Final Words & Conclusion
The Rapture GT-BE98 distinguishes itself in network performance through strong connection capabilities. Equipped with multiple 2.5 and dual 10 Gigabit network ports, this device facilitates the integration of high-speed network equipment without the necessity for additional 10 GbE switches, and that's going to save you a lot of money. To run the WIFI7 performance levels you've seen today, it;'s also necessary, to prevent gigabit bandwidth limitations within the network infrastructure. The Rapture GT-BE98 as such offers significant performance benefits. Its setup process and application control are designed for efficiency and ease of use, providing a user-friendly experience in managing network configurations. And yeah, even at 5 to 10 meters you can pass (multi) Gigabit WLAN connectivity.
Performance
Unfortunately, the combined performance achieved on the 5/6Ghz band aggregated is very impressive. Even at 10 meters, you'll quite easily pass a Gigabit of throughput. From there onwards however you're still bound to the limitations of the WIFI range. In the end and in the future, that future is a MESH for the entire household, that or adding an access point. In our line of sight test (testing the host and client in the same room) we touched almost 3.8 Gbps ... holy cow man. Of course, your clients need to be Wi-Fi7 compatible, But any WIFI 5/6(E) device will work lovely on a single link as well.
This makes Wi-Fi excellent for moving big files across your network, and yeah, here in the Netherlands quite soon 8 Gbps fiber connections become a real thing also. We're advancing fast folks. There is an additional note I like to address, for Mesh systems Wi-Fi 7 also is going to make a difference. Current mesh systems often depend on a single wireless connection for backhaul, which is the link between different mesh nodes. This setup can lead to challenges, particularly when the band is congested. Such congestion may compel the router to switch to a different band, temporarily affecting data throughput as the system re-establishes its backhaul connection. Wi-Fi 7 mesh system could significantly enhance this process. Thanks to Multi-Link Operation (MLO), these systems can seamlessly transition between bands, virtually eliminating connection disruptions during band-switching. Wi-Fi 7's introduction of MLO, coupled with Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), also has the potential to reduce network lag. The capability of connecting to multiple bands simultaneously, along with advanced signal modulation techniques, suggests a reduction in the time devices spend waiting for the network to process other requests. This simultaneous multi-band connectivity and efficient signal processing could lead to a more responsive and efficient network experience.
Cost of operation
Routers and mesh units operate non-stop throughout the year, making it important to be aware of their yearly expenses. If your electricity rate is 35 cents per kilowatt-hour, a single unit will amount to approximately 61 euros or US dollars annually. When adding more (mesh/AP) units, the overall cost can be calculated by multiplying the base figure. It is important to consider the long-term financial implications before investing in additional mesh units as the new routers do consume above-normal even above-acceptable power.
Concluding
ASUS has now launched its GT-BE98, marking its entry into the Wi-Fi 7 router market. While it is not the first Wi-Fi 7 router available, it differentiates itself with a range of features that enhance the Wi-Fi 7 experience. For our first impression of Wi-Fi 7, well, we can only be left impressed. One concern that we have is the relatively high power consumption, idle at roughly 19 Watts, in use at roughly 20/21 Watts. Let's average that and do some math: (20/1000)x24x365=175 KWh per year of energy consumption, yes remember these are always on devices. Multiply your KWh rate with this number and that's your runtime cost per year. Yep, something to keep in the back of your head. That said, the GT-BE98 stands out for users seeking advanced connectivity options, including Gig+ speeds over wireless and wired connections. For users prioritizing high-performance and advanced networking, the ASUS GT-BE98 is a significant consideration. It is especially suitable for environments with multi-gigabit broadband infrastructure and devices compatible with Wi-Fi 7, offering potential improvements in network efficiency and coverage as part of a mesh network.
The router's design is rather impressive, inspired by the aesthetic of the Republic of Gamers brand and featuring unique hexagonal patterns. Most of you will also appreciate the RGB lighting on the ASUS ROG Rapture router, which can be personalized (or disabled) via the web admin interface or the ASUS mobile app. We measured it and on average the RGB only eats away 1 Watt. However if not in your eyesight, just disable it. I was able to connect all my devices to the Wi-Fi network without any problems, enjoying good signal strength and decent speed. This goes for WIFI5/6 and 6E devices based on a single-band link as well. The Rapture GT-BE98 is powerful, with it's 2.6 GHz quad-core processor it is plenty powerful for delivering fast speeds and stable connectivity. The 2.5G and 10G connections and real-time AiProtection Pro provide additional security features that will give gamers peace of mind when playing online. The device is also equipped with quad-band connections, with both 5GHz bands offering 4x4 connections and 6Ghz 320 MHz bandwidth. The 8 antennas ensure excellent WiFi efficiency and ultra-wide coverage.
From an objective point of view, the Asus ROG Rapture GT-BE98 distinguishes itself with a design that efficiently accommodates numerous high-capacity features within its considerable structure. In terms of data throughput, the router exhibits notably high speeds, particularly when operating at close(r) range. Furthermore, its capability in file transfer operations is impressive, indicating robust performance in data handling tasks. While the BE98 is priced at $799.99, which may be considered steep by some potential buyers, it stands out in its delivery of fast throughput rates. With a proper number of multi-gig connectors, it can also save you money on investing in a multi-gig switch. For those seeking more cost-effective alternatives, a Wi-Fi 6Erouter could be a viable option. Although these routers do not reach the speed levels of the Asus ROG Rapture GT-BE98, they do provide 6GHz transmission capabilities. However, for users prioritizing high throughput performance, the BE98 presents a compelling, albeit higher-priced, choice. It's rare to have witnessed such a big step forward in WIFI connectivity. If WLAN link aggregation becomes even more advanced, you'll probably never need LAN cables in your household.
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