Asus has launched the ROG Rapture GT-BN98 Pro, the first router to support the forthcoming Wi-Fi 8 (802.11bn) standard. While the official ratification of Wi-Fi 8 is expected in late 2028, this pre-standard device aims to address signal reliability and range improvements over current Wi-Fi 7 offerings. The router is available now, with other Wi-Fi 8 devices from various manufacturers anticipated soon.
Wi-Fi 8 Advancements
Wi-Fi 8's primary focus is not raw speed, but rather delivering a more stable and robust signal, especially in crowded wireless environments and over greater distances. Key technologies contributing to this include Unequal Modulation and Coding Schemes (UEQM), which smooth out performance degradation as signal strength weakens. Enhanced Long Range (ELR) and Distributed-Tone Resource Unit (DRU) technologies bolster weak connections with redundant data packets and wider spectrum utilization, improving both connection stability and upload speeds from devices at the network's edge.
Furthermore, Multi-AP Coexistence features like Coordinated Beamforming (Co-BF), Coordinated Spatial Reuse (Co-SR), and Coordinated Time-Division Multiple Access (Co-TDMA) enable nearby access points to collaborate, optimizing channel usage and reducing interference. Dynamic Sub-Band Operation (DSO) allows for carving up channels to suit narrow-band devices, while Enhanced Distributed Channel Access (EDCA) prioritizes real-time traffic like gaming and voice communication.
Performance Testing
In testing, the Asus ROG Rapture GT-BN98 Pro demonstrated mixed results when compared to high-end Wi-Fi 7 routers. Up close, it achieved 1,788 Mbps, which was slower than the Asus ROG Rapture GT-BE19000AI's 3,052 Mbps and the TP-Link Deco BE85's 2,500 Mbps. However, performance at a distance showed a clear advantage for Wi-Fi 8. Two rooms away, the GT-BN98 maintained 894 Mbps, significantly outperforming the Wi-Fi 7 devices which struggled to exceed 500 Mbps. Outdoors, 15 meters away, the GT-BN98 delivered 120 Mbps, a substantial improvement over the GT-BE19000AI's 12 Mbps, though the Deco's mesh setup (with an additional node) reached 280 Mbps.
When running multiple network streams, the GT-BN98 again showed its strength in maintaining performance. Close-range speeds were 1,647 Mbps, dropping to 695 Mbps two rooms away, and 120 Mbps outdoors. In comparison, the Deco experienced a more pronounced speed drop-off at higher distances. This indicates that while the GT-BN98 may not yet match the peak close-range speeds of mature Wi-Fi 7 routers, its performance remains more consistent across various distances and network loads.
Features and Pricing
The GT-BN98 Pro is equipped with Asus's extensive feature set, including automated latency boosts for gaming acceleration, robust subscription-free network security and parental controls, media and file server capabilities with Docker and Portainer support, and VPN functionality. Older Asus routers can also be integrated as range-extending nodes.
With a price tag of approximately $999 (£790), the GT-BN98 Pro is a significant investment. However, it positions itself competitively against other premium gaming routers. For context, the TP-Link BE85 mesh system costs around $1,200 with additional subscription fees, and Asus's own Wi-Fi 7 predecessor, the GT-BE19000AI, is available for $560 less, representing older technology.
In conclusion, while the Asus ROG Rapture GT-BN98 Pro's raw close-range speeds do not yet surpass those of top-tier Wi-Fi 7 devices, its performance at greater distances and its overall feature set make it a compelling, albeit expensive, option for those seeking to future-proof their network with the latest Wi-Fi standard. Its improved reliability and range are early indicators of Wi-Fi 8's potential benefits.