The new ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 is a powerful router designed for gamers who demand top performance.
ASUS recently introduced its first router with support for the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard. Additionally, it’s part of the ROG Rapture series, targeting gamers specifically. This makes it appealing to users seeking access to the new standard while also desiring the highest performance from their network device.
I was very excited to try out this remarkable ASUS router. Therefore, I gladly agreed to test the new ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98. I invite you to read about my experience using this router.
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But first, I’d like to delve a bit more into the new Wi-Fi 7 standard (802.11be). Over the years, we’ve seen many developments in Wi-Fi technology, but I consider Wi-Fi 7 to be a significant step forward.
Wi-Fi 7, like its predecessor, operates in three frequency bands: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz. However, a significant advancement in Wi-Fi 7 is the extensive utilization of the 6 GHz band, which greatly enhances data transmission compared to Wi-Fi 6E implementation. The cleverness lies in Wi-Fi 7’s ability to simultaneously utilize two channels.
This feature is called Multi-Link Operation, which combines the 5 GHz and 6 GHz frequencies into a shared bandwidth of 320 MHz. This configuration is designed to significantly increase throughput, thereby promoting faster data transmission. If you have a wired Ethernet (LAN/WAN) connection, you probably run it at 1 Gbps. With Wi-Fi 7, you can easily achieve this speed without wires. The proximity of the 6 GHz band to the 5 GHz band allows for the formation of a unified, wider channel. This configuration minimizes latency and maximizes performance, which is a central aspect of Wi-Fi 7’s multi-channel operation. In regions where the 6 GHz band is unavailable due to regulatory restrictions, Wi-Fi 7 adapts by offering an alternative configuration with two 5 GHz channels (if supported by your router), each with a bandwidth of 240 MHz. This setting provides increased speed in various regulatory environments.
Key elements for achieving higher throughput include an increased channel bandwidth of up to 320 MHz, up to 16 spatial streams, and 4096QAM modulation. 4K QAM modulation packs more data into transmissions, resulting in a 20% increase in peak data transmission speeds. Additionally, with two additional features – Multi-Link Operation and Multi-RU Puncturing – new network devices will be able to provide faster and more efficient wireless connections. Therefore, Wi-Fi 7 is indeed a significant step forward, and I look forward to its certification in Ukraine.
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Today, we will test this with the new ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 router. ASUS is one of the most well-known brands in the gaming industry, offering a variety of gaming devices – from graphics cards to monitors, mice, and keyboards. In recent years, the company has also been producing gaming-oriented routers under the Republic of Gamers brand. The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 is the first quad-band gaming router with Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), which harnesses the full potential of Wi-Fi 7 with support for 320 MHz channels in the 5/6 GHz range, providing much higher speeds than previous models with Wi-Fi 6. Wi-Fi 7 offers significant speed and throughput advantages over Wi-Fi 6, which has only recently gained widespread adoption. Wi-Fi 7 will enhance the utility of the third 6 GHz channel, a feature introduced in the Wi-Fi 6E substandard.
The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 stands out with its expanded capabilities and design. The router is equipped with 256 MB of flash memory and 2 GB of RAM. Among the notable features tailored for gamers and experienced users are mesh network capabilities, Game Boost technology, OpenNAT, and WTFast.
The router’s antenna configuration consists of a 2×2 setup for the 2.4 GHz frequency and a 4×4 setup for the 5 GHz and 6 GHz frequencies, including MU-MIMO technology. Notably, in the 6 GHz range, the router leverages Wi-Fi 7 capabilities to support a 320 MHz channel width. This enhancement is exclusive to Wi-Fi 7 and represents a significant increase compared to the previous maximum channel width of 160 MHz, effectively doubling the potential maximum data transmission speed. The overall Wi-Fi speed reaches up to 25,000 Mbps. With a powerful processor, 2 GB of RAM, Dual WAN, and 10 Gbps ports, the router ensures maximum stability and reliability of the connection.
