Intel Chip(!): Rivet Networks Launches the Killer Wireless-AC 1550

It’s Actually an Intel Chip: Rivet Networks Launches the Killer Wireless-AC 1550
by Ian Cutress on January 8, 2018 8:00 AM EST
https://www.anandtech.com/show/1217...-networks-launches-the-killer-wirelessac-1550

" LAS VEGAS, NV — One of the main criticisms about the Killer network controllers, either wireless or wired, is that they aren't Intel. The hardware isn't Intel, or the level of support isn't Intel. Today, Rivet Networks is announcing that its latest Wi-Fi chip, the Killer Wireless-AC 1550, is coming to market, and it is manufactured by Intel.

Wait, What? Manufactured by Intel?
To answer the obvious questions, let us start with a recap.

Spoiler: Details...

The back story: In 2006, Bigfoot Networks introduced the Killer NIC – a PCIe card using a Freescale processor that promised to reduce network latency and lag. In 2011, Qualcomm bought the technology, putting it alongside on its own Atheros wired and wireless chips, but also reducing the cost and expanded the user base. In 2014, the technology was spun out to Rivet Networks, a new company formed by the CEO and CTO of Bigfoot, but still using Qualcomm’s manufacturing expertise and connections.

The new story: In 2015, Intel discussed with Rivet to create a combined solution – the argument being that it would be better to collaborate than compete. Rivet was still ‘new’, managing the hardware post-Qualcomm, so initially nothing came of it. In 2016, Intel presented Rivet with defined roadmaps, and now with Killer across a fair amount of the industry (motherboards, Dell XPS, MSI), the partnership started.

What happened from here is that Intel was to design and manufacture the chip. Rivet had a list of hardware requirements in order to be able to perform the features needed to perform Killer functionality, and Intel built these into the chip and gave Killer the required access to the silicon. Ultimately the chip would provide two different products: the Intel AC9260, and the Killer Wireless-AC 1550.

With only one piece of silicon, only one set of regulatory approval was needed (which is expensive), and each company would sell the chip on its own, with company-specific features: Intel does its thing, while Rivet can enable their version with the features to make it a ‘Killer’ chip, such as packet prioritization, support for DoubleShot, etc.

The end result is that the AC 1550 should have the stability of Intel (in fact, the AC9260 has been on sale for several months already), but the additional features of Killer. The driver for both is pretty much the same, being a combined effort between Intel and Killer, while the Killer version will have a specific version of the driver for Killer-features, as well as a Rivet designed service and OS application.

The Killer Wireless-AC 1550
At the high-level, the 1550 shares all the features of the AC9260. It is a 2x2 Wi-Fi module with full 802.11ac Wave 2 functionality for 160 MHz channels, including MU-MIMO, and with the right router is good for up to 1.73 Gbps peak throughput. It will be available similar to current Intel and Rivet wireless chips, available either as an M.2 module or as a 12x16mm BGA package, but also with CNVi support. Bluetooth 5.x is also supported.

The additional Killer features brought to the table revolve around the prioritization software. As part of the evolution of the technology, the Killer chip can create six levels of priority, with level 1 taking the express freeway and being prioritized for low latency. The hardware supports a pre-prepared traffic whitelist, to which Rivet has already supplied it 1000 of the most commonly used applications and network traffic configurations (around 99.8% of all traffic, apparently). In the event that the app is not on its whitelist, users can put in their own options, or the controller can do Advanced Stream Detection.

Killer’s Advanced Stream Detection looks at the way network traffic is constructed and processed to determine if it is a game, VOIP, a browser, streaming video, or a download. If a user imagines what sort of network traffic (and how it is processed), then the ability to detect this sort of thing makes sense, and doing it in a way that requires minimal CPU power is going to add value.

Back at the office/data center, Killer run an automated nightly test of the 1000 commonly used applications in its whitelist to ensure that the software is still running correctly, as well as adding more to that list. In the event that a known application (such as a streaming service, or a game) changes the way the network runs and is thus no-longer detected properly, then the Killer engineers put it as high-priority for the next-day updates. I am told that this happens only a couple of times a month, or when a streaming service adjusts codecs.

The 1550 also supports other Killer features, such as DoubleShot Pro (sending traffic down different pipes), Killer xTend (using the device as a switch), and has the updated Killer Control Center with updated rule sets and UX updates. The idea here is that even though this chip is manufactured by Intel, there should be no regression in features: this chip has everything the previous chips had, and more.

