Are you an avid gamer who spends countless hours in the virtual world? Then the ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 Mesh System is for you.
The Wi-Fi Mesh system has become popular in recent years. And there is an explanation for this. We want to have a high-quality connection anywhere in the apartment or office. But the speed and reliability of the connection starts to drop at a certain distance from the wireless router. Like those Wi-Fi signal strength lines that disappear one by one on your phone as you move away from its equipment. The Wi-Fi Mesh system is a great solution to this problem that allows you to boost the signal even in the blindest corner of the room. Essentially, you have two Wi-Fi routers in one, or one router split into two or more. It’s a pretty convenient solution, which is why it’s becoming increasingly popular not only among regular users, but also gamers.
ASUS understands the needs of gamers very well. The Taiwanese produce a lot of equipment that is designed specifically for gaming. These are powerful notebooks, desktop PCs, accessories for gamers, gaming monitors and routers. Now ASUS collection includes a gaming Wi-Fi Mesh-system. We’re talking about the powerful ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 kit, which was recently unveiled by the Taiwanese company. Of course, I couldn’t pass by this novelty, so I decided to test it and tell you about my impressions of the gaming Wi-Fi Mesh-system from ASUS.
Read also: ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12 Review: Powerful Mesh System
Who is the ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 for?
With a mesh system like the ASUS ROG Rapture GT6, you connect to a single Wi-Fi network, and depending on where you are at the moment, you simply connect to the nearest unit without any noticeable loss of performance. You’ll need at least two Wi-Fi boxes to maintain a reliable Wi-Fi signal in most homes, making the ASUS ROG ROG Rapture GT6 offering simple, powerful, and nearly perfect for all gaming and non-gaming tasks.
In this review, I will analyze the ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 Mesh Gaming Router Set, the perfect routers for gamers with the best wireless network connectivity for your home. They feature support for tri-band Wi-Fi 6 with dedicated 5GHz 4×4 mesh trunking, as well as a 2.5Gbps WAN/LAN port. The full ASUS firmware adds all the gaming features created by the manufacturer, in addition to a well-crafted exterior design with AURA Sync in the logo.
The ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 has phenomenal range, offering coverage up to 540m², and in my speed tests the results were impressive no matter what room I was in. Most importantly, I didn’t feel any discomfort playing over-the-top computer games. So the main target audience for this Wi-Fi Mesh system from ASUS is, of course, gamers. Thanks to its attractive design, this set will fit into any interior of a modern apartment.
Of course, such a powerful Wi-Fi Mesh system can’t be cheap. ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 can be bought in Ukrainian electronics stores at prices starting from $575 for a set of two devices, or from $300 if a single router is enough for you.
ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 Specifications
- Memory: 512 MB of DDR4 RAM and 256 MB of Flash memory
- Ports: 1×RJ45 10/100/1000/2500 BaseT for WAN/LAN, 3×RJ45 10/100/1000 BaseT for LAN, 1×USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A
- Buttons: Wi-Fi on/off button, reset button, WPS button
- Power: AC input 110 ~ 240V (50 ~ 60Hz). DC output 19V with maximum current of 1.75A
- Dimensions (W×H×H): 175×80×175 mm
- Antennas: 9 internal antennas
- Wireless standards: IEEE 802.11ax/ac/n/a 5 GHz; IEEE 802.11ax/n/b/g 2.4 GHz
- Operating frequency: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
- Transmission speeds: 802.11a: 6; 9; 12; 18; 24; 36; 48; 48; 54 Mbps, 802.11b: 1; 2; 5.5; 11 Mbps, 802.11g: 6; 9; 12; 18; 24; 24; 36; 36; 48; 54 Mbps, 802.11n: 300 Mbps, 802. 11ac: up to 3466 Mbps (up to 4333 Mbps for 1024QAM enabled devices), 802.11ax (2.4 GHz): up to 574 Mbps, 802.11ax (5-1 GHz): up to 4804 Mbps, 802.11ax (5-2 GHz): up to 4804 Mbps
- Wireless transmission functions: OFDMA (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing for multiple access source); beamforming – standard and universal; high data rate 1024-QAM
- Transmission ranges: 20/40/80/160 MHz
- Wireless transmission security: WPA3-PSK, WPA2-PSK, WPA-PSK, WPA-Enterprise, WPA2-Enterprise, WPS support, WPA3-Enterprise support
- Guest network function: 2.4GHz guest network, 5GHz guest network
- Quality of Service: Advanced QoS function
- WAN: Internet connection types – auto IP, static IP, PPPoE (MPPE support), PPTP, L2TP
- Management: UPnP, IGMP v1/v2/v3, DNS proxy, DHCP, NTP client, DDNS, Port Enablement, Virtual Server, DMZ, System Event Log
- DHCP: server, DHCP client list, address reservation
- Port forwarding: virtual server, port activation, UPnP, DMZ
- VPN: VPN server – PPTP server, OpenVPN server, IPSec server; VPN client – PPTP client, L2TP client, OpenVPN client.
