• Welcome to TechPowerUp Forums, Guest! Please check out our forum guidelines for info related to our community.

ASUS Unveils RT-BE88U WiFi 7 Dual-Band Router

TheLostSwede

News Editor
Joined
Nov 11, 2004
Messages
16,094 (2.26/day)
Location
Sweden
System Name Overlord Mk MLI
Processor AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
Motherboard Gigabyte X670E Aorus Master
Cooling Noctua NH-D15 SE with offsets
Memory 32GB Team T-Create Expert DDR5 6000 MHz @ CL30-34-34-68
Video Card(s) Gainward GeForce RTX 4080 Phantom GS
Storage 1TB Solidigm P44 Pro, 2 TB Corsair MP600 Pro, 2TB Kingston KC3000
Display(s) Acer XV272K LVbmiipruzx 4K@160Hz
Case Fractal Design Torrent Compact
Audio Device(s) Corsair Virtuoso SE
Power Supply be quiet! Pure Power 12 M 850 W
Mouse Logitech G502 Lightspeed
Keyboard Corsair K70 Max
Software Windows 10 Pro
Benchmark Scores https://valid.x86.fr/yfsd9w
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.



View at TechPowerUp Main Site | Source
 

TheLostSwede

News Editor
Joined
Nov 11, 2004
Messages
16,094 (2.26/day)
Location
Sweden
System Name Overlord Mk MLI
Processor AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
Motherboard Gigabyte X670E Aorus Master
Cooling Noctua NH-D15 SE with offsets
Memory 32GB Team T-Create Expert DDR5 6000 MHz @ CL30-34-34-68
Video Card(s) Gainward GeForce RTX 4080 Phantom GS
Storage 1TB Solidigm P44 Pro, 2 TB Corsair MP600 Pro, 2TB Kingston KC3000
Display(s) Acer XV272K LVbmiipruzx 4K@160Hz
Case Fractal Design Torrent Compact
Audio Device(s) Corsair Virtuoso SE
Power Supply be quiet! Pure Power 12 M 850 W
Mouse Logitech G502 Lightspeed
Keyboard Corsair K70 Max
Software Windows 10 Pro
Benchmark Scores https://valid.x86.fr/yfsd9w
Joined
Oct 18, 2013
Messages
5,478 (1.42/day)
Location
Everywhere all the time all at once
System Name The Little One
Processor i5-11320H @4.4GHZ
Motherboard AZW SEI
Cooling Fan w/heat pipes + side & rear vents
Memory 64GB Crucial DDR4-3200 (2x 32GB)
Video Card(s) Iris XE
Storage WD Black SN850X 4TB m.2, Seagate 2TB SSD + SN850 4TB x2 in an external enclosure
Display(s) 2x Samsung 43" & 2x 32"
Case Practically identical to a mac mini, just purrtier in slate blue, & with 3x usb ports on the front !
Audio Device(s) Yamaha ATS-1060 Bluetooth Soundbar & Subwoofer
Power Supply 65w brick
Mouse Logitech MX Master 2
Keyboard Logitech G613 mechanical wireless
Software Windows 10 pro 64 bit, with all the unnecessary background shitzu turned OFF !
Benchmark Scores PDQ
Looks ok, but given the mfgr, it will undoubtedly be Uber-mega $$, as is most of their other stuff, especially when it 1st comes out....
 
Joined
Jun 13, 2019
Messages
484 (0.27/day)
System Name Fractal
Processor Intel Core i5 13600K
Motherboard Asus ProArt Z790 Creator WiFi
Cooling Arctic Cooling Liquid Freezer II 360
Memory 16GBx2 G.SKILL Ripjaws S5 DDR5 6000 CL30-40-40-96 (F5-6000J3040F16GX2-RS5K)
Video Card(s) PNY RTX A2000 6GB
Storage SK Hynix Platinum P41 2TB
Display(s) LG 34GK950F-B (34"/IPS/1440p/21:9/144Hz/FreeSync)
Case Fractal Design R6 Gunmetal Blackout w/ USB-C
Audio Device(s) Steelseries Arctis 7 Wireless/Klipsch Pro-Media 2.1BT
Power Supply Seasonic Prime 850w 80+ Titanium
Mouse Logitech G700S
Keyboard Corsair K68
Software Windows 11 Pro
This makes zero sense.
 
