Asus Unveils the ROG Rapture GT-BN98: The World’s First Wi-Fi 8 Gaming Router
At Gamescom, Asus unveiled an early networking device for the next generation of wireless connectivity. The device is the Asus ROG Rapture GT-BN98. Even though the Wi-Fi 8 (802.11bn) standard is still in development, this premium gaming router is already setting new benchmarks for speed and multi-port connectivity.
Unprecedented Wi-Fi 8 (802.11bn) Speeds
The ROG Rapture GT-BN98 is engineered around the upcoming Wi-Fi 8 draft, supporting ultra-wide 320 MHz channels and 4096-QAM to maximize data throughput. Equipped with a powerful 4×4 antenna configuration—featuring a total of eight antennas for transmitting and receiving—this router achieves a staggering combined theoretical data rate of 24,433 Mbps (24.4 Gbps).
To handle massive network traffic without bottlenecks, the router utilizes a quad-band frequency setup:
- One standard 2.4 GHz band for legacy and smart home devices.
- Two high-capacity 5 GHz bands.
- One ultra-fast 6 GHz band, initially introduced with Wi-Fi 6E, ensuring interference-free, low-latency gaming.
Ultimate Wired Connectivity: 7 Ethernet Ports
For hardcore gamers and server administrators who demand the absolute stability of a wired network, Asus has equipped the GT-BN98 with an extensive built-in switch featuring seven RJ45 ports:
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- 2x 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports (WAN/LAN) for ultra-fast fiber connections or high-speed NAS setups.
- 4x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports (one dedicated, three local network ports) perfect for modern gaming motherboards.
- 1x Gigabit Ethernet port for standard wired devices.
Additionally, the router includes two USB ports, allowing users to easily integrate external storage drives or share devices across the network.
Future-Proofing Your Network
While the finalization of the IEEE 802.11bn (Wi-Fi 8) standard is not officially expected until May 2028, Asus describes the current GT-BN98 support as a “draft” implementation. However, early adopters have nothing to worry about; this Wi-Fi 8 router is fully backwards compatible with existing Wi-Fi 7, Wi-Fi 6, and older devices, guaranteeing an immediate performance upgrade for your current hardware.