So, I’ve got my hands on a powerful gaming router, which can impress even without Wi-Fi 7 support. Of course, such a cutting-edge, powerful gaming router comes at a hefty price. The new ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 can be purchased for around $600 at the time of this review.
Let’s take a look at the technical specifications and features of the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98:
– 2.4 GHz Band: 4×4 (Tx/Rx) 4096 QAM 20/40 MHz, up to 1376 Mbps
– 5G-1 GHz Band: 4×4 (Tx/Rx) 4096 QAM 20/40/80/160 MHz, up to 5764 Mbps
– 5G-2 GHz Band: 4×4 (Tx/Rx) 4096 QAM 20/40/80/160 MHz, up to 5764 Mbps
– 6 GHz Band: 4×4 (Tx/Rx) 4096 QAM 20/40/80/160/320 MHz, up to 11529 Mbps
Indeed, we are dealing with a state-of-the-art gaming network device, which boasts powerful hardware and functional capabilities. ASUS seems to tell users who have purchased the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98: “Don’t compromise on anything!”.
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I was impressed by the size of the packaging of the new ASUS product. I have never seen a router packaged in such a large box before. Interestingly, despite its size, the box is standard in terms of design. It’s a beautifully crafted cardboard box with silk-screened ROG branding on the outer cover. It features images of the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98, along with its technical specifications and a list of router functionalities. Very informative indeed.
Inside, there’s a huge router by modern standards and its accessories, all securely protected by foam and cardboard. The accessory set included in the package is standard for ASUS gaming routers. It includes an RJ45 CAT6e Ethernet cable, two power cords, a corresponding power adapter, and a setup guide.
The European version of the ROG Rapture GT-BE98 includes two plugs: standard versions for the EU and the UK, ensuring compatibility with various sockets in Europe. There’s also a warranty card and other brief instructions included. All eight massive antennas are mounted on the router. While this setup might not appeal to everyone, it’s the design choice made by ASUS developers.
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The new ASUS offering fully embraces the Republic of Gamers brand trends. It’s no surprise that the ROG Rapture GT-BE98 boasts a bold futuristic design. It has everything you’d expect from a gaming router: large dimensions, plenty of LEDs and illuminations, “galactic” antenna shapes, and a multitude of ports and connectors.
At the top of the router, it’s hard to miss the illuminated ROG logo and customizable LED lighting. Additionally, the router features sharp edges, transparent cutouts, and a glossy texture. There are also futuristic-looking ventilation grilles. All these elements speak to its primary purpose: this is a router designed specifically for gaming enthusiasts.
If desired, the lighting can be turned off to avoid turning your living space into a nightclub when evening falls. Positioned at the edge is a small panel of LED indicators, which track the connection status, similar to any other ASUS router; it’s barely visible in daylight.
The LED indicators on the front panel are also of an unusual, intricate shape, signaling the status of the internet, local network, Wi-Fi, and power, facilitating monitoring and troubleshooting.
It should also be noted that the router is made of sturdy high-quality plastic. The ROG Rapture GT-BE98 is equipped with eight external antennas featuring ASUS RangeBoost Plus technology, providing excellent coverage, exceptional reception, and signal transmission when horizontally positioned. They can be tilted outwards at approximately 45 degrees to form a semi-circle.
However, there are some skeptical remarks. Each antenna is packed in a polyethylene bag, then a plastic wrap, and then a secondary plastic wrap on clear bits. So much plastic is used that I’ve started to worry about the environment.
This router is quite heavy, weighing 2 kg, and has rather large dimensions of 350.41×350.41×220.60 mm. Additionally, it cannot be wall-mounted, so you’ll have to place it on a table or shelf, but it’s important to consider its height and weight when doing so.
Unfortunately, this can be quite problematic if you were planning to install it in a cabinet under the TV or in some inconspicuous place. You also won’t have the option to remove the antennas, but you can adjust them at different angles.
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Under the array of LED indicators, we can notice the WPS button and an interesting LED button that can be customized via the special ASUS Router mobile application.
