How long does RT-AX86U have left?

[randomName]

Do I need to be looking for a new router for the RT-AX86U soon? It looks like I will have to start looking for a replacement for an RT-AC86U but if I'm in the market and the option is good enough I might buy 2 (2 different house holds) I've been desperately needing to upgrade my RT-N66U wireless AP, too.

If so, what are some good Routers that will have the longevity of Merlin's support?


Thank you for your time.

 

[ppfoong]

RT-BE86U is the successor of RT-AX86U.

 

[Ripshod]

I second @ppfoong's suggestion. The RT-BE86U is already included in Merlin's latest 3006 release as well - bonus

 

[randomName]

How is the RT-BE88U - BE7200? I don't see the BE86U at my local hardware store

 

[Sander_H]

There is not a really good replacement for the AX86. There is the BE86, BUT ... missing the 6Ghz band. All current BE solutions are kind of underperforming. I am waiting for wave 2 of WiFi 7 devices.

 

[Ripshod]

It's my personal upgrade from my old RT-AX88U. It has a large footprint, and if you're wanting 6GHz channels it's not the one to go for.

 

[randomName]

So the 'WiFi 6" doesn't mean 6GHz channels on the advertising of the RT-BE88U ?

EDIT: Advertisement "WiFi 7 (802.11be), WiFi 6 (802.11ax), WiFi 5 (802.11ac), WiFi 4 (802.11n), 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a"

EDIT2: what's the importance of 6GHz channels?

 

[bbunge]

For now I would not go with a WIFI 7 router (why be a beta tester?). The AX86U will be supported for quite a while. An AX86U Pro may be a better choice as Asus seems to be continuing the firmware development.