A powerful, ultra-modern Wi-Fi Mesh gaming system from ASUS that will keep you comfortable in any environment while gaming.
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What’s in the package?
From the first glance at the ASUS ROG Rapture GT6’s hard cardboard case-shaped box, it’s already clear that we’re looking at the best of the best.
The contents of the box in a set of 2 units will be as follows: 2 ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 routers in black or white, power adapters with European and standard plugs, Ethernet LAN cable and various accompanying documentation.
Quite standard, but sufficient set. Everything you need is there, nothing extra.
Interesting, almost game-like design
Let’s start with the design. Like any ASUS ROG series product worthy of its name, the Rapture GT6 has a “gaming” design with very aggressive lines. The latter may not be to everyone’s liking, but regardless, I think it’s tastefully done here. This gaming Wi-Fi mesh system is an absolutely stylish piece of networking equipment specifically designed for fans of the Republic of Gamers brand. It’s available in two color options: black and lunar white.
Both add a futuristic look to any gaming system. Whether you’re an avid gamer or just appreciate aesthetics, the ROG Rapture GT6 will easily blend into your gaming environment and enhance its overall appeal. I received the black version for review, which is a more classic color.
The ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 is essentially a set of two routers. Although they are actually quite different, the first being a transmitter and the second a repeater of sorts, their aesthetics are identical.
The router is quite compact and has rather aggressive textured lines. It is covered with a large number of vents that provide excellent passive heat dissipation from the high-performance internal components, among which stands out a 1.7 GHz tri-core processor combined with 512 MB of RAM and 256 MB of flash memory.
The module dimensions are quite impressive: 175×80×175 mm. Each module weighs 880 g, which is not insignificant, but the weight is well balanced. The router will definitely not fall down from the slightest jerk of the cable.
The design of the ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 is certainly interesting. One might think that these are just routers, yes, but it’s as if they breathe a gaming aura. The case, made entirely of high-quality perforated plastic, stands out for its large thickness and multi-faceted shape that showcases the aggressive futuristic design of the ROG series. This shape ensures efficient cooling of the hardware.
On the front, it’s hard not to notice the large ASUS ROG logo, which has received AURA RGB backlighting in a matrix format. You’ll be able to customize any color you want in the ASUS Router app.
There is also an option to turn it off completely if necessary. For example, I turned it off at night so that the bright backlight would not disturb my sleep. Just below that we have a small LED status indicator, as well as grilles on the bottom and top edges.
At the top, we can see part of the Wi-Fi antennas through a methacrylate window that allows us to see part of the top diffuser. I found the lighting here to be lacking. It looks very effective though.
The base of the routers has a similar design. It also has a methacrylate panel, but it is equipped with non-slip rubber feet. The network tower will definitely not slip even on a smooth surface.
There is also a corresponding sticker on the bottom base that contains the default access credentials for the initial configuration. Here we will also find a WPS button and a reset button on each of the devices.
The design is really very futuristic, gamers will definitely be delighted. Such “things” are always to their liking. Add AURA RGB backlighting and you have a real gaming, powerful Mesh system on your desk, which will emphasize your status.
Are there enough ports and connectors?
Most gamers want the most powerful set of ports and connectors possible. The ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 will not disappoint.
All ports on the router are located, as usual, on the back panel. On the left we have a modern RJ45 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet LAN/WAN port, next to it 3 RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports.
We have not forgotten about the USB port. Here we have a modern USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A, which will allow you to connect an external drive. Next to it there is a switch to turn on/off the router, as well as a power port.
It should be noted that both modules from the kit are completely identical and have the same connectivity options. Different connection configurations (Dual WAN) can be set up with the ports, where WAN, first LAN port and USB will work.
This is not the most powerful system in ASUS Mesh routers, as ZenWiFi Pro XT12 has dual 2.5 Gbps ports. In our case, there will be only one per unit, and it is assumed that one of them will be used for WAN, while we can use another one in the second unit as a high-speed LAN. Thus, we can at least perform Wi-Fi 6 to LAN transmission at a speed of more than 1 Gbps, which is already very good.