Behind, the developers have placed the standard round DC power jack for ASUS routers, a power on/off button, a USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A port, and another USB 2.0 port.
But the most interesting features are located on the rear panel. Here you can see the reset button, 3 LAN 2.5 Gbps ports, and 1 WAN 2.5 Gbps port, which are arranged in pairs and highlighted in blue color. Additionally, there is another RJ45 10 Gbps LAN/WAN port nearby.
On the left side, we have two additional LAN ports – one designed for gaming with a speed of 10 Gbps, and the other for LAN at 10/100/1000 Mbps.
Thanks to this impressive connection, we have a router capable of creating a very high-speed local network with a WAN bandwidth of up to 10 Gbps. Both the 1 Gbps port and the two 10 Gbps ports support Link Aggregation, with the latter also supporting WAN Aggregation, making a 20 Gbps connection viable.
Thus, the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 features seven Ethernet ports, including four 2.5 Gbps ports and two 10 Gbps ports (plus one shared). Additionally, this networking device includes a USB 3.2 port, which is not typically found in mainstream mesh routers.
The router’s dedicated gaming ports automatically detect the priority of connected devices, ensuring fast and stable connections without complex configurations. Simply connect your gaming PC or console to the designated LAN port and enjoy a fast and stable connection, guaranteeing you stay at the forefront of the queue for uninterrupted gaming.
I understand that you might be wondering why a regular user would need this. But remember, this is a niche gaming router that you can buy for the future. I’m confident that even in 10 years, it will still be highly relevant.
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Of course, it’s essential to discuss the functional advantages of this router compared to its competitors, so I’ve singled out this point separately.
The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 is equipped with a Broadcom chipset, with the main processor being the quad-core Broadcom BCM4916 clocked at 2.6 GHz, and Broadcom BCM6726 processors for Wi-Fi addressing with 4T4R capability. It is supported by no less than 2 GB of DDR4 RAM and 256 MB of flash memory for storage.
We have four bands available separately or in Smart Band mode, providing an incredible total bandwidth of 25,000 Mbps. They operate and are distributed as follows:
Like other gaming routers, we’ll have technologies associated with this standard, such as MU-MIMO, which allows data transmission to multiple clients simultaneously on multiple antennas, OFDMA, which improves simultaneous client connections, and BSS Color, which assigns different frequencies (colors) so that clients instantly identify their network without scanning the entire spectrum. We also haven’t forgotten about technologies like Game Boost, OpenNAT, and WTFast.
With Target Wake Time, Wi-Fi clients can be suspended to optimize power consumption and free up spectrum frequencies. Additionally, new features like Multi-Link Operation and Multi-RU Puncturing further enhance the capabilities of Wi-Fi 7-enabled devices, enabling faster and more efficient wireless connections.
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Like all other ASUS routers, setting up this new device is easy with the ASUS Router mobile app or the web interface at router.asus.com. Simply plug the device into a power outlet and connect your ISP’s cable to the WAN port. Now all you need to do is connect your smartphone or computer to the Wi-Fi network or one of the LAN ports on the rear panel.
I set up the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 using the ASUS Router mobile app. Lately, I’ve been preferring this method because the setup process is quite simple and convenient. A few minutes of waiting, a few simple steps, and your router is ready to go. Most importantly, the router can automatically adapt its configuration according to the parameters and features of the network it’s connected to.
You have the option to divide the four frequencies to use them as desired or combine them in Smart Band mode. Then the router will automatically manage the best connection for the client. Smart Band is also useful because you don’t need to check whether your device supports a particular range; everything will be selected automatically. I’m confident that even inexperienced users will be able to handle the setup.
From the very first moment, you understand that you’re dealing with a powerful gaming network device. It truly impresses with its connection speed and stability from the first seconds of use. Moreover, the futuristic design sets the mood for gaming. It’s almost instinctive to reach for my ASUS Zephyrus G14 to dive into my favorite games.