The Bigger Picture
Ultimately, all the physical IP in the chip is from Intel, with the stream detection algorithms and software stack being the proprietary part from Killer. Some of the hardware changes that Rivet requested might be used by Intel at a later date, or Intel might leave it for the Killer brand. At the end of the day, each Killer Wireless-AC 1550 chip sold is an Intel sale anyway, and it would be interesting to compare the price competitiveness of the current Qualcomm-assisted chips and the new Intel-designed chips.

One might have suspected that Qualcomm might have wanted to aggressively retain the Killer business to keep sales numbers, but we are told by Rivet that there were no particular issues from Qualcomm about Rivet partnering with Intel.

The main complaints about previous Killer parts revolved around hardware, support, power, performance benefits, and functionality. With the 1550 being an Intel chip, some of those complaints automatically disappear. The 1550 is still likely to cost slightly more than the Intel AC9260, but Killer believes that the features provided justify the value-add and can offer partners product differentiation, especially with multi-taskers and streamers, two key markets that Intel wants to dominate.

Today the announcement is a partnership for a single chip, although we suspect that given the discussion of Intel roadmaps, the two companies are likely to collaborate further for future products.

Availability
Launch partners are Alienware and MSI first, with the chip being put into devices launching in January. Select notebooks, desktops, and motherboards over the next few months will have the new chip. No word yet if it will be available as a standalone module at retail, or for what cost.

 

And with more NSA backdoors, spy cameras and dark men in black suits coming your way, this time, through your wifi card !

 

They will have to pry my Qualcomm-based Killer card from my cold, dead hands.

 

Agreed. My Killer 1525AC has worked far better than any 6/7 series Intel card I've ever used. Lower jitter and ping, and no ping spikes, while gaming.

 

Two laptop brands are using this new tech now.

"Starting today Dell’s Alienware laptops will begin to be sold with Killer 1550 Wireless networking installed, and MSI said it had started to deploy PC gaming products with “even faster and more stable online experiences,” thanks to Killer 1550 too."

https://m.hexus.net/tech/news/network/113918-rivet-networks-launches-killer-1550-wireless-ac-module/

 

@hmscott IIRC, Intel said it would use WLAN/BT in Intel CPU PCH itself. So the card is just a media to connect the antenna cables white and black.

 

@Vasudev not this one, 9260 is the real deal and can be installed in older systems as well.

 

My understanding was that the issues with the Killer 1535 were mainly with the Killer drivers, not the QCA radio inside.

 

this exactly the issue

 

Hey guys,

I just wanted to mention that the drivers for our products are thoroughly QA’d by our internal QA team, the chip manufacturers, as well as the system manufacturers. Most people, especially gamers, find the Killer Control Center to be beneficial in decreasing latency and allowing them to prioritize traffic, if they wish, though it mostly just runs in the background with a minimal resource footprint. We also offer completely unmodified, driver-only installation and .INF packages from our website, as well.

As always, should anyone have any problems or questions, or even input about our products, we encourage you to contact us directly at [email protected].

-- Anthony with Killer Networking

 

@Killer_Networking any chance you'll be introducing new 802.11ad products (for WirelessVR?), or is this technology a complete dead-end until 802.11ay takes over?

 

The problem was in the past.

I have several friends running 1535s within the past 3 months (driver only without suite) and they seem to be perfectly fine.

 

I personally does not like about Killer software. They are buggy. and often when I turn on my computer, they often have a problem of connection. I need to go to network connection and restart the network adapter.

However, that does not make me to buy Intel chipset. I have no idea why intel still does NOT support beamforming on their newest/top tier network adapter. Seriously? still no beamforming?

And the fact that Killer 1550 support beamforming while it is virtually 9260 with Killer firmware blows my mind.
So Intel decide not to have beamforming just because of freaking firmware/software?

As a person with hi-spec router with beamforming support, and often use device on bad signal spot, their decision discourage me to buy their product too much. I still think Killer firmware/software is more buggy than that of intel, but I knew it has better performance.

IMO, killer needs to do more work on removing bugs, but Intel? I do not know what is their problem.

 

I don't have any specific information on any 802.11ad products at this time, but we are always looking at emerging wireless and network technologies, and try to bring those to market when it makes sense.