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ASUS ROG Rapture features
I’ve already written that my ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 test set consists of two routers. That is, each of them can be used as primary or secondary under the same conditions determined by the active WAN connection. The main hardware of each unit consists of a 1.7Hz Broadcom BCM6753 Tri-Core CPU responsible for Ethernet, hardware NAT and the system itself. It packs 512 MB of DDR4 RAM and 256 MB of flash memory for the system.
As controllers for the different connections we find 2 Broadcom BCM6715 chips for the 5 GHz connections and a Broadcom BCM6753 CPU for the 2.4 GHz network. That is, these are tri-band devices that operate on dual 5 GHz and one 2.4 GHz frequency. This provides a total bandwidth of 10000 Mbps, which is distributed as follows:
- 2.4 GHz band: when operating in 802.11ax standard, it will provide a maximum speed of 574 Mbps in a 2×2 connection with 20 and 40 MHz channels.
- The 5 GHz band – 1: will provide 4804 Mbps throughput in 4×4 links, channel operation up to 160 MHz, and support for 1024-QAM modulation. This band operates on low channels (less than 100) and is designed to connect to customers in mesh coverage, reaching 2400 Mbps in 2×2 nodes.
- 5 GHz band – 2: works the same as the previous one, 4×4 up to 4804 Mbps on 160 MHz channels, but this is a band pre-configured as a backbone network for a Mesh system. It works on the high channels since they are all DFS. Although it can also be used as a regular network if we only have one router.
According to the requirements of this standard, the routers implement MU-MIMO technologies for simultaneous data transmission to multiple clients. There is also OFDMA function, which improves simultaneous connection of clients. They didn’t forget about BSS Color, so customers can instantly identify their network without analyzing the entire spectrum. Beamforming capabilities have also been added to the Mesh system to assign the strongest wireless signal to a client at any time, and wherever we move within the coverage area.
There are also security features with AiProtection Pro, implemented with WPA3-Personal encryption both in the network for clients and on the trunk between routers. Adaptive QoS management, traffic analyzer, guest Wi-Fi support, parental controls, VPN in both server and client mode, indicate that we have an ultra-modern router. But first and foremost ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 is a networking device for gamers, so here we also have advanced gaming features such as OpenNAT, Game Boost to accelerate game related transmission, priority gaming port, ROG First with Windows software. Whether you’re streaming 4K content, engaging in online battles, or just browsing the web, this Mesh Wi-Fi system will get you there.
To further enhance performance, ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 is equipped with 9 internal antennas. These antennas play a crucial role in optimizing signal strength and coverage to ensure a stable and reliable connection during gaming sessions. The device operates on multiple bands, offering data rates of up to 574 Mbps in the 2.4GHz band and a whopping 4804 Mbps in the 5G-1Hz and 5G-2Hz bands. Say goodbye to latency and get used to uninterrupted gaming bliss.
Read also: ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX6000 EVA Edition Review: Powerful Gaming Router
Easy customization of ASUS ROG Rapture GT6
The ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 can be configured using the web browser on your computer, or the ASUS Router mobile app on your smartphone. I usually choose the web version of the setup, but this time I chose the setup path from the mobile app.
Once launched, you need to select the device you want to configure, grant the app the necessary permissions, and connect to the ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 main unit you choose to connect to the Internet.
The setup process consists of entering the information required to connect to the Internet, setting the Wi-Fi name and password, setting up an administrator account for the ASUS ROG Rapture GT6, and adding a second node (it is usually detected and added automatically). At the end of the setup process, you’ll see a summary of your settings and a firmware update check will be performed. If you want to take advantage of the latest fixes and improvements, you should proceed, and install the latest firmware available.
The setup process itself is very simple and straightforward, even an inexperienced user can handle it. The main thing is patience, and in a few minutes your Force Towers will be ready to work.
It’s worth noting that ROG Rapture GT6 can work either as a classic Mesh, in which one module transmits a signal to the other, or in Ethernet Backhaul mode, in which both modules emit a signal with the same power. Here too, we can solve the connection of this mode in two ways – either by connecting the modules to each other wirelessly, or by connecting them to a wired network.
For example, if we have RJ-45 ports distributed in the home or office, we can connect modules to them in separate rooms and both will broadcast WiFi networks with the same name. It’s worth saying that you don’t need to configure them as two separate routers. Of course, as befits a decent Mesh system, we don’t have to limit ourselves to just two units. If there is a need and budget allows, there is nothing stopping you from adding more nodes to the ASUS ROG Rapture GT6.
