ASUS unveils first Wi-Fi 8 routers including ROG Rapture GT-BN98

ASUS has announced its first routers based on the Wi-Fi 8 standard (IEEE 802.11bn), focusing on improving network reliability and latency rather than just increasing theoretical peak speeds. The lineup includes the ROG Rapture GT-BN98, a quad-band gaming router capable of speeds up to 25,000Mbps, and the ZenWiFi BN12 mesh system, which offers speeds up to 19,000Mbps for large-scale home coverage.

Unlike previous generations, the Wi-Fi 8 standard aims to optimize practical connectivity in environments with many devices. Key technical improvements include Multi-AP Coordination to reduce latency, Non-Primary Channel Access to utilize idle channels, and Enhanced Long Range to improve signal for IoT devices. While the maximum theoretical throughput remains at 46Gbps with a 320MHz channel width, the focus is on doubling median data rates at medium and long ranges.

As the standard is currently in draft form, final approval from the IEEE is expected in 2028, with Wi-Fi Alliance certification following shortly after. Consequently, current consumer devices like smartphones and laptops do not yet support Wi-Fi 8, meaning these routers will operate using existing Wi-Fi 7 or Wi-Fi 6 protocols until compatible end-user hardware becomes available.