Linksys recently released the Linksys WRT32XB gaming router for the Xbox. But the router is very similar to the existing WRT32X model. So, the question is, how do they differ? Let’s find out. In this post, we would be making a Linksys WRT32XB vs. WRT32X comparison to know how they differ from each other.
For setting up a proper network at your home or workplace, it is vital to select good quality network hardware. This also involves picking up the right router, through which users will connect wirelessly to your network. These days, there are thousands of routers to pick from. Moreover, many brands release these products in “Series,” and some of them are identical. Some products from a “Series” may look identical to each other visually, but they are different based on the feature and performance they offer. It makes it hard for a customer from non-tech background to select the right product.
Linksys WRT32XB vs. WRT32X
In this post, we will be discussing two Linksys routers, WRT32XB and WRT32X. Looking at the model numbers, you might have figured it out that these routers belong to the same series. Moreover, they are pretty much identical in looks as well. So let us dive in some technical details and specifications so that our readers may understand how these two routers Linksys WRT32XB and Linksys WRT32X differ from each other. So without any more delay, here we go:
General
| Specification | Linksys WRT32XB | Linksys WRT32X |
| Enclosure Type | Desktop | Desktop |
| Frequency Band | 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz | 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz |
| Status Indicators | Power, LAN, USB, WPS, e-SATA | Power, LAN, USB |
| Encryption Algorithm | WPA2, 128-bit AES | 128-bit WEP, WPA, WPA2, 128-bit AES, WPA2-Enterprise |
| Manufacturer | Cisco | Belkin |
As the table shows, both WRT32XB and WRT32X are desktop routers offering 2.4 / 5 GHz frequency band. However, WRT32XB comes with WPS and eSATA indicators, which is missing in WRT32X. However, WRT32X wins when it comes to the encryption algorithm.
The WRT32XB Auto-detects & auto-prioritizes Xbox traffic above all other devices on the network for a smoother, more responsive gaming experience.
As you can see, Linksys WRT32X uses the wide range of algorithms for encrypting network including 128-bit WEP, WPA, WPA2, 128-bit AES and WPA-2 Enterprise. On the other hand, Linksys WRT32XB uses only WPA2 and 128-bit AES encryption algorithm. Here, the fact that different manufacturers manufacture both of these may surprise you a bit.
Yes, that’s right. Cisco manufactures WRT32XB, and Belkin manufactures the WRT32X.
Networking
| Specification | Linksys WRT32XB
|
Linksys WRT32X
|
| Form Factor | desktop | desktop |
| Type | wireless router | wireless router |
| Connectivity Technology | wired, wireless | wired, wireless |
| Data Link Protocol | Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11ac, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n | Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11ac, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n |
| Network / Transport Protocol | IPSec, PPTP | IPSec, PPTP |
| Features | Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS), IPSec passthrough, MU-MIMO technology, Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI), Tri-Stream 160 technology, WPA2 encryption, dual-band, firmware upgradable, reset button | DFS support, Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS), IPSec passthrough, WPA2 encryption, dual-band, reset button |
| Compliant Standards | IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11ac, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n | IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11ac, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n |
| Wireless Protocol | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
| Data Transfer Rate | 3.2 Gbps | 3.2 Gbps |
| WAN Ports Qty | 1 | 1 |
| Integrated Switch | 4-port switch | 4-port switch |
| Key Features | USB port | USB port |
Both of these routers provide a wireless and wired connection through multiple LAN ports available. Moreover, Data link protocol and Network / Transport protocol used by Linksys WRT32XB and WRT32X are exactly same.
However, the WRT32XB offers more additional networking features compared to WRT21X. Both of them offer DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) support, IPSec Pass Trough, dual-band technology and WPA2 encryption and Reset Button.
The Linksys WRT32XB gets a step ahead by offering MU-MIMO technology, Stateful Packet Inspection technology and Tri Stream 160 technology. Moreover, the firmware of WRT32XB is upgradable, unlike WRT32X.
Power Device
| Specification | Linksys WRT32XB
|
Linksys WRT32X
|
| Nominal Voltage | AC 120/230 V | AC 120/230 V |
| Frequency Required | 50/60 Hz | 50/60 Hz |
| Type | external power adapter | external power adapter |
Interface Provided
| Specification | Linksys WRT32XB
|
Linksys WRT32X
|
| Interface | Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T | Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T |
| Qty | 1, 4 | 1, 4 |
| Connector Type | 11 pin USB/eSATA, 9 pin USB Type A, RJ-45 | 11 pin USB/eSATA, 9 pin USB Type A, RJ-45 |
| Type | LAN, USB 2.0 / eSATA, USB 3.0, WAN | LAN, USB 2.0 / eSATA, USB 3.0, WAN |
Antenna
| Specification | Linksys WRT32XB
|
Linksys WRT32X
|
| Antenna Qty | 4 | 4 |
| Antenna Form Factor | external detachable | external integrated |
There is not much to discuss here as both the routers are pretty same. Both WRT32XB and WRT32X consume the same amount of power and operate with external power adapters. The interface they provide and all the connector types are same as well.
Both of them offer four antennas. However, antennas on Linksys WRT32XB are detachable, and antennas on Linksys WRT32X are integrated and cannot be detached.
Miscellaneous
| Specification | Linksys WRT32XB
|
Linksys WRT32X
|
| Encryption Algorithm | 128-bit AES, WPA2 | 128-bit AES, 128-bit WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA2-Enterprise |
| Color Category | black | black |
| Processor Clock Speed | 1.8 GHz | 1.8 GHz |
Like we discussed before Linksys WRT32X offers better encryption technology compared to the WRT32XB. Both of these come with black body and processor speed is clocked at 1.8 GHz for both of them.
System Requirements
| Specification | Linksys WRT32XB
|
Linksys WRT32X
|
| OS Required | Apple MacOS X 10.x or later, Microsoft Windows 7 / 8.1 / 10 | Apple MacOS X 10.x or later, Microsoft Windows 7 / 8.1 / 10 |
Dimensions & Weight
| Specification | Linksys WRT32XB
|
Linksys WRT32X
|
| Width | 9.7 in | 9.7 in |
| Depth | 7.6 in | 7.6 in |
| Height | 2 in | 2 in |
| Weight | 28.16 oz | 28.16 oz |
Cable Details
| Specification | Linksys WRT32XB
|
Linksys WRT32X
|
| Type | network cable | network cable |
| Included Qty | 1 | 1 |
Both Linksys WRT32XB and WRT32X are compatible with Apple Mac OS X 10.x or better and Windows 7 or better. Being from the same series and brand, their form factor, dimension and weight is exactly similar. Both the routers ship with the single piece of network cable.
Service & Support Details
| Specification | Linksys WRT32XB
|
Linksys WRT32X
|
| Type | limited warranty | – |
| Service Included | parts and labor | – |
| Full Contract Period | 1 year | – |
Currently, WRT32XB comes with one year of limited warranty on parts and labor from the manufacturer. We are not sure if there is any change in the warranty coverage on WRT32. However, do not rely on this since warranty may vary based on which distributor you buy it from. With this, we sum up the comparison between Linksys WRT32XB and Linksys WRT32X wireless Wi-Fi routers. We hope it helps you.
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Conclusion:
We hope this post helps you to understand how Linksys WRT32XB and Linksys WRT32X Wi-Fi routers differ from each other. We have covered most of the technical details and specifications that a buyer should consider. We hope this comparison helps you to choose the right product according to your requirement and clear your doubts about these routers. Still, if you have any doubts, questions, or queries, feel free to use the comment section below or use contact us form. We are happy to help out our readers, Thank You!
