Linksys, the leading brand in consumer routers has today announced the release of the newest addition the very well known WRT product lineup (you’ve had to have had one at some point). The Press release states the Linksys Gaming Router designed for Xbox One – WRT32XB, the first and only router in Microsoft’s Designed for Xbox accessory program. The new WRT Gaming Router provides users a powerful new tool to optimize for high-speed gaming and video streaming when using Xbox One. The WRT32XB router incorporates Rivet Network’s Killer Prioritization Engine (KPE), which will auto-detect any Xbox One on its network, including Xbox One S and Xbox One X, and prioritize network traffic automatically to help provide serious console gamers with the best possible online gaming experience.
Linksys WRT32XB The First Router Made Specifically For Xbox Gaming Traffic
The KPE identifies, prioritizes and accelerates Xbox network traffic from any Xbox One console above all other devices in the home to deliver lower ping times and optimize online gaming. The KPE on the WRT32XB also protects Xbox gamers from extreme lag spikes at the router level and reduces peak ping by up to 65% on Xbox One consoles vs non-gaming routers, delivering consistent and superior reaction time during intense gaming scenarios*. The user interface and firmware are also custom-built for gaming traffic control. This is quite similar to what we’ve had on PC gaming for a while, with the ability to set priorities to the router, but this is a first for consoles.
Related Linksys Announces Cheaper Velop Mesh WiFi Router, New WRT32XB Gaming Router for Xbox One Users Also Announced
With the number of gamers steadily growing we can see more products coming out like this one.
“Gamers want performance and ways to enhance their game play, so we’ve develop this WRT router with enterprise quality hardware and custom software tools to give gamers what they want and need to beat their opponents, this is the first router available that is designed specifically to detect and auto-prioritize Xbox One as well as Killer-enabled PCs to ensure the gaming and streaming experience is fast and smooth no matter what else is going on in their home network. Being the first router in the “Designed for Xbox” accessory program, we were able to work with the Xbox team to ensure and validate the WRT32XB delivers the networking needs for all Xbox One models, including the new 4K Xbox One X.”
Vince La Duca, global product manager at Linksys.
Also, for the current time those who purchase the WRT32XB router at select retailers will receive a 3 month membership to Xbox Game Pass at no additional cost. Taking a look at the specs we see some beefy hardware which follows: 1.8 GHz Dual-Core ARM CPU, 802.11ac Wave 2 Dual-band 3×3 wireless radio, 256MB Flash and 512MB of DDR3 Memory, and 5-port 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.
Linksys WRT32XB Key Features and Specs
- WiFi router built purely for gaming which identifies, prioritizes and accelerates Xbox One gaming network packets
- The WRT32XB router will also provide synchronization with Killer-enabled PCs to provide gaming traffic a priority on wired and wireless PC connections
- Prioritization engine powered by Killer Networking delivers up to 65% reduction* in peak ping (vs competing routers) on Xbox One for faster response time
- The WRT32XB also identifies, prioritizes and accelerates Xbox One video streaming traffic for the ultimate movie experience
- 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
- WiFi Technology: AC3200 MU-MIMO
- Network Standards: 802.11a/g, 802.11n, 802.11ac
- WiFi Speed: AC3200 (N600 + AC2600) ‡
- WiFi 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
Pricing And Availability
The Linksys WRT32XB is now available for $249.99 at Amazon
(ethics disclaimer: These are affiliate links and we will receive a commission from Amazon/Newegg).
