Info about how to choose a model

[Scheggiaimpazzita]

Hello All,
I have a 6 Years old AC88U that is starting to show frequent wifi problems (disconnections, poor performances) even if always updated and cooled by seating over a 200mm noctua fan (with reduced power). Maybe the raising number of devices (>40 with tablet, pc, iot, kitchen devices etc) are simply to much for it. I read many posts on wifi of AC88U but never found similarities to solve my problems.
So I would like to buy a newer router, to support WiFi 6 and 2,5G Ethernet connection to my FTTH provider.
I'm oriented to AX86U or AXE7800 but I'm really confused on which of the two is the best. Even sayng "two" is not correct because the AX86 have many models, U / S and now I saw also an U_PRO. First of all I cannot find exactly the model on Amazon for example, because all AX86 are classified as AX5700 and the e-shops doesn't care too much to write the real/complete model and it seems that there is no product code to look at to better understand which model is presented.
Also, the 7800 should be better in terms of performances, but I read that 86U_Pro has a quad core 2 Ghz while the 7800 as a quad core 1,7Ghz (and cost less than the 86U even if it has WiFi 6E and not only 6). Also, the 7800 is not actually supported from merlin, and this is an important missing feature because I actually am a satisfied merlin's user.
The differences between the PRO and the non PRO model are also obscure because the 86U on the asus website is coupled with the S model that should be cheaper and less powerful.
Thanks in advance to whoever can give me any clarification

 

[L&LD]

The GT-AX6000 is the best match for you today. The best balance of hardware that Asus offers now.

It is also proven stable and reliable and available with RMerlin firmware (if needed). I can't say the same for other models today.

With your 2.5GbE ISP need, this is the model to get today. With excellent performance, stability, and reliability to match (even on the latest 388.2 Alpha firmware from RMerlin).

Be sure you wait for a good sale to get it at its 'true' price too.

 

[Scheggiaimpazzita]

The GT-AX6000 is the best match for you today. The best balance of hardware that Asus offers now.

It is also proven stable and reliable and available with RMerlin firmware (if needed). I can't say the same for other models today.

With your 2.5GbE ISP need, this is the model to get today. With excellent performance, stability, and reliability to match (even on the latest 388.2 Alpha firmware from RMerlin).

Be sure you wait for a good sale to get it at its 'true' price too.

Looking at the specs there are many model classified as AX6000. Looking to the Italy site I see:
- AX88U standard & PRO
- TUF Gaming AX6000
- ROG Rapture GT-AX6000
- RT-AX89X

They have also very different prices. Which one do you refer to exactly? I see that there are version PRO and "non PRO" of the AX88U and doing a comparison on Asus website they seems to differ for the cpu used, 1,8Ghz vs 2.0Ghz, both quad core.
I was oriented to the AX86U even for a budget reason, for example the AX88U is 30% more expensive and there is the problem of understanding on e-shops who is selling the PRO or the "non PRO" model because the eshops shows them only as AX6000. Asus did really a poor work with this kind of model branding politics.

 

[L&LD]

I've stated the exact model. GT-AX6000 is the model number (not the wireless 'class').

Asus is doing what they need to for its business/stockholder requirements. Just like everyone else is.

The GT-AX6000 is the better buy vs. an RT-AX86U today, for the long term. Even for more money.

 

[Piotrek]

real/complete model and it seems that there is no product code to look at to better understand which model is presented

Old model: RT-AX86U (product code) - 1 GB RAM, 2,5Gbps port, 1,8 GHz quad core processor (not RT-AX86S - 512 MB RAM, no 2,5Gbps port, 1,8 GHz dual core processor) https://www.asus.com/it/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-gaming-routers/rt-ax86u/techspec/
New models:
RT-AX86U Pro (product code) - https://www.asus.com/it/networking-...rs/asus-gaming-routers/rt-ax86u-pro/techspec/
or
GT-AX6000 (product code) - https://rog.asus.com/it/networking/rog-rapture-gt-ax6000-model/spec/

 

[Scheggiaimpazzita]

I've stated the exact model. GT-AX6000 is the model number (not the wireless 'class').