If you are currently experiencing issues with a Killer product, I highly encourage you to reach out to us directly at [email protected]. I'll be more than happy to help troubleshoot your specific issue so that we can hopefully change your mind about us!

-- Anthony with Killer Networking

 

Add Killer Remover app to your KB article for thorough removal.
I just experienced Clean Install like Performance after using Killer remover. Maybe you should include that whilst uninstalling Killer SW?
No glitches or strange stutters when KCC runs at startup.

 

Nice!

The Killer Remover only removes very old installations - it doesn't do anything with more recent installations, which uninstall cleanly, unless they are broken by major Windows Feature Updates. At that point, it's better to remove them using the Microsoft tool for issues that block applications from being installed or uninstalled. Instructions on using both are in the primary guide here - http://killernetworking.com/driver-...ing-killer-ethernet-wireless-drivers-software.

-- Anthony with Killer Networking

 

I thought MS fixit tool was present in W10, now I have to search my old HDD for a copy of MS fixit.

 

The tool that I was talking about can be found here - https://support.microsoft.com/en-us...lock-programs-from-being-installed-or-removed

-- Anthony with Killer Networking

 

I was talking about MS fixit portable I downloaded on Win 7. Its a full package containing all fixit exe that solves Windows explorer issues,perf issues, network issues, usb driver, dvd driver etc..
It seems older version doesn't work correctly on w10.

 

Ooohhh, that. I think I had a copy of that at some point. Didn't that originate with Vista and then get updated for 7? I seem to remember using it on Vista a lot. I imagine it would be fairly huge to work with 8.1+, though. Everything else got huge with 8.1+.

-- Anthony with Killer Networking

 

@Killer_Networking @Papusan @Falkentyne

I've pre-ordered the Killer 1550 I should have it within 2 weeks. I'm interested to test its range now that its built with Intel since we know that Intel WLAN cards have way lesser range than the Killer ones so that'd be interesting.

I also have the Nighthawk X10 which supports the AD Band so let's see how it performs with that band.

Stay tuned

 

Please post your results when you get one. The most important one will the download/upload speeds when you're away from the router(Seriously very far away from router). Maybe I will be getting new card as well based on your review. I sit in a corner of a room, so every bit of performance matters.

 

well my router is like 10 feet away from my taptop in a little storage room, and my room also has a door so that's 2 doors between me and the router. With the Intel 8265 and Intel 9260, I connect @ 173 mbps and sometimes the connection drops to 79 MBPS which obviously affects my internet speed severely. With the Killer 1535, I get 866 MBPS stable every time so let's see how this new Killer 1550 does. If it doesn't perform well I'll send it to @Papusan because I know he likes chips so he can have another chip

 

I thought you already got K1550 card. I wasn't asking about link speed but your internet speeds when you're sitting in a corner. More like your file download/upload speed.
Papusan will train the card to stronger, faster and even OC champion that obliterates 802.11ad practical speeds.
If you are trying it on Linux be sure to grab latest firmware for Ubuntu 18.04LTS which is supported by Mint. 1.164.3 has added support for intel Tri band cards.

 

Where can I read about it? Can't find anything on the subject, seems my google-fu is rusty.

 

Use this https://launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/linux-firmware

 

@Vasudev added support for 9260&9560 (dual-band cards) is mentioned, not a word about anything tri-band. \=

Code:

linux-firmware (1.164.3) zesty; urgency=medium

  * Intel 9260/9462/9560 firmware support (LP: #1734243)
    - iwlwifi: add firmware version 33 for new 9000 series
    - linux-firmware: Add firmware file for Intel Bluetooth 9560
    - linux-firmware: Add firmware file for Intel Bluetooth 9260

 

I'm sure the changelogs did say Preliminary support for Tri-band Intel WLAN/BT few months ago. I guess they removed it.

 

Killer Wireless-AC 1550 | Alienware


Tech Talk | The New Killer 1550 Tech Breakdown S4E1

 

Any idea if this is available for purchase anywhere? I have a router that supports 160mhz so can get full use of this guy over my current 1535.

 

I'm interested to see what your tests show. I have it under very, very good authority that you'll be extremely impressed.

-- Anthony with Killer Networking
*-*-*Check out this review on the Killer Wireless 1535!*-*-*

 

The Killer Wireless-ac 1550 is currently being offered for sale on Amazon and Rivet Networks is listed as the seller.

