming Router is a great tool for players looking to improve their online experiences with crisper, smoother gameplay. Linksys and Rivet Networks have managed to create a perfect router for today's gamer at an exceptional price. To learn more, visit the official Linksys website.


Score: 10 out of 10
Reviewed for PC
"Must-By For Diehard Gamers"



About Linksys WRT32X Gaming Router

The Custom-Built Firmware and Graphical User Interface (GUI)
Gamers will also welcome the new custom-built firmware and GUI specifically for this WRT32X. The firmware won’t be found on any other router. The GUI is used to promote important network settings for gaming, provide network usage static’s, and it’s wrapped in a design that appeals to gamers while matching the edgy design of the WRT hardware. The new GUI also has a unified responsive design across the desktop, tablet and mobile device. Users on a Killer-enabled PC will also now see a “router” tab on Killer’s Control Center App on the PC when the WRT32X is attached. This provides easier access to router KPE controls for settings while gaming without launching the router GUI.

Linksys WRT32X Enterprise Grade Hardware
The WRT32X Wi-Fi Gaming Router, a CES 2017 Innovations Award Honoree, starts with enterprise grade hardware: 1.8 GHz Dual-Core ARM CPU, 802.11ac Wave 2 Dual-band 3x3 wireless radio, 256MB Flash and 512MB of DDR3 Memory, and 5-port SOHO-grade Gigabit Ethernet switch with TCAM. For the software, 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. The secret ingredient and key innovation is the integration of the Killer Prioritization Engine.

WRT32X Key Benefits:

• Wi-Fi router built purely for gaming identifies, prioritizes gaming network above all else to give users an edge
• Synchronization with Killer-enabled PCs gives gaming traffic a priority on wired and Wi-Fi connections
• Prioritization engine powered by Killer Networking delivers up to 77% reduction* in peak ping for faster response time
• Blazing fast 1.8GHz Dual-Core processor for simultaneous high-speed data processing
• Custom-built gaming user interface and firmware specially tuned for online gaming traffic
• Exclusive optimization for Killer Networking gaming clients found in computers from Alienware, Gigabyte, MSI, Razer and more

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

Pricing and Availability

The new Linksys WRT32X Wi-Fi Gaming Router is available for pre-order at Amazon, BestBuy.com and Linksys.com and plans to begin shipping September 21, 2017. The WRT32X will being rolling out to leading retailers such as Best Buy, B&H, Fry’s, Micro Center, New Egg and Target, throughout September for an estimated MSRP of $299.99 USD.

“Serious gamers are spending money on game play and expect to have technology that provides significant advantages to beat their opponents”, said Vince La Duca, global product manager at Linksys. “The Linksys WRT32X provides advantages that no other routers have – and that is the Killer Prioritization Engine. The router, when paired with a Killer-enabled PC –from makers such as Alienware®, Gigabyte®, MSI®, or Razer® and others, provides a powerful end-to-end connection to prioritize gaming traffic to reduce peak ping times up to 77%*, providing a real advantage for faster kills over opponents that use regular “so-called” gaming routers.”

La Duca continued, “When exploring how online gaming enthusiasts used their internet connections and the networking technology in their home, we witnessed use of what others called "gaming routers", but on deeper investigation, all we found were standard consumer routers but with some "gamer-bait" visual accents coupled with some smart marketing, but no real technical substance or innovation. This drove us to create a true gaming-focused router that delivers the best networking experience for online gaming with low latency and the fastest speeds. The WRT32X utilizes enterprise-grade hardware DNA found in the WRT line of routers, but the WRT32X takes on a unique persona from both a visual standpoint as well as a firmware/software perspective. The new stealth livery informs this is not the WRT router you know, but WRT as a performance networking platform built to deliver the best online gaming experience.”

“Integrating Killer Networking technology to the WRT32X is a huge win for gamers” said Bob Grim, vice president of marketing and business development at Rivet Networks. “For the first time, Gamers will have a router that is designed specifically to work with their Killer-enabled PCs to identify and prioritize important gaming network traffic and ensure their online gaming experience is fast and smooth no matter what else is going on in their home network.”