ASUS has unveiled its first routers with WiFi 8, a new generation that promises to revolutionize home connectivity. However, this launch comes at a peculiar time: the WiFi 8 standard has not yet been officially ratified, and the first devices are based on preliminary drafts.
The main innovation of this technology is not raw speed, but the reliability and stability of the connection . Instead of chasing record numbers, WiFi 8 focuses on maintaining strong links even in congested environments, with lower latency and less packet loss.
The race for WiFi 8: between the market and standardization
The IEEE is still finalizing the 802.11bn standard . Draft 2.0 was approved in July, but a third draft is expected in January 2026, and final ratification won't come until May 2028. The Wi-Fi Alliance, for its part, doesn't have its certification program scheduled until January of that same year.
This hasn't stopped manufacturers. TP-Link and ASUS have already announced their first models , although these are functional prototypes based on current specifications. This practice was already seen with the WiFi 7 standard , but it forces us to speculate about the final standard.
ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BN98 and GT-BN98 Pro: two gaming bets
ASUS has unveiled two gaming routers: the ROG Rapture GT-BN98 and its Pro version. Both feature four simultaneous Wi-Fi bands (2.4 GHz, two 5 GHz bands, and one 6 GHz band) and achieve combined speeds of up to 25 Gbps in the standard model and 30 Gbps in the Pro. The main difference lies in the band configuration: the Pro uses two 6 GHz bands, while the standard model doubles the 5 GHz band for greater compatibility with current devices.
In terms of ports, both include two 10 Gbps ports and four 2.5 Gbps ports , with the option to merge connections to achieve up to 20 Gbps on the local network. They also incorporate technologies such as AI optimization to reduce latency by up to 34% and the Adaptive QoE system to dynamically allocate bandwidth.
ASUS ZenWiFi BN12: the first mesh with WiFi 8
Alongside its gaming routers, ASUS has unveiled the ZenWiFi BN12, the first mesh system with WiFi 8. This device offers coverage of up to 650 square meters thanks to its Smart AiMesh technology and Multi-AP coordination. It features simultaneous tri-band and speeds of up to 19 Gbps, as well as two 10 Gbps ports and three 2.5 Gbps ports on each node.
The ZenWiFi BN12 is optimized for environments with many IoT devices and allows you to create separate networks for guests, children, or smart devices . It also includes AiProtection and malicious content blocking.
In short, WiFi 8 arrives with a different approach , prioritizing stability over speed. ASUS has taken the lead with a full range that includes gaming routers and mesh systems, even though the standard is not yet finalized. Users looking for a reliable connection in demanding environments will find a significant improvement in these devices, but they will have to wait for the ecosystem of compatible devices to expand.