Price $29.99 + Free Shipping

EDIT:Yesterday ordering page said in stock February 16th but today they are listed as In Stock

My order status has been updated to expected delivery Tuesday February 20th 2018 via Amazon Prime 2 day shipping.

When I ordered I was limited to 1 Killer 1550.

 

Thanks for the heads up, just ordered mine.

 

Yep, that would be us! But there aren't many of them in the first batch.

-- Anthony with Killer Networking

 

I ended up buying 2 Killer 1550,one for my desktop in an MSI PCI-E x1 adapter that came with a Z370 M5 motherboard purchase and one to replace a Killer 1525 that shipped in my notebook.

They shipped this morning and arrived at the carrier facility in Ruskin Florida projected to arrive here in Texas Tuesday February 20,2018

I also have an Intel 9260 so I'll see which performs better on home network paired with a Netgear R7800 and Spectrum Internet 400Mbps service.

 

@Killer_Networking would you consider making a small batch of 1550 or possibly future products with mini pcie form factor? To upgrade old Alienwares such as the 17 Ranger/M17x R4/18 Viking/M18x R2. These models still hold a lot of gaming potential due to their ability to use eDP / SG + GTX pascal cards.

 

I am looking to buy one however can't any in Amazon UK site and on the amazon.com site it states it doesn't ship to the UK. any clues where to purchase one for my GT72-6QD?

 

hacktrix2006 asked:
"I am looking to buy one however can't any in Amazon UK site and on the amazon.com site it states it doesn't ship to the UK. any clues where to purchase one for my GT72-6QD?"

If I were you the first places I'd inquire at would be the companies that do notebook customizing.They might not have them in stock yet but they could give you a guesstimate

 

The 2 Killer 1550 wireless cards I ordered arrived today.

Now I need to get them installed,paired with the router and tested

 

I want to fit thist into my GT73VR. Any idea when the product will become available to order to/in UK?

 

I am just lowly technical support. I would suggest going to our website, and under "Support" clicking "Contact Support", so that I can at least forward this request to someone who can make that decision.

-- Anthony with Killer Networking

 

UK is our next market that we are working on. We are hoping to have availability to the UK, through Amazon, within the next couple of weeks.

-- Anthony with Killer Networking

 

Nice, its about time I use my router to its max potential being stuck at 866mb speeds sucks. Is latency improved over the AC 1535? The 1535 is doing me proud as I game on WiFi due to how ADSL works and how crap the wiring is in the house so always after a better WiFi card. Is it a wave 2 card as well this 1550??

Sent from my SHIELD Tablet K1 using Tapatalk

 

Now that would be extremely cool! I fully understand chances of it to happen are very low for a number of reasons, but we can still dream...

FWIW one can actually use 9260/1550 in many mini pcie machines with a simple adapter; however, inside many older laptops which could use faster WLAN and Bluetooth 5.0, there simply isn't enough space to house it.

 

It's a 160 MHz Wave 2 adapter that is capable of speeds of up to 1.3 Gbps, so long as your environment and router are up to the same task. Latency might be improved, depending your situation, although in most gaming situations I suspect your latency improvements are coming from the Killer Control Center more than the card itself.

-- Anthony with Killer Networking

 

The antenna wires would also need to be changed since those for the mine pcie cards have larger connectors.I tried it in an old MSI GT780DX where I got it to work but at reduced speeds.

I got the new Killer installed in a 3.5 year old MSI GS60 and have an Intel 9260 in my desktop both connected to a Netgear R7800 with HT160 enabled.My desptop is latest Windows 10x64 Insider Preview.I will swap out the 9260 for the 1550 later today but I'm sure they are the exact same card.

The Killer 1550 won't show up unless the newer Killer Control Centers so download the newest dated 2018-02-16 before installing the 1550.

Device Manager in the GS60 shows the 1550 as "Killer(R)Wireless-AC 1550 Wireless Network Adapter(9260NGW)"

Both cards use an Intel driver v20.30.1.2.The newest Killer Control Center installs the Intel driver.

The Microsoft Insider Preview gets a separate Killer Control Center(UWD)Beta.

Killer 1550 only supported in Windows 10 x64

 

I have a Nighthawk X10 ready for that Can't wait till I get my hands on that card

 

One can use antenna adapters.

 

I really wish I can put a 9260/1550 inside this T430

 

Here's my Killer Control Center Screenshot from an MSI GS60