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ASUS Unveils RT-BE88U WiFi 7 Dual-Band Router

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TheLostSwede

Very Senior Member
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High-performance router delivers future-proof networking with blazing-fast WiFi 7 speeds up to 7200 Mbps and a massive 34 Gbps of combined wired capacity

  • Dual-band WiFi 7 (802.11be) router enables Multi-Link Operation on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, 4096-QAM, and throughput up to 7200 Mbps
  • 10 Gbps Ethernet with cutting-edge 10 Gbps SFP+ port, AI WAN detection, and seamless 4G / 5G tethering for always-on internet and maximum performance
  • Subscription-free AiProtection Pro, robust VPN support and seamless AiMesh; plus, Guest Network Pro to streamline network segmentation and IoT setup



TAIPEI, Taiwan, March 27, 2024 — ASUS today announced the RT-BE88U, the world’s first WiFi 7 router that offers up to 34 Gbps of combined wired network capacity. With a 10 Gbps LAN / WAN port, a 10 Gbps LAN / WAN SFP+ port and four 2.5 Gbps ports, the RT-BE88U stands ready to deliver massive amounts of Ethernet performance for online gaming, media streaming and more ― now and well into the future. It also offers up to 7200 Mbps of cutting-edge WiFi 7 networking, bringing the enhanced data rates of 4K-QAM and dual-band Multi-Link Operation to compatible devices. Plus, Guest Network Pro, subscription-free security features and site-to-site VPN support help to make an RT-BE88U-based network flexible, safe and easy to manage.

The WiFi 7 advantage

With WiFi 7 cornerstones such as the boosted data rates of 4K-QAM and dual-band Multi-Link Operation (MLO), the ASUS RT-BE88U ushers in a whole new wave of networking possibilities. 4K-QAM increases speeds by packing signals more tightly, which increases bandwidth efficiency. Thus, data rates can be up to 20% higher than what a WiFi 6 network can achieve. Meanwhile, Dual-band Multi-Link Operation (MLO) lets a WiFi 7 device connect to both a 2.4 GHz and a 5 GHz network to increase throughput and minimize latency. This future-proofs the network, giving users the capacity to handle even more connected devices without sacrificing performance

Up to 34 Gbps of wired network capacity

The ASUS RT-BE88U offers a 10 Gbps Ethernet port and a 10 Gbps SFP+ port ― both capable of LAN or WAN operation. It also features automatic detection and support for multiple WANs. Depending on network configuration, the RT-BE88U can provide up to nine LAN ports. Its 10 Gbps connections capable of lightning-fast performance for NAS servers and media servers deliver seamless streaming throughout the home. This array of ports can also provide the stability and low latency of an Ethernet connection, when needed. Meanwhile, this abundance of bandwidth can also empower the RT-BE88U to deliver premium-grade network performance to creatives working with massive 4K or even 8K video files that are stored on local servers.

A powerful suite of additional networking features

As a premium-grade router, the ASUS RT-BE88U comes packed with features that empower users to create their ideal network. If a WAN connection becomes unavailable, they can plug a smartphone into the router’s USB 3.0 port and tether the network to a 4G / 5G mobile data connection instead. Guest Network Pro can also quickly segment a network into sections for IoT, VPNs, and kid-safe usage. This is a bonus feature alongside VLAN support, which lets users organize devices into virtual groups to determine sets of rules for security and access. And in regard to VPNs, the RT-BE88U offers site-to-site capability powered by WireGuard®.

If a user just wants a conventional, safe network, AiProtection Pro powered by Trend Micro™ can be switched on at any time, helping protect the device from cyber threats such as webcam hacking, website phishing or ransomware. Or if a user simply wants to expand their network, ASUS AiMesh is available to make the process a breeze. The RT-BE88U is designed from the ground up to deliver potent performance, security and flexibility.

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Source: https://press.asus.com/news/asus-unveils-rt-be88u-wifi-7-dual-band-router/
 
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So I guess the leak I found yesterday was real. Still that is going to be expensive for having no 6 GHz.
Looks more plausible now that it lacks all the typos and errors of those rushed Chinese leaks ;)
 
Why no 6ghz band. ASUS what are you doing?
Because in some regions the 6 GHz frequency is not allowed. That's why they have some models with it, and some without it.

Main reason for instance why there's a GT-BE98U and a GT-BE98U Pro.
 
Because in some regions the 6 GHz frequency is not allowed. That's why they have some models with it, and some without it.

Main reason for instance why there's a GT-BE98U and a GT-BE98U Pro.
Do you think that the BE88U model for North America would have the 6ghz band? I'm crossing my fingers.
 
Do you think that the BE88U model for North America would have the 6ghz band? I'm crossing my fingers.
No, it would need to be a different model. Models can't have different radio configurations.

And I suspect the freed PCI-e lanes usually connecting that third radio are what allows the addition of all this model's extra connectivity.
 
No, it would need to be a different model. Models can't have different radio configurations.

And I suspect the freed PCI-e lanes usually connecting that third radio are what allows the addition of all this model's extra connectivity.
Based on the SoC specs, it should be fine either which way.
It has one native multi-Gig PHY and three USXGMII interfaces, four Ethernet PHYs, plus four PCIe controllers and native USB.
 
Looks just like my AX88U (non-pro), too bad it isn't...
 
Based on the SoC specs, it should be fine either which way.
Might fit indeed. One 10 Gbps Ethernet, one 10 Gbps FSP+, and one 10 Gbps feeding the trio of 2.5 Gbps LAN ports (somehow I thought it only had two USXGMII). So there should be unused PCI-e lanes left.
 
This router is not only the first dual-band BE model, but also introduces a new type of advertising - combined wired network capacity, the sum of all available port speeds! And this 34Gbps number is incorrect - they forgot the USB 3.2 port. It could add at least 5Gbps more, if not 20Gbps. So 34Gbps + 5Gbps + 7Gbps Wi-Fi = 46Gbps! Awesome. 🤩

When is this thing going to be available at Canada Computers? I need one or two for a new data center...
 
ASUS RT-BE88U Firmware version 3.0.0.6.102_33911

There is also a new FAQ from 2024/03/26 with Product Security Update Period
GT-BE98 -> 4 years (until 31th December 2026)
 
There is also a new FAQ from 2024/03/26 with Product Security Update Period
That's going to upset some, but good to have some notice.
 
The new RT-BE88U fits nicely where your RT-AX88U currently is. Don't forget to unzip the firmware before flashing. 🤭
Nah. I could 3D print the gold badge myself. A wifi7 router that won't do 6GHz (in the uk) is not an upgrade to me. How can they even sell it as a 'BE'?!
 

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