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ASUS has managed to create a convenient mobile application called ASUS Router, which serves as a great complement for configuring the router’s operation. Of course, it’s somewhat trimmed down and simplified in terms of functionality compared to the browser-based software, but it provides everything we might need on a daily basis. Overall, the application works very well, allowing for interface personalization (by changing themes) and serves as a handy addition to the desktop interface.
The program is fairly straightforward to use. It comes in handy for managing the router directly from your smartphone. It includes most of the key functions and settings. There’s access to activate the majority of the functional features. You can even activate gaming mode, AiProtection Pro security features based on Trend Micro to protect your network, and enable Instant Guard for easy VPN connection to your home router. AiMesh can also be set up from the app. AiMesh allows you to use other ASUS routers to build a specialized mesh network in your home. Although with the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98, you’re unlikely to need an additional router or mesh node. These settings are sufficient for the average user, and for all others, there’s the browser-based web interface.
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Of course, if you want to delve deeper into the settings of this gaming router, you’ll need to access the web interface of the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98.
Moving to the graphical interface itself, it’s worth noting that there is literally a plethora of available options. The interface may seem overloaded, and although anyone who has recently had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with ASUS routers and their administration panel will feel at home here, the initial approach to this interface may be somewhat overwhelming.
However, enthusiasts who enjoy tinkering with settings will appreciate the significant number of options, so the graphical interface should cater to the needs of more experienced users as well. All tabs are located in a column on the left (with the difference that they do not expand downwards to more detailed parameters, but rather, we switch between tabs on the right), and there are several shortcuts on the top panel, including the restart button, system exit, guest network status, WAN, and USB, as well as the option to change the language.
The software of the ROG Rapture GT-BE98 is truly impressive. We won’t delve into all the features, especially since the vast majority of them are basic options found in most modern routers. Instead, let’s focus on the most interesting ones – starting with the information panel, which is quite extensive. In addition to the typical network traffic information, it also provides data on ping, a gaming radar shortcut (we’ll come back to this later), and features related to illumination.
Among the general options, we also find AiMesh, which allows you to create a mesh network consisting of various ASUS routers, making it an excellent option for owners of single-family homes or very large apartments.
Next on the list is the AirProtection package, developed in collaboration with Trend Micro, which is responsible for network security. We can assess the security of the router (scanning it for vulnerabilities and recommending appropriate solutions to enhance security). The system also offers blocking of malicious websites or a two-way IPS system.
It protects your device from spam and DDoS attacks and blocks malicious incoming packets, such as Shellshocked, Heartbleed, bitcoin mining, and ransomware, preventing attacks on the router network.
A modern router, especially at this price point, cannot do without QoS. ASUS Quality of Service offers, among other things, WAN/LAN bandwidth monitoring, the ability to enable adaptive or traditional QoS, where the former ensures optimal inbound and outbound bandwidth for wired and wireless connections for applications and tasks according to predefined settings: gaming, multimedia streaming, VoIP, web surfing, and file transfer. Of course, there are also options for bandwidth limitations.
Another important feature is the Traffic Analyzer, which is used to analyze network traffic and presents the results in the form of a graphical diagram showing how the network is being utilized and by which devices or client applications. This is useful when we want to check which client is using our network most frequently and how the traffic load appears.
In the advanced settings, you will find a whole range of typical parameters, such as those related to the wireless network (interestingly, by default, support for 160 MHz or 320 MHz channel width is disabled, so it’s worth activating it at the beginning) or the guest network, which is already practically a standard for new routers.
The gaming features of the ROG Rapture GT-BE98 router software deserve a separate description. So, on the “Game Acceleration” tab, we find a three-tiered system that ensures priority for gaming activity. The first level is the prioritization of the gaming port, which uses a special gaming port that gives preference to network traffic for connected devices. The second element is the GameFirst V utility, which comes with ROG motherboards, laptops, and ASUS computers, to optimize network traffic during online gaming. The second level is the prioritization of gaming packets using the Game Boost tool, which activates the gaming mode using adaptive QoS. The third level is accelerating the game server using the optimized gaming network Outfox, but this is a paid service, although ASUS provides us with a 90-day trial version. In addition, you will also find a tool for setting priorities for gaming devices and testing Internet speed, as well as the so-called Game Radar, which helps find a gaming server (the list is constantly updated) that provides the optimal connection.
