ASUS has begun rolling out the ROG Rapture GT-BN98, a high-end quad-band gaming router built around the draft Wi-Fi 8 standard. Rated for combined theoretical throughput of up to 25Gbps, it pairs next-generation wireless hardware with multi-gigabit Ethernet and software designed to manage gaming traffic and improve connection reliability. Availability and pricing vary by region.
Key takeaways
The GT-BN98 is an early look at Wi-Fi 8 hardware, but its full feature set requires compatible devices on both ends of a connection. Key points include:
- Quad-band Wi-Fi 8 support based on draft IEEE 802.11bn, with up to 25Gbps combined theoretical throughput.
- Two 10GbE ports and four 2.5GbE ports for wired networking.
- Adaptive QoE and WiFi Insight tools for traffic management and interference monitoring.
- Regional listings differ; KitGuru reported a £790 UK preorder price, while ASUS has not confirmed a single global price.
Wi-Fi 8 focuses on reliability
Unlike a simple increase in peak speed, Wi-Fi 8 is being developed to improve performance in challenging conditions, including weak signals, congested networks and movement between access points. The GT-BN98 uses new coding and radio technologies intended to support more consistent connections and broader coverage, including for smart-home devices.
The router’s 25Gbps figure is a combined theoretical rate across its four bands: 2.4GHz, two 5GHz bands and 6GHz. Actual performance depends on the client device, distance, interference and network setup. Wi-Fi 8 is still in draft form, with final approval expected in 2028, according to reports on the rollout.
Built for multi-gigabit networks
Wired connectivity includes two 10GbE ports and four 2.5GbE ports, giving PC builders and gaming setups several options for high-speed links to a network-attached storage device, desktop or multi-gigabit internet connection. The router also features a 2.6GHz quad-core processor and 2GB of RAM.
Adaptive QoE adjusts bandwidth allocation based on network conditions and the applications in use. ASUS also includes GTNet game-routing features intended to reduce latency, while WiFi Insight scans for wireless interference, can switch channels automatically and keeps an event history. AiProtection adds network security features, including blocking for malicious sites, ads and trackers.
Existing Wi-Fi devices can still connect
A Wi-Fi 8 router does not upgrade older clients: devices need Wi-Fi 8 support to use the standard’s full feature set. That makes the GT-BN98 an early infrastructure purchase for buyers planning ahead, rather than a way to immediately unlock Wi-Fi 8 on current PCs and phones.
However, early testing reported by TechRadar found improved range and throughput with Wi-Fi 7 clients compared with an older router. Those results suggest the hardware may offer benefits before Wi-Fi 8 devices become common, though performance will vary by environment and setup. ASUS is rolling out the GT-BN98 in regional markets, with prices and delivery timing differing between listings.
Via ASUS ROG