Asus is doing what they need to for its business/stockholder requirements. Just like everyone else is.

The GT-AX6000 is the better buy vs. an RT-AX86U today, for the long term. Even for more money.

Understood, so the GT-AX6000 is a ROG router. Can I ask why its better than AX86U, or AX88U (both PRO version) for example? Even parental controls should be needed in the future, I don't see them listed into ROG features. I suspect ROG Router is keept as light as possible in terms of software and features to have minimum latency, but its some time I have not so much time to play online. Even the Wifi6E features of the AXE7800 is desirable into a flat where there are now a lot of wifi routers and alarms (having obviously devices that supports it). I understood that Asus is using almost the same CPU for its best in class product (2Ghz quad Core) with more o less memory (1G max) and more or less cpu socket to allow best transfer rate on simulteneous connections.

 

[Piotrek]

GT-AX6000 is better than RT-AX86U, not RT-AX86U Pro.
GT-AX6000 has 2 ports 2,5GbE, RT-AX86U Pro has 1 port 2,5 GbE. Both have similar performance and should support Pro firmware features in the future.
New Beta Features:
1. Add Guest Network Pro:
• Kids WiFi: Create a network for kids that blocks access to adult content and has a schedule to control when the network is available.
• VPN WiFi: Create a VPN network that connects to 3rd party VPN services or with ASUS site to site VPN(https://www.asus.com/support/FAQ/1048281/) to encrypts your internet connection and hides your IP address to protect your online activities from being tracked or monitored.
• IoT WiFi : Create an IoT (Internet of Things) network that blocks malicious traffic* and only allows 2.4GHz devices to connect.
• Guest WiFi: Create a guest network with a WiFi schedule and access rights to control when and how guests can use the network.
2. Add VLAN in LAN settings.
3. Add Auto USB WAN backup, while primary WAN is down, plug USB phone/dongle will auto enable backup internet, no setup is required.
4. Add iPhone USB tethering. (Please make sure hotspot on iPhone is enabled).
5. Add Multi-services WAN, create multiple profiles on a single WAN interface.

 

[Scheggiaimpazzita]

GT-AX6000 is better than RT-AX86U, not RT-AX86U Pro.
GT-AX6000 has 2 ports 2,5GbE, RT-AX86U Pro has 1 port 2,5 GbE. Both have similar performance and should support Pro firmware features in the future.
New Beta Features:
1. Add Guest Network Pro:
• Kids WiFi: Create a network for kids that blocks access to adult content and has a schedule to control when the network is available.
• VPN WiFi: Create a VPN network that connects to 3rd party VPN services or with ASUS site to site VPN(https://www.asus.com/support/FAQ/1048281/) to encrypts your internet connection and hides your IP address to protect your online activities from being tracked or monitored.
• IoT WiFi : Create an IoT (Internet of Things) network that blocks malicious traffic* and only allows 2.4GHz devices to connect.
• Guest WiFi: Create a guest network with a WiFi schedule and access rights to control when and how guests can use the network.
2. Add VLAN in LAN settings.
3. Add Auto USB WAN backup, while primary WAN is down, plug USB phone/dongle will auto enable backup internet, no setup is required.
4. Add iPhone USB tethering. (Please make sure hotspot on iPhone is enabled).
5. Add Multi-services WAN, create multiple profiles on a single WAN interface.

Really curious about IOT WiFi, being concerned on security aspects, I'm worried about IOTs, even trying to buy good brands, the possibility that one or more of them are prone to be hacked allowing horizontal movement into my network is something that I was always thinking on about. With my AC88 I used a guest network but it was having some limitations, and increased the wifi problem on other SSIDs.
Actually I think to need only one 2,5G port to backhaul to my provider's fritz and use all the available bandwidth with multiple hosts.
Having more than one 2.5G port will allow to have a wired connection from my laptop to have the 2,5G entirely available to one host only, but is something that I don't need.
So the ROG router is missing of the features you told that are owned by the AX86U_PRO and, i think, from the AX88U_PRO?

