Rivet Networks xTend Tech Transforms Your PC Into A Gaming-Optimized Wi-Fi AP And Switch

killer logo
Rivet Networks is serving up a fresh take on its Killer Networking with a new hardware and software solution called xTend. With xTend, you will in essence be able to provide additional coverage for your wireless and wired networking devices without the need for an additional network switch or Wi-Fi extender.

So how does it work? Well, you’ll need a high-end motherboard that includes at least three Killer E2500 NICs in addition to a Killer AC1535 Wi-Fi module, which acts as a Wi-Fi extender. You will then be able to connect your networked devices with a cable (1 GBps) or wirelessly (866 Mbps) to your PC. Your PC can be connected to your existing router either wirelessly or via a single wired connection.

killer networks

Rivet reckons that its solution allows you to have few cables feeding back to your wireless router and helps cut down on the costs of additional networking devices like dedicated Wi-Fi extenders. All of this xTend networking handiwork is controlled via the Killer Control Center. If you choose, you can even configure xTend to connect to three separate broadband networks simultaneously.

“Gaming PCs are powerful devices and perfect platforms for providing our customers a better home networking experience. Incorporating the functionality of a network switch and Wi-Fi extender into a PC instantly provides better network performance without the pain of buying and setting up separate equipment,” said Michael Cubbage, Rivet Networks CEO. “Our partners demand the very best network performance for their customers, and we are pumped to be bringing Killer xTend to market with them.”

z270 godlike gaming

The first motherboards to launch with xTend support include the MSI Z270 Godlike Gaming and Gigabyte’s AORUS Gaming Series. What do you guys think? Is having your gaming rig running 24-7 to enable extended access to your home network overkill?

Brandon Hill

Brandon Hill

Brandon received his first PC, an IBM Aptiva 310, in 1994 and hasn’t looked back since. He cut his teeth on computer building/repair working at a mom and pop computer shop as a plucky teen in the mid 90s and went on to join AnandTech as the Senior News Editor in 1999. Brandon would later help to form DailyTech where he served as Editor-in-Chief from 2008 until 2014. Brandon is a tech geek at heart, and family members always know where to turn when they need free tech support. When he isn’t writing about the tech hardware or studying up on the latest in mobile gadgets, you’ll find him browsing forums that cater to his long-running passion: automobiles.

Opinions and content posted by HotHardware contributors are their own.