Read also: ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000 review: router for the most demanding users
ASUS Router Mobile App
Today’s world demands modern solutions. ASUS knows this very well. Not surprisingly, you can also customize your gaming Mesh system using the ASUS Router mobile app, which is available for almost all mobile platforms. Yes, there are fewer options here than the web version, but this method will be even more fun for most of you. Here too, through the AIMesh tab, you can easily connect your Mesh system from ASUS. A couple minutes, a little patience and you’ll be greeted by the router’s home page that tells you that your Wi-Fi network has been successfully extended and the Mesh system is doing its job.
Clicking on a specific node will open its settings. Here you can, first of all, select its location and optimize the node’s operation. You can also set the node’s connection priority, as well as the Wi-Fi uplink access point. I would recommend leaving the automatic settings, let the node itself automatically determine the right priority.
Of course, in the mobile application there is an option to turn on and off the backlighting of the logo and front panel indicator. It is only a pity that there is no “night” mode, so that the indicators turn off and on automatically at a certain time. For inexperienced users will be useful section “Indicator Guide”, where there is information about the color of the indicator and its meaning. Very often people complain that everything is turned on, but for some reason the node does not work. This is where knowledge about indicators will help. You will understand what the problem is and you will be able to fix it. ASUS decided that the white color of the indicator should mean that the ROG Rapture GT6 is online and working properly.
Using the mobile app, you will also be able to download and install new firmware for the Mesh node.
Of course, there are basic tools in the app. We can diagnose the network, monitor it on an ongoing basis, check the signal strength for individual network elements, check the number of devices currently connected, the network speed, add VPN application profiles, prioritize specific devices and – which can be important – remotely control the router even when we are not at home. Less experienced users may appreciate AiProtection – this solution will, among other things, tell us whether our network is secure.
As for more advanced features, there are extensive parental controls (this bundle has a more modern version of AiProtection). There’s also a simplified version with hourly/interval restrictions for selected days and devices. In basic cases, this is sufficient. However, if not, we can create special profiles for selected devices and users where, in addition to schedules, we can restrict access to selected websites or services. The list of these services and sites cannot be edited (or at least I haven’t found such an option) – we can only restrict access to websites with adult content, streaming media, games, blogs or Internet telephony.
Read also: ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX6000 EVA Edition Review: Powerful Gaming Router
More detailed configuration in the web interface
But once the firmware update is complete in the app itself, it’s worth delving more into all of the available settings and further customizing how the ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 works. While the ASUS Router app is useful and easy to use, if you want to access all the features this Wi-Fi mesh system has to offer, I recommend accessing the admin interface on your PC using a web browser. There you’ll find all the advanced settings and tools ASUS has created for its ROG Rapture GT6.
The user interface for controlling this Wi-Fi Mesh system has a special Republic of Gamers-style design too. While the interface itself is pretty easy to use, it is well organized into logical sections and is available in twenty-five languages. This will allow you to control anything you want. So both casual and advanced users alike will be happy with the level of control they get. Help documentation is easily accessible: when you hover your mouse over a parameter you don’t understand, a question mark is displayed. Click on the question mark and you will see explanatory information. Unfortunately, the documentation hasn’t been updated to provide information on all of the features included by ASUS in their latest firmware, so this method doesn’t work for all parameters. I wish ASUS would extend this feature to all of their new Wi-Fi 6 related settings to make it easier to work with all of the new configuration settings associated with these standards.
Throughout my testing of the ASUS ROG Rapture GT6, I was very happy with the wireless coverage. In fact, this mesh Wi-Fi system is redundant for my apartment as it can serve much larger homes or even small offices. Wi-Fi was fast everywhere, and I didn’t find any places where there was no signal or the network was slow. The only minor caveat I have is that when transmitting data in the 2.4GHz band, the variability in network transmission was quite high. However, when moving to the 5 GHz band, the transmission was very stable and fast.
If you want to know more about the actual performance of the ASUS ROG Rapture GT6, head over to the next section of this review where I’ll provide more detailed measurements and comparisons.
How ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 performs in practice
Having such powerful network equipment at my disposal, I wanted to experience all its advantages and capabilities in practice. Frankly speaking, I’m sure that those who buy ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 will definitely not be disappointed. Modern design, powerful processor, a necessary set of ports and connectors and 9 antennas in each router do their job perfectly.
Those who live in an ordinary apartment building with its thick reinforced concrete walls, various interferences, additions, etc., know how often there are so-called “dead” zones in the house, where the router simply cannot reach or its signal is unstable. In such cases we buy, for example, repeaters-amplifiers or other, more powerful network equipment. But it is Mesh-systems that are designed to eliminate this problem.
When it comes to wired connection, there are no special surprises here. ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 showed the results close to the 1 Gbit/sec declared by my provider. This is where I regretted for the first time that my ISP can’t give me 2.5 Gbps yet, because the Mesh system I tested has such a port, and I’m sure it would bring its own pleasant surprises and unrivaled speed.