 

[Piotrek]

GT-AX6000 will probably have the same PRO features.

ROG Rapture GT-AX6000 | Gaming networking｜ROG - Republic of Gamers｜ROG Global

Dual-Band WiFi 6 Gaming Router, Dual 2.5G WAN/LAN ports, enhanced hardware, WAN aggregation, VPN Fusion, Triple-Level Game Acceleration, free network security and Mesh WiFi System

rog.asus.com

ASUS GT-AX6000 Firmware version 9.0.0.6.102.3506
Version 9.0.0.6.102.3506 Beta Version 57.57 MB 2023/01/03
Be noted: This is an early stage beta, there might be bugs. This version can be downgraded via web GUI only.

 

[Piotrek]

I used a guest network but it was having some limitations

In ASUS, guest networks work specifically - differently for GN 1 and 2 or 3.

but is something that I don't need

The second 2.5 GbE port will be more useful for the NAS server etc.

 

[Tech9]

So the ROG router

If you really need this ugly GT-AX6000 router - make it count with EVA Edition:

ROG Rapture GT-AX6000 EVA Edition | Gaming networking｜ROG - Republic of Gamers｜ROG Global

GT-AX6000 Dual-Band WiFi 6 (802.11ax) Gaming Router, Dual 2.5G ports, enhanced hardware, WAN aggregation, VPN Fusion, Triple-Level Game Acceleration, free network security and AiMesh support

rog.asus.com

 

[L&LD]

When (not if) the GT-AX6000 supports the latest features the 'pro' model has now, it will (still) be superior to it too.

The 'pro' will never grow another 2.5GbE port, for example, to allow a true 2.5GbE network experience (WAN and LAN), even if a 2.5GbE switch is still required for more than an additional, single, 2.5GbE device.

The GT-AX6000 has ~20% faster throughput to the same clients at the same distance in the same environments than the previously highly regarded RT-AX86U.

Ignore the 'pro' moniker on almost all models (marketing). Ignore the ugly design (unfortunate, but not a deal-breaker).

Buy for the actual performance you will get.

Consider that in the future you will have >1Gbps ISP speeds and clients that can use that (wired and wireless), including wired backhaul nodes too. With the crippled 1x 2.5GbE port models, the wired network will never see those (assumed) speeds, ever. That is the 'gotcha' with the crippled new, 'pro' model and the previous (over 2-year-old) RT-AX86U.

 

[Piotrek]

GT-AX6000 or any other model does not support new "PRO" features.
"Early stage beta" is not a support features.
The stable version may be released in a year or two or later. May include other features etc.

 

[Scheggiaimpazzita]

When (not if) the GT-AX6000 supports the latest features the 'pro' model has now, it will (still) be superior to it too.

The 'pro' will never grow another 2.5GbE port, for example, to allow a true 2.5GbE network experience (WAN and LAN), even if a 2.5GbE switch is still required for more than an additional, single, 2.5GbE device.

The GT-AX6000 has ~20% faster throughput to the same clients at the same distance in the same environments than the previously highly regarded RT-AX86U.

Ignore the 'pro' moniker on almost all models (marketing). Ignore the ugly design (unfortunate, but not a deal-breaker).

Buy for the actual performance you will get.

Consider that in the future you will have >1Gbps ISP speeds and clients that can use that (wired and wireless), including wired backhaul nodes too. With the crippled 1x 2.5GbE port models, the wired network will never see those (assumed) speeds, ever. That is the 'gotcha' with the crippled new, 'pro' model and the previous (over 2-year-old) RT-AX86U.

Its an interesting point of view. The dual 2,5 can be achieved with an AX88U. And ad i wrote in previous posts, I saw that Asus seems to use generally the same hw architecture (2,0Ghz quad core 1Gb ram) adding more or less wireless or wired chipsets to cover different needings.
If so, it would be only question of software optimization/ feature cut to achieve better performances. 86U as 1,8Ghz quad core and 512Mb ram so its understandable that the GT-AX6000 that runs 2,0Ghz and 1Gb ram performs better. AX88U seems to have the same specs of GT-AX6000. Do you have any evidence that GT-AX6000 has better performances even of this?