Joined
Mar 15, 2023
Messages
868 (2.11/day)
System Name Stugots V
Processor Ryzen 7 5800X3D
Motherboard MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk
Cooling Thermalright PA-120 Black
Memory 2 x 16GB G.Skill 3600Mhz CL16
Video Card(s) ASUS Dual RTX 4070
Storage 500GB WD SN750 | 2TB WD SN750 | 6TB WD Red +
Display(s) Dell S2716DG (1440p / 144Hz)
Case Fractal Meshify 2 Compact
Audio Device(s) JDS Labs Element | Audioengine HD3 + A8 | Beyerdynamic DT-990 Pro (250)
Power Supply Seasonic Focus Plus 850W
Mouse Logitech G502 Lightspeed
Keyboard Leopold FC750R
Software Win 10 Pro x64
This is not the router you are looking for

Obi Wan Mind GIF by Star Wars
 
Joined
Sep 1, 2020
Messages
2,033 (1.52/day)
Location
Bulgaria
Newest marketing strategy in the sector. SUM wiring and wireless speed and consumers didn't look at that.
 
Joined
Apr 18, 2019
Messages
857 (0.47/day)
Location
The New England region of the United States
System Name Daily Driver(gaming, browsing)
Processor Ryzen 7 3800X
Motherboard Gigabyte X570 Aurus Pro Wifi
Cooling Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black
Memory 32GB(2x16GB) Patriot Viper DDR4-3200C16
Video Card(s) EVGA RTX 3060 Ti
Storage Samsung 970 EVO Plus 1TB (Boot/OS)|Hynix Platinum P41 2TB (Games)|Kingston KC3000 2TB (Misc)
Display(s) Gigabyte G27F
Case Corsair Graphite 600T w/mesh side
Audio Device(s) Logitech Z625 2.1 | cheapo gaming headset when mic is needed
Power Supply Corsair HX850i
Mouse Redragon M808-KS Storm Pro (Great Value)
Keyboard Redragon K512 Shiva replaced a Corsair K70 Lux - Blue on Black
VR HMD Nope
Software Windows 10 Pro x64
Benchmark Scores Nope
I thought wifi 7 had to include 6Ghz? If wifi 7 devices can include it as an option, wifi is now just as bad as USB and HDMI.

Edit: according to the this link, (https://www.wi-fi.org/discover-wi-fi/wi-fi-certified-7), wifi 7 must include 320mhz wide channels, which is only available on the 6Ghz band. If that’s true, how can this device be labeled as wifi 7?
I think it can be labeled as "Wi-Fi 7" but not "Wi-Fi 7 Certified".
 
Joined
Feb 21, 2006
Messages
1,986 (0.30/day)
Location
Toronto, Ontario
System Name The Expanse
Processor AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
Motherboard Asus Prime X570-Pro BIOS 5013 AM4 AGESA V2 PI 1.2.0.Ca.
Cooling Corsair H150i Pro
Memory 32GB GSkill Trident RGB DDR4-3200 14-14-14-34-1T (B-Die)
Video Card(s) AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX 24GB (24.3.1)
Storage WD SN850X 2TB / Corsair MP600 1TB / Samsung 860Evo 1TB x2 Raid 0 / Asus NAS AS1004T V2 14TB
Display(s) LG 34GP83A-B 34 Inch 21: 9 UltraGear Curved QHD (3440 x 1440) 1ms Nano IPS 160Hz
Case Fractal Design Meshify S2
Audio Device(s) Creative X-Fi + Logitech Z-5500 + HS80 Wireless
Power Supply Corsair AX850 Titanium
Mouse Corsair Dark Core RGB SE
Keyboard Corsair K100
Software Windows 10 Pro x64 22H2
Benchmark Scores 3800X https://valid.x86.fr/1zr4a5 5800X https://valid.x86.fr/2dey9c
I like the port upgrades on it as someone that has an AX88U Pro.

I/O Ports1 x 10 Gbps WAN/LAN
1 x 10 Gbps SFP+
1 x 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN
3 x 2.5 Gbps LAN
4 x RJ45 10/100/1000 Mbps for LAN
1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1

If it gets Merlin support then a possible upgrade in the distant future.
 
