ASUS has confirmed the availability of its ROG Rapture GT-BN98 series router in Malaysia, marking one of the first Wi-Fi 8 (IEEE 802.11bn) routers to reach retail stores. The GT-BN98 series is scheduled for worldwide release in October, and ASUS also confirmed the launch of the ZenWiFi BN12, a dedicated Wi-Fi 8 mesh system designed for larger, high-capacity homes, also arriving in October.
ROG Rapture GT-BN98 Series
Built on the Wi-Fi 8 “architectural framework,” the ROG Rapture GT-BN98 series is designed to support both current Wi-Fi 7 devices and future Wi-Fi 8 hardware (though it should be noted that Wi-Fi 8 spec is still not yet fully locked in at this point in time). ASUS claims the router can deliver “measurable performance gains” when paired with existing Wi-Fi 7 client devices, and that Wi-Fi 8 features such as Unequal Modulation (UEQM) and Non-Primary Channel Access (NPCA) may help improve connection stability and reduce interference as compatible devices become more common.
The series includes two models, the GT-BN98 Pro (BN30000) and the GT-BN98 (BN25000), both featuring quad-band Wi-Fi 8 designs with total wireless throughput of up to 30,000Mbps. Both models are powered by a 2.6GHz quad-core processor with 2GB of RAM, and include two 10Gbps ports along with four 2.5Gbps LAN ports for wired connectivity. The router uses a 16-antenna architecture consolidated into eight external antennas through a 3D structural design, paired with a thermal system which helps maintain sustained performance and coverage.
ZenWiFi BN12 Mesh System
The ASUS ZenWiFi BN12 is positioned as the world’s first 12-stream, tri-band Wi-Fi 8 mesh system, aimed at large homes and connected households. The system uses 2x LDPC wall-penetration technology, with coverage rated at up to 7,000 square feet, and includes dual 10Gbps ports for high-speed wired backhaul between mesh nodes. It also includes ASUS AiProtection Pro and customizable Parental Controls at no additional subscription cost, as well as ASUS AiMesh support which allows most existing ASUS routers to form part of the wider mesh system.
Availability
In Malaysia, the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BN98 (BN25000) will be available starting mid-October, with pre-orders opening at the end of September; further pre-order details are expected to be announced separately. The ASUS ZenWiFi BN12 and the broader Wi-Fi 8 lineup are scheduled for worldwide availability from October onwards.
Pokdepinion: Wi-Fi 8 is more about reliability than speed, and let’s face it, is any household really going to saturate 30Gbps worth of bandwidth?