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Linksys WRT32XB Router Prioritizes Xbox Traffic

The first router in the Designed for Xbox program and one for serious Xbox online gamers (and other gaming platforms soon!).

 & Matthew Humphries Former Senior Editor

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Today, Linksys launched a new model in its WRT line of routers. The WRT32XB is aimed squarely at gamers, and in particular Xbox gamers as this wireless router prioritizes Xbox traffic over everything else.

If you're not an Xbox gamer, don't stop reading just yet as we have some good news. But as of today, the WRT32XB is the first router in Microsoft's Designed for Xbox accessory program. It uses Rivet Network's Killer Prioritization Engine (KPE) and will auto-detect any network traffic coming from the Xbox One S and Xbox One X. Linksys' aim is to ensure the best online gaming experience regardless of what else is grabbing bandwidth in your home. With that in mind, Linksys is promising up to 65 percent lower ping times while gaming using this router.

Now for the good news: Linksys is only limiting the prioritization to Xbox traffic temporarily. As Engadget reports, a spokesperson for Linksys has confirmed a software update released in the summer will allow gaming traffic to be prioritized regardless of the platform you are playing on.

The WRT32XB carries an MSRP of $249.99 and should be available from today. Depending on which retailer you buy from, the router may include a free three-month Xbox Game Pass to take advantage of. So check around before making a purchase.

We reviewed the WRT32X back in December, which is also marketed as a gaming router. We liked how fast the 2.4GHz throughput was and how easy it was to install and configure. 5GHz throughput was middling though, so hopefully the 32XB improves on that.

About Our Expert

Matthew Humphries

Matthew Humphries

Former Senior Editor

My Experience

I started working at PCMag in November 2016, covering all areas of technology and video game news. Before that I spent nearly 15 years working at Geek.com as a writer and editor. I also spent the first six years after leaving university as a professional game designer working with Disney, Games Workshop, 20th Century Fox, and Vivendi.

I hold two degrees: a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and a Master's degree in Games Development. My first book, Make Your Own Pixel Art, is available from all good book shops.

My Areas of Expertise

  • PC components and system building
  • Raspberry Pi
  • Software development
  • Storage technology
  • Video games and gaming hardware

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