Last edited:

TheLostSwede

News Editor
Joined
Nov 11, 2004
Messages
16,094 (2.26/day)
Location
Sweden
System Name Overlord Mk MLI
Processor AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
Motherboard Gigabyte X670E Aorus Master
Cooling Noctua NH-D15 SE with offsets
Memory 32GB Team T-Create Expert DDR5 6000 MHz @ CL30-34-34-68
Video Card(s) Gainward GeForce RTX 4080 Phantom GS
Storage 1TB Solidigm P44 Pro, 2 TB Corsair MP600 Pro, 2TB Kingston KC3000
Display(s) Acer XV272K LVbmiipruzx 4K@160Hz
Case Fractal Design Torrent Compact
Audio Device(s) Corsair Virtuoso SE
Power Supply be quiet! Pure Power 12 M 850 W
Mouse Logitech G502 Lightspeed
Keyboard Corsair K70 Max
Software Windows 10 Pro
Benchmark Scores https://valid.x86.fr/yfsd9w
I like the port upgrades on it as someone that has an AX88U Pro.

I/O Ports1 x 10 Gbps WAN/LAN
1 x 10 Gbps SFP+
1 x 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN
3 x 2.5 Gbps LAN
4 x RJ45 10/100/1000 Mbps for LAN
1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1

If it gets Merlin support then a possible upgrade in the distant future.
It's just a shame it doesn't have two 10GBASE-T ports.
 
Joined
Feb 21, 2006
Messages
1,986 (0.30/day)
Location
Toronto, Ontario
System Name The Expanse
Processor AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
Motherboard Asus Prime X570-Pro BIOS 5013 AM4 AGESA V2 PI 1.2.0.Ca.
Cooling Corsair H150i Pro
Memory 32GB GSkill Trident RGB DDR4-3200 14-14-14-34-1T (B-Die)
Video Card(s) AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX 24GB (24.3.1)
Storage WD SN850X 2TB / Corsair MP600 1TB / Samsung 860Evo 1TB x2 Raid 0 / Asus NAS AS1004T V2 14TB
Display(s) LG 34GP83A-B 34 Inch 21: 9 UltraGear Curved QHD (3440 x 1440) 1ms Nano IPS 160Hz
Case Fractal Design Meshify S2
Audio Device(s) Creative X-Fi + Logitech Z-5500 + HS80 Wireless
Power Supply Corsair AX850 Titanium
Mouse Corsair Dark Core RGB SE
Keyboard Corsair K100
Software Windows 10 Pro x64 22H2
Benchmark Scores 3800X https://valid.x86.fr/1zr4a5 5800X https://valid.x86.fr/2dey9c
Joined
Feb 21, 2006
Messages
1,986 (0.30/day)
Location
Toronto, Ontario
System Name The Expanse
Processor AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
Motherboard Asus Prime X570-Pro BIOS 5013 AM4 AGESA V2 PI 1.2.0.Ca.
Cooling Corsair H150i Pro
Memory 32GB GSkill Trident RGB DDR4-3200 14-14-14-34-1T (B-Die)
Video Card(s) AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX 24GB (24.3.1)
Storage WD SN850X 2TB / Corsair MP600 1TB / Samsung 860Evo 1TB x2 Raid 0 / Asus NAS AS1004T V2 14TB
Display(s) LG 34GP83A-B 34 Inch 21: 9 UltraGear Curved QHD (3440 x 1440) 1ms Nano IPS 160Hz
Case Fractal Design Meshify S2
Audio Device(s) Creative X-Fi + Logitech Z-5500 + HS80 Wireless
Power Supply Corsair AX850 Titanium
Mouse Corsair Dark Core RGB SE
Keyboard Corsair K100
Software Windows 10 Pro x64 22H2
Benchmark Scores 3800X https://valid.x86.fr/1zr4a5 5800X https://valid.x86.fr/2dey9c
Joined
Jun 13, 2019
Messages
484 (0.27/day)
System Name Fractal
Processor Intel Core i5 13600K
Motherboard Asus ProArt Z790 Creator WiFi
Cooling Arctic Cooling Liquid Freezer II 360
Memory 16GBx2 G.SKILL Ripjaws S5 DDR5 6000 CL30-40-40-96 (F5-6000J3040F16GX2-RS5K)
Video Card(s) PNY RTX A2000 6GB
Storage SK Hynix Platinum P41 2TB
Display(s) LG 34GK950F-B (34"/IPS/1440p/21:9/144Hz/FreeSync)
Case Fractal Design R6 Gunmetal Blackout w/ USB-C
Audio Device(s) Steelseries Arctis 7 Wireless/Klipsch Pro-Media 2.1BT
Power Supply Seasonic Prime 850w 80+ Titanium
Mouse Logitech G700S
Keyboard Corsair K68
Software Windows 11 Pro
i'm going to guess $699 USD.