 

[Piotrek]

RT-AX86U has 1GB RAM. RT-AX86S has 512 MB RAM.
RT-AX86U and RT-AX88U have older processor 1,8 GHz and probably won't get the new "Pro" features.
In terms of hardware performance, you probably won't see a difference on your network.
GT-AX6000, RT-AX86U Pro and RT-AX88U Pro are similar newer devices with planned new features in the software. Some also hope for longer Asus support (release of firmware updates).

 

[Scheggiaimpazzita]

RT-AX86U has 1GB RAM. RT-AX86S has 512 MB RAM.
RT-AX86U and RT-AX88U have older processor 1,8 GHz and probably won't get the new "Pro" features.
In terms of hardware performance, you probably won't see a difference on your network.
GT-AX6000, RT-AX86U Pro and RT-AX88U Pro are similar newer devices with planned new features in the software. Some also hope for longer Asus support (release of firmware updates).

I always refer to the pro version of 86U and 88U even if is hard to find them into eshops. I don't know when they were announced but maybe they are really new so the reason for which they are hard to find. For sure, 86S/86U/86U_PRO etc its not a good naming choice in my opinion.

 

[Piotrek]

So... Really?
Not 2,5 GbE rt-ax86s https://www.amazon.it/s?k=rt-ax86s - https://www.amazon.it/dp/B099X7R9QH/
rt-ax86u 2020 https://www.amazon.it/s?k=rt-ax86u - https://www.amazon.it/dp/B08CBBD24V/
rt-ax86u pro 2022 https://www.amazon.it/s?k=rt-ax86u+pro - https://www.amazon.it/dp/B0BG8BMZ34/
rt-ax88u 2018 https://www.amazon.it/s?k=rt-ax88u - https://www.amazon.it/dp/B07HRBC23B/
rt-ax88u pro 2022/2023 https://www.amazon.it/s?k=rt-ax88u+pro - https://www.amazon.it/dp/B0BNYTFX9V/
gt-ax6000 2022 https://www.amazon.it/s?k=gt-ax6000 - https://www.amazon.it/dp/B09MG9MDB5/

Each of these devices is powerful enough for your current network.
Forget about the future with home routers.
Device performance is not the same as Wi-Fi range.
It makes no sense to compare Wi-Fi range in the US or Canada and Europe - different laws, differently built houses, etc.
You always have to check the Wi-Fi range at your place.

 

[L&LD]

It's not just an interesting point of view. It is a practical point of view too.

The 'pro' models have zero time to their credit with regard to stability, reliability, and other important factors. If they are even available yet.

Sure, you could wait for them or even buy them next week if they become available, but they would only be considered by me sometime past September of this year (if they have proven themselves by then, of course, by trusted members of these forums).

Today, they are not even a consideration. No matter what their status may become in the future.

If you have time and money to gamble with for your home networking needs, go ahead. I only make a move when the equipment has passed the tests outlined above, and then subsequently surpassed my actual hardware in my actual environment too.

This isn't a game you win once. This is an ongoing battle that never ends. Act accordingly,

 

[Scheggiaimpazzita]

Thanks all for suggestions, for sure I agree with L&LD its a battle that never ends. Thanks also to Piotrek, it wasn't so easy for me to find the 86U/88U in pro version, but your links does the work, my fault.
Fortunately, buying a new router to configure same as the old one offers you a really fast rollback as a comparison, if something does not work as expected. To have double 2,5G port I must go for ROG or the new AX88U_PRO, with the second that fascinates me more because I have the grandfather AC88U. I've also ready the cooling platform built with the 200mm noctua, hoping that the new routers willl be cooler than the older ones!
I don't see it supported into merlin page, and this can be the greatest obstacle.

 

[Piotrek]

I don't see it supported into merlin page

It is new model, maybe in a while @RMerlin will prepare software for it.
In other topic:

I would consider the new RT-AX88U Pro, which comes with a pair of 2.5 Gbps ports. I don`t have any update however as to whether I will be supporting it or not.