ASUS Announces Wi-Fi 8 Routers and Mesh Systems
ASUS has announced the immediate retail launch of the ROG Rapture GT-BN98 series in Canada, marking the first availability of quad-band Wi-Fi 8 routers in consumer stores. The company also confirmed that the ASUS ZenWiFi BN12, described as the first dedicated Wi-Fi 8 mesh ecosystem, will arrive in October alongside the global rollout of the GT-BN98 lineup.
The ROG Rapture GT-BN98 series is built on the Wi-Fi 8 architecture and is designed to support both current and future client devices. According to internal testing by ASUS engineers, the routers deliver performance improvements even when connected to existing Wi-Fi 7 clients. This suggests that network upgrades can provide tangible benefits before Wi-Fi 8-capable devices become widespread in the market.
ASUS highlights two specific features of the Wi-Fi 8 standard: UEQM (Unequal Modulation) and NPCA (Non-Primary Channel Access). Simulation results indicate that UEQM helps improve connection stability, while NPCA reduces the impact of interference. These features are intended to address congestion in real-world network environments and support the evolving requirements of connected home setups.
Hardware specifications
The ROG Rapture GT-BN98 series consists of two models: the GT-BN98 Pro (BN30000) and the GT-BN98 (BN25000). Both units support quad-band Wi-Fi 8 and offer a maximum combined wireless throughput of 30,000 Mbps. The hardware is centered around a 2.6 GHz quad-core processor and 2 GB of RAM, which ASUS states is sufficient for handling high-load network tasks.
Wired connectivity includes two 10 Gbps ports and four 2.5 Gbps LAN ports, catering to multi-gigabit network configurations. The physical design incorporates a 3D structural layout that integrates 16 antennas into eight high-performance external antennas. ASUS also notes that an advanced cooling design is applied to maintain stable performance, connection capacity, and coverage over extended periods.
Mesh ecosystem and global availability
The ASUS ZenWiFi BN12 is positioned for large homes and households with numerous connected devices. It is described as the world’s first 12-stream tri-band Wi-Fi 8 mesh system. The unit features 2× LDPC wall-penetrating technology, providing coverage of up to 7,000 square feet (approximately 650 m²). Two 10 Gbps ports allow for high-speed wired backhaul connections between mesh nodes.
Software features include ASUS AiProtection Pro and customizable parental controls, both available without a separate subscription fee. The system also supports ASUS AiMesh interoperability, allowing it to be configured alongside existing compatible ASUS equipment. While the ZenWiFi BN12 is scheduled for consumer market launch in October, the specific release date for the US market has not yet been announced.
ASUS states that its Wi-Fi 8 ecosystem is designed for global markets, taking into account regional regulatory requirements, frequency optimization, and supply chain logistics. The company emphasizes that the lineup is intended to allow users to upgrade their networks incrementally, supporting both current and future network environments. Detailed product information is available on the respective product pages for the ROG Rapture GT-BN98 and GT-BN98 Pro.
Гика