It'll be less. They already have the RT-BE96RU at $699. And it has a full WiFi 7 6Ghz 4x4 band and dual 10G ports.

Looks like the GT-BE98 is gone from the US site now, and the Pro got a $50 sale going on (it's been out of stock for months). Weird. I was gonna pull the trigger on the Pro hopefully this summer...be the router of the house for the next 5 years. It has dual 6Ghz 4x4 and mobile 4G/5G tethering backup.
Routers.png
 
Joined
Feb 20, 2020
Messages
9,340 (6.10/day)
Location
Louisiana
System Name Ghetto Rigs z490|x99|Acer 17 Nitro 7840hs/ 5600c40-2x16/ 4060/ 1tb acer stock m.2/ 4tb sn850x
Processor 10900k w/Optimus Foundation | 5930k w/Black Noctua D15
Motherboard z490 Maximus XII Apex | x99 Sabertooth
Cooling oCool D5 res-combo/280 GTX/ Optimus Foundation/ gpu water block | Blk D15
Memory Trident-Z Royal 4000c16 2x16gb | Trident-Z 3200c14 4x8gb
Video Card(s) Titan Xp-water | evga 980ti gaming-w/ air
Storage 970evo+500gb & sn850x 4tb | 860 pro 256gb | Acer m.2 1tb/ sn850x 4tb| Many2.5" sata's ssd 3.5hdd's
Display(s) 1-AOC G2460PG 24"G-Sync 144Hz/ 2nd 1-ASUS VG248QE 24"/ 3rd LG 43" series
Case D450 | Cherry Entertainment center on Test bench
Audio Device(s) Built in Realtek x2 with 2-Insignia 2.0 sound bars & 1-LG sound bar
Power Supply EVGA 1000P2 with APC AX1500 | 850P2 with CyberPower-GX1325U
Mouse Redragon 901 Perdition x3
Keyboard G710+x3
Software Win-7 pro x3 and win-10 & 11pro x3
Benchmark Scores Are in the benchmark section
Joined
Apr 18, 2019
Messages
857 (0.47/day)
Location
The New England region of the United States
System Name Daily Driver(gaming, browsing)
Processor Ryzen 7 3800X
Motherboard Gigabyte X570 Aurus Pro Wifi
Cooling Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black
Memory 32GB(2x16GB) Patriot Viper DDR4-3200C16
Video Card(s) EVGA RTX 3060 Ti
Storage Samsung 970 EVO Plus 1TB (Boot/OS)|Hynix Platinum P41 2TB (Games)|Kingston KC3000 2TB (Misc)
Display(s) Gigabyte G27F
Case Corsair Graphite 600T w/mesh side
Audio Device(s) Logitech Z625 2.1 | cheapo gaming headset when mic is needed
Power Supply Corsair HX850i
Mouse Redragon M808-KS Storm Pro (Great Value)
Keyboard Redragon K512 Shiva replaced a Corsair K70 Lux - Blue on Black
VR HMD Nope
Software Windows 10 Pro x64
Benchmark Scores Nope
So Wi-fi 7 prices but no wi-fi 7 speeds and features? Lol
I'm disappointed that it doesn't have the 6Ghz radio as well, but there is more to Wi-Fi 7 than that. The article mentions it supports both 4K-QAM and MLO both of which are big changes from Wi-Fi 6. That being said, I wouldn't touch another ASUS router with a ten-foot pole. I dabbled in them a few years back, and I came away sadly disappointed. Months of crap firmware that required daily reboots are the biggest takeaway. No thanks, I'll stick with prosumer WAPs and PfSense. I have considered trying a Ubiquiti gateway instead, but my Chinese fanless router PC running PfSense is still the best router/firewall I've ever owned by a long shot.
 
