Asus ROG Rapture GT-BN98: The First Wi-Fi 8 Router on the Market
The tech world is entering a new era of wireless connectivity. Asus has officially launched the ROG Rapture GT-BN98 Pro, becoming the first router on the market to support the Wi-Fi 8 (802.11bn) standard. Although official ratification of the standard is not expected until the end of 2028, Asus continues to maintain its status as an innovator in the networking segment.
The True Purpose of Wi-Fi 8
Many users are asking: why do we need a new generation when Wi-Fi 7 speeds already exceed the capabilities of 10 Gbps wired connections? The answer is simple: Wi-Fi 8 is not solely focused on maximum speed. Its primary goal is to increase signal reliability, particularly in crowded environments, over long distances, and in areas where many electronic devices are concentrated.
The new technology utilizes innovations such as Unequal Modulation (UEQM), which allows signal quality to degrade more slowly and uniformly as distance increases. Additionally, Enhanced Long Range (ELR) and Distributed-Tone Resource Unit (DRU) technologies ensure a stable connection even when a device is far from the router or in challenging conditions. This is particularly important for "smart home" (IoT) devices.
Technical Specifications and Performance
The Asus ROG Rapture GT-BN98 is equipped with a quad-core processor, two 10 Gbps ports, and three 2.5 Gbps ports. Its maximum theoretical speed reaches 24.4 Gbps. Testing revealed an interesting dynamic: the router lags slightly behind leading Wi-Fi 7 models in close proximity, but its performance at a distance is significantly more stable. This means that even under network load, speed drops are minimal.
The device also features a wealth of software. Asus offers "gaming" acceleration, extensive security controls, a parental control system, and Docker support—all without a monthly subscription fee, which provides a significant financial advantage for the user compared to competitors.
Is It Worth the Investment?
The price of the GT-BN98 is approximately $999 USD. It is not an inexpensive device, but considering its capabilities and the fact that it is a future-oriented technology, the price is competitive. Initial tests confirm that the advantage of Wi-Fi 8 lies in maintaining connections over distance, making it ideal for large homes, offices, or users with many connected devices.
In the Georgian market, such premium-class routers are primarily intended for enthusiasts and gamers. Although we cannot yet utilize the full potential of Wi-Fi 8 (as there are no laptops or smartphones on the market with the corresponding standard), the GT-BN98 already offers a new level of network stability that would benefit any modern home.