RT-AX88U Pro vs ZenWiFi Pro XT12

[Implement3443]

I'm getting 1000/500 FTTH installed soon. My ISP also offers 2500/500 and 10000/2500 though it's not something I'm buying right away due to the fact that almost no device in my home would benefit from these fast speeds.

I've been working my way with Linux servers for a few years, but I'm no networking expert, hence I'm interested in ASUS routers as they seem technically competent and extremely easy to set up and maintain.

I read my way through the forums, and it seems the GT-AX6000 and RT-AX88U Pro are the most recommended models nowadays - though I've been put off by the design of the first one, so I'm leaning towards the latter.

I make use of the BitTorrent often and would appreciate a usable QoS service that would let me deprioritize some ports over other service or perhaps just an automatic option that would deprioritize P2P and not SMB as I often access my server remotely and upload/download files.

While checking routers supported by Merlin, I saw the ZenWiFi Pro XT12, while the design looks very different the specs seemed quite similar to me so I wanted some clarification. XT12 has 10x internal antennas vs the external ones of the RT. Which ones do you believe will have better coverage and stronger signal? I read the XT12 is tri-band but is not something I will use, in case I notice one router doesn't provide enough coverage I plan on wiring them with ethernet anyway.

What about CPU and other internal components? They're listed as the same on ASUS website but they're quite vague about it ("2.0 GHz quad-core"). I guess the XT12 also doesn't have a USB and is missing 2x LAN compared to the RT. Also on their comparison page the XT12 is missing VPN Instant Guard and Wireguard, though perhaps is just the website lacking on details?


I'd really appreciate some advice from you!

Thanks in advance

 

[busyman]

I'm getting 1000/500 FTTH installed soon. My ISP also offers 2500/500 and 10000/2500 though it's not something I'm buying right away due to the fact that almost no device in my home would benefit from these fast speeds.

I've been working my way with Linux servers for a few years, but I'm no networking expert, hence I'm interested in ASUS routers as they seem technically competent and extremely easy to set up and maintain.

I read my way through the forums, and it seems the GT-AX6000 and RT-AX88U Pro are the most recommended models nowadays - though I've been put off by the design of the first one, so I'm leaning towards the latter.

I make use of the BitTorrent often and would appreciate a usable QoS service that would let me deprioritize some ports over other service or perhaps just an automatic option that would deprioritize P2P and not SMB as I often access my server remotely and upload/download files.

While checking routers supported by Merlin, I saw the ZenWiFi Pro XT12, while the design looks very different the specs seemed quite similar to me so I wanted some clarification. XT12 has 10x internal antennas vs the external ones of the RT. Which ones do you believe will have better coverage and stronger signal? I read the XT12 is tri-band but is not something I will use, in case I notice one router doesn't provide enough coverage I plan on wiring them with ethernet anyway.

What about CPU and other internal components? They're listed as the same on ASUS website but they're quite vague about it ("2.0 GHz quad-core"). I guess the XT12 also doesn't have a USB and is missing 2x LAN compared to the RT. Also on their comparison page the XT12 is missing VPN Instant Guard and Wireguard, though perhaps is just the website lacking on details?


I'd really appreciate some advice from you!

Thanks in advance

The GT-AX6000 and RT-AX88U routers are top choices for gaming. Typically, you start with one for your setup, then upgrade to a more powerful one, repurposing the old router to create a mesh network. Asus's XT8, XT9, XT12, ET12, and other ZenWiFi systems are designed with whole-house mesh networks in mind, offering a complete set with sleek designs. Personally, I prefer tri-band routers. For instance, I utilize an Ethernet cable for backhaul in my mesh network setup (consisting of one XT8 and two RT-86U routers), allocating the extra band to manage additional WiFi devices or to establish a guest network. Similar to XT8 and XT9 models, XT12 and ET12 routers should feature WireGuard VPN and Instant Guard in firmware versions later than 3.0.0.4.388.xxxxx. With 10x internal strength, XT12 and ET12 routers boast impressive coverage and signal strength. In my experience, I've detected XT8 signals from the front of my garage to my third-floor bedroom near the backyard. Despite lacking USB ports and having only three LAN ports, XT12 and ET12 routers meet my needs, as I already own a NAS and utilize additional switches for more than three hardwired devices.

 

[Implement3443]

The GT-AX6000 and RT-AX88U routers are top choices for gaming. Typically, you start with one for your setup, then upgrade to a more powerful one, repurposing the old router to create a mesh network. Asus's XT8, XT9, XT12, ET12, and other ZenWiFi systems are designed with whole-house mesh networks in mind, offering a complete set with sleek designs. Personally, I prefer tri-band routers. For instance, I utilize an Ethernet cable for backhaul in my mesh network setup (consisting of one XT8 and two RT-86U routers), allocating the extra band to manage additional WiFi devices or to establish a guest network. Similar to XT8 and XT9 models, XT12 and ET12 routers should feature WireGuard VPN and Instant Guard in firmware versions later than 3.0.0.4.388.xxxxx. With 10x internal strength, XT12 and ET12 routers boast impressive coverage and signal strength. In my experience, I've detected XT8 signals from the front of my garage to my third-floor bedroom near the backyard. Despite lacking USB ports and having only three LAN ports, XT12 and ET12 routers meet my needs, as I already own a NAS and utilize additional switches for more than three hardwired devices.

Thanks for the report! Ordered one XT12 for my 180 square meters home. Will report if it's enough to cover the whole place

 

[busyman]

Here's another suggestion: If you opt for the ET12 and utilize ethernet for backhaul, you'll liberate the 6GHz band, typically reserved for backhaul. This grants you access to three frequency options: 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz, catering to various devices. It's worth noting that the 6GHz band has a shorter range compared to 5GHz.

 

[busyman]

The Asus WiFi 7 Mesh system will employ 6GHz for backhaul, potentially rendering the ET12 future-proof for upgrades.

 

[Implement3443]

Thanks for the tip man though I got an XT12 as it's $120 cheaper over here and it has Merlin support, also I have no devices that currently support 6GHz