Joined
Feb 21, 2006
Messages
1,986 (0.30/day)
Location
Toronto, Ontario
System Name The Expanse
Processor AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
Motherboard Asus Prime X570-Pro BIOS 5013 AM4 AGESA V2 PI 1.2.0.Ca.
Cooling Corsair H150i Pro
Memory 32GB GSkill Trident RGB DDR4-3200 14-14-14-34-1T (B-Die)
Video Card(s) AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX 24GB (24.3.1)
Storage WD SN850X 2TB / Corsair MP600 1TB / Samsung 860Evo 1TB x2 Raid 0 / Asus NAS AS1004T V2 14TB
Display(s) LG 34GP83A-B 34 Inch 21: 9 UltraGear Curved QHD (3440 x 1440) 1ms Nano IPS 160Hz
Case Fractal Design Meshify S2
Audio Device(s) Creative X-Fi + Logitech Z-5500 + HS80 Wireless
Power Supply Corsair AX850 Titanium
Mouse Corsair Dark Core RGB SE
Keyboard Corsair K100
Software Windows 10 Pro x64 22H2
Benchmark Scores 3800X https://valid.x86.fr/1zr4a5 5800X https://valid.x86.fr/2dey9c
I'm disappointed that it doesn't have the 6Ghz radio as well, but there is more to Wi-Fi 7 than that. The article mentions it supports both 4K-QAM and MLO both of which are big changes from Wi-Fi 6. That being said, I wouldn't touch another ASUS router with a ten-foot pole. I dabbled in them a few years back, and I came away sadly disappointed. Months of crap firmware that required daily reboots are the biggest takeaway. No thanks, I'll stick with prosumer WAPs and PfSense. I have considered trying a Ubiquiti gateway instead, but my Chinese fanless router PC running PfSense is still the best router/firewall I've ever owned by a long shot.
I've not had any issue using Merlin firmware on asus routers for the last 6 years or so and do 100+ day up times until rebooted for firmware updates. PFSense setup is great but also much more advanced and not going to be as wife friendly :)
 
Last edited:
Joined
May 13, 2008
Messages
669 (0.11/day)
System Name HTPC whhaaaat?
Processor 2600k @ 4500mhz
Motherboard Asus Maximus IV gene-z gen3
Cooling Noctua NH-C14
Memory Gskill Ripjaw 2x4gb
Video Card(s) EVGA 1080 FTW @ 2037/11016
Storage 2x512GB MX100/1x Agility 3 128gb ssds, Seagate 3TB HDD
Display(s) Vizio P 65'' 4k tv
Case Lian Li pc-c50b
Audio Device(s) Denon 3311
Power Supply Corsair 620HX
i'm going to guess $699 USD.

Probably ~$299 AFAICT. Priced at 1999-2199 CNY which is ~275-300 USD.

If it gets Merlin support then a possible upgrade in the distant future.

Exactly. The two things I've been waiting on: This announcement and then the first Merlin release for it. I knew it was coming this year, just didn't know when. As for Merlin, who knows. Shall wait and see.
:toast:
-------

12-bit transmission is nice and everything, but what I was was waiting on was mostly 16x16 MU-MIMO and official (seamless) MLO support.

Lack of 6ghz may or may not be because of how 6ghz is used in China and the fact this is a very popular series internationally...the chip used does support it. Curious what other models/variations will pop up.

It's amusing to me that it looks like they literally are still using the same chassis (different i/o obviously) since the RT-AC88U(/3200 iirc?); guess we'll never get an antennae update in this range (to 6-8). :(

That said, both the former models have been good to me...so if it ain't broke (I suppose), I'll live with it.

Glad to see it finally announced. Was wondering if they were waiting to redo the chassis/antennae setup, wait for a newer Broadcom chip (this uses a BCM4916), and/or just iron out their early firmware issues.

Now we know and I'm happy-enough with what it brings...now just kindly waiting on Merlin to support it (and maybe to see if Asus launches other affordable models with tri-band/6ghz sometime soon).
 
Last edited:
Top