It’s also worth mentioning the Game Radar feature, which can detect and analyze nearby Wi-Fi networks, as well as provide information about all obstacles to the wireless signal nearby and channel bandwidth. Additionally, it also provides advanced troubleshooting by offering information on metrics such as AMPDU (if available), Glitch, Chanim, and Packet Queue Statistics. We can utilize the data obtained here in settings where we can precisely configure our own Wi-Fi network.
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But what interested me was how the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 performs in practice, because on paper, everything looked very promising from a technical standpoint.
The new router had to operate in the conditions of a city apartment building with all its “charms.” I mean thick panel walls with a lot of obstacles, as well as a large number of routers in the building. Of course, for such powerful network equipment, this is definitely not a problem. I was sure of this from the first minutes of using the ROG Rapture GT-BE98.
The signal was equally strong and stable in every corner of the apartment; there were practically no “gray” zones. I was pleasantly surprised that the router’s signal easily reached both the first and the ninth floors of my building (I live on the fourth floor). This is a considerable number of obstacles, thick walls. All devices connected to it seemed to glide: smartphones, laptops, the security system, my KIVI television effortlessly streamed content in 4K. I encountered no issues whatsoever. We even decided to experiment with my neighbors and tried connecting almost 40 devices to the router. Even on the ninth floor, the signal was stable, and the connection speed was consistent.
Typically, for testing signal strength and its power, I choose five reference points in my apartment, but with this router, I decided to add a sixth one:
The test results pleasantly surprised me, even in the experimental sixth checkpoint.
The signal was powerful and stable everywhere, the results were simply fantastic. One of my colleagues even asked me if I achieved such results over a wired connection. I suggest you see it for yourself. No need for further comments.
Even without Wi-Fi 7 support and the new features of Multi-Link Operation and Multi-RU Puncturing, it can already be confidently said that the ROG Rapture GT-BE98 is one of the most powerful gaming routers I’ve tested. That’s why I’m eagerly awaiting the licensing of Wi-Fi 7 in Ukraine.
A few words about the USB ports. There are two of them here. Of course, they offer different capabilities and speeds. However, the download speeds are also quite satisfactory. While there are no records set here, the results are sufficient even to use the ROG Rapture GT-BE98 as a sort of NAS. For potential buyers of this router, this is a big plus.
It all depends on your specific needs, but I’m confident that even in demanding scenarios, the router won’t let you down. This modern networking equipment will impress you not only with its power and signal speed but also with its sleek design and quiet operation.
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From the very beginning, I mentioned that the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 is one of the best routers on the market, and this offering is especially recommended for gamers. And it’s not just about the support for RGB lighting with Aura Sync option, but about the functional package of gaming features that are unlikely to be available in competitors’ routers.
Moreover, it’s an extremely efficient networking device that can easily cover a significantly large apartment on its own. In the case of houses, you can create a mesh network using it, and it will undoubtedly work great as a central hub. The equipment delivers maximum speed not only through Wi-Fi networks but also through wired interfaces and offers a very extensive software package with a multitude of options, including very advanced ones that will please network administration enthusiasts. When you add solid build quality, a mobile application, and numerous auxiliary technologies, you get the image of an almost perfect router.
On the other hand, its greatest strengths can also be its weaknesses, particularly referring to the software, which may confuse less experienced gamers who are simply looking for the most effective router. Additionally, not everyone will appreciate the high price of this networking equipment.
In any case, we think it’s a product worth spending money on if you need a high-performance quad-band router with extensive configuration options and gaming features. The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 is one of the best routers on the market, and I recommend it not only to gamers but also to those who are used to investing in the future.
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Think you have typo (copy and paste mistake ?)
ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 specificationsLet’s take a look at the technical specifications and features of the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000:
Do you not mean GT-BE98 ??
Thanks for your attention, corrected