Since I had a set that included two stations, I decided to take full advantage of the ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 by placing one unit in the living room and the other in the hallway.
Usually, I choose five test points in my apartment to test the signal and its power:
- 1 m from ROG Rapture GT6 (in one room)
- 3 meters from ROG Rapture GT6 (with 2 walls in the way)
- 10m from ROG Rapture GT6 (with 2 walls in the way)
- 15 meters from ROG Rapture GT6 (with 3 walls in the way)
- 20 m from ROG Rapture GT6 (with 3 walls in the path) in a stairwell.
The test results surprised me very pleasantly, even in the experimental fifth test point.
Since I am used to using the Smart Connect function, which allows me not to split the network, I don’t see much point in showing the results of each band separately. I will only note that in four points, i.e. inside my apartment, the results were very similar.
Sometimes it seemed as if the devices were connected by invisible threads and smoothly transferred my smartphone or laptop while moving around the apartment. Really starting to understand the essence of the mesh system. It’s a really cool experience. Also worth mentioning is the 160 Hz channel width support.
I should note the excellent stability of the signal. In any point of the apartment the ping remained practically unchanged, the signal from the Mesh system was stably high. No breaks, failures, drops, not to mention “dead” zones in the apartment. All devices connected to it seemed to fly: smartphones, laptops, security system, my KIVI TV easily played content in 4K. There were no problems at all.
I did not have a technical opportunity to test the Mesh-system operation, for example, in a two-storey house with reinforced concrete ceilings, but I assume that it will work similarly there. You should also take into account that there are at least 20 other 2.4/5 GHz Wi-Fi networks active in the house where I tested the routers, so the conditions are certainly more complicated than in a detached house where there is no such interference.
As for the gameplay, it’s a fairy tale. I simply forgot about the wired connection, because Wi-Fi worked powerfully and smoothly anywhere in the apartment. I could safely play anywhere. That’s really impressive. Gamers will love it. Plus, the ASUS RGB backlighting adds to the aura of gameplay. Your desktop becomes a gaming space.
I also didn’t forget to test the FTP transfer efficiency of the USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A port. The results in this case are pretty decent, although they are closer to USB 2.0 than to 3.0.
However, that doesn’t change the fact that they remain stable by router standards. People who are looking to turn some of the ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 modules into a NAS of sorts will definitely not be disappointed.
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Power consumption
Nowadays this aspect is one of the most important. The manufacturer declares the maximum power consumption of 24.5 W for one device from the set, but in my tests the results were much lower and are exactly half of the declared indicator of this Mesh-system, which, of course, cannot but please.
Even at maximum load ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 didn’t want to pull more than 15W from the socket. Of course, if you multiply this value by the number of nodes, it may seem quite an impressive figure, but, in my opinion, it’s a low price to pay for the features offered by ASUS’ Mesh system.
Is ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 worth buying?
Of course, this is the question I asked myself while testing the new product from ASUS. This is a really amazing gaming router, or rather a Wi-Fi Mesh-system. The Taiwanese company decided to expand the offer of its Mesh-systems and released an ultra-modern set just for gamers. This is a very promising segment where you can experiment not only with design, but also with functionality.
The first attempt turned out to be quite successful. ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 is a set of two powerful devices that allow you to organize a large and productive wireless network. Despite the fact that this is a networking device for gamers, the set will also appeal to ordinary users who know how to spend their money. Of course, the router is more suitable for gamers who want everything to be stylish, technological and beautiful. Put such a device somewhere nearby and everyone will immediately appreciate your status.
The new ASUS product provides an excellent network with high speeds, large coverage area and good, confident signal reception. Everything can be very flexibly set up and configured, as well as using different pairing of base stations. Some people will choose a cable connection, and for some, on the contrary, need a wireless bridge that combines two networks. The user has a great choice, there are many options. In addition, each of the two routers can be connected to its own operator and further perform load balancing or organize switching to the reserve, and if we take into account that each of them has a double WAN, you can use even four external channels.
Are there any disadvantages of the novelty from ASUS? Perhaps, some people won’t like the fact that it is rather large and takes up a lot of space, but its impeccable design will please even fastidious aesthetes. Besides, one can only regret that ASUS didn’t introduce Wi-Fi 6E support here. Such a move would have made this equipment even more promising to buy.
ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 is an ultra-modern Wi-Fi Mesh gaming system that can fulfill all your needs. If you want to get two high-performance tri-band routers with a wide range of configuration options and gaming features, then this new product from ASUS is worthy of your attention.
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