Today in our ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 review, we’ll be focusing on ASUS’ router for gamers and enthusiasts. It’s one of the best WiFi 6 routers today, so it’s something everyone shouldn’t miss.
In the middle of 2017, the company released its Rapture GT AC-5300. It’s for enthusiasts and gamers who want to have the best wireless connectivity. After a year, the first Rapture stays as a compelling foundation for multi-faceted home networks.
Yet since its release, newer standards and qualities were established. With that, they promised everyone with a vast collection of products to work while streaming large numbers of data.
The ROG ecosystem is also shifting to greater layers of synergy. It’s done by using partnering technologies across developing software features and product categories that simplify setups.
Collectively, the changes and improvements set the stage for a remake. With that, ASUS produced their best WiFi 6 router, which is the ROG Rapture GT-AX11000.
Interested in this excellent WiFi 6 router? Then continue reading through our ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 review for all the essential details about the product.
ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 Packaging
On the first part of our ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 review, let’s focus on the packaging and contents of the router.
When we received our GT-AX11000, it came in a huge and sturdy cardboard box. It also reminded us a bit of what you’d often see from a motherboard package.
You’ll find the red on black colourway of ROG, plus ASUS’ branding that has a holographic model listed. Next to it is an image of the router, while below are the essential features like the Aura RGB support.
At the rear, ASUS displayed a good amount of marketing details, from top to bottom. The package’s bottom edge comes with a full specifications list.
Inside the package, you’ll find the ROG Rapture GT-AX11000, power cables, ethernet, and eight antennas.
ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 Review – Design and Functionality
This time on our ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 review, we will check out its design and functions.
The ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 is designed to be the best WiFi 6 router today. From its hardware, LED, buttons, to its WiFi 6, you’re sure to have a router that’s of top-notch quality.
Hardware Design
The GT-AX11000 looks similar to the GT-AC5300, so expect it to be as huge. It takes a square shape measuring 241mm wide, and that’s without the antennas. For its height, the router is 61mm tall while it’s heavy at 1.73kg.
When looking at this router, it’s even more massive when you attach its antennas.
LED
You will find an ROG logo at the top of the ROG Rapture GT-AX11000. It glows a beautiful bright red out of the box. Of course, you’re given the option to change this to any shade, and you can set different effects as well.
Available effects include Rainbow, Comet, Breathing, Static, Glowing Yoyo, Flash, Color Cycle, Strobing, Starry-Night, and Wave. You’ll also find the event option that changes the LED colours based on a variety of triggers. They are described as follows:
Game Boost
When you enable Game Boost, the LED bar will display Breathing in red.
Traffic Meter
The Rainbow LED displays real-time traffic and alters the colour combination based on internet speed.
Log-in Fail
When you fail to log in, Comet in red will appear on the LED bar.
Attack Block
When the system blocks a potential attack, Comet in red appears on the LED. It’s possible to disable the LED, which is better when setting the router in your bedroom. This setup is also ideal if you prefer not to get distracted by glowing lights.
There’s a string of extra white LED lights in front, from left to right. These lights indicate the power’s status, WAN and LAN, 2.4GHz/5GHz WiFi connection, plus the 2.5G gaming port.
Buttons
This is one of the best WiFi 6 routers around, and it has three concealed buttons on its left side. It lets you link devices via WPS and toggle the WiFi connectivity on or off. Plus, the Boost key enables you to perform functions that you link in the dashboard.
By default, the Boost key switches the ROG logo LED on or off. However, you can set it up to toggle all the LEDs on/off. You can also toggle using the DFS or Dynamic Frequency Selection channels, or the Game Boost function. The latter prioritises gaming packets and is considered an Adaptive QoS scheme.
Note that there are separate Adaptive QoS schemes for web surfing and media streaming. Plus, there’s also a customisation option letting you set hierarchies for web surfing, gaming file transfers, IMs, VoIP, and more.
WiFi 6
802.11ax or WiFi 6 is the current version of the 802.11 standard for wireless network transitions. Often, people refer it to WiFi.
WiFi 6 is a backward-compatible upgrade of the earlier version called the 802.11ac.
Technically, WiFi6 isn’t a new way to connect to the internet like fibre. Instead, it’s an enhanced standard in which compatible devices, specifically routers, can benefit in efficiently transmitting WiFi.
This is where ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 shines, thus, becoming the best WiFi 6 router to date.
Instead of it enhancing the speed for individual devices, WiFi 6 boosts the network when lots of devices are linked.
WiFi 6 exhibits new technologies reducing issues linked with connecting lots of WiFi devices in one network. It allows routers like the GT-AX11000, to communicate with more devices simultaneously. Plus it will enable routers to send data to numerous devices within the same broadcast.
Additionally, it lets WiFi devices schedule and setup check-ins with the router. Together, these features keep the connection strong even when more devices begin demanding for data.
WiFi 6 Technologies – What Makes It Faster?
Two primary technologies boost WiFi 6 connections. One is MU-MIMO, and the other is OFDMA.
MU-MIMO is already utilised in tons of modern devices. Yet with WiFi 6, it helps upgrade the MU-MIMO, and broadcasts to a single device, then the next, and next.
Generally, MU-MIMO lets routers communicate simultaneously with four devices. But with WiFi 6, a total of eight devices can communicate.
The other new technology, called OFDMA, allows a single transmission to bring data simultaneously to multiple devices. Also, OFDMA stands for Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access.
Different Devices Can Most Likely Maintain Fast Speeds Even on Busy Networks
The connection begins to change as more devices link to your network. Current routers usually get overwhelmed by requests from several devices. With WiFi 6 routers, they’re made to keep all devices up-to-date with everything they need.
And if you’re looking for the best WiFi 6 router today, that’s ASUS’ ROG Rapture GT-AX11000.
Do note that each device’s speed won’t be faster than what they can typically reach on high-quality networks. However, they’re likely to retain the top speeds despite busier environments.
WiFi 6 is ideal for homes where a single person is streaming Netflix, and another is playing games and more. In short, even when tons of smart gadgets are all checking in simultaneously, internet speed is maintained without any issues.
The speed of the linked devices won’t get enhanced. However, the speed you see them perform daily will surely get an upgrade with WiFi 6 routers. If you’re wondering how fast the said upgrade is, it all depends on the number of devices on the network.
Plus, the said upgrade will also be determined by how demanding all the linked devices are.
Allows for the Communication of Access Points
WiFi 6 is specially made to have network access points like routers to communicate better with more devices at once. Not only that, but in a way, it also helps the devices use less power than usual.
To begin with, WiFi 6 routers like the GT-AX11000 will get to pack more data into signals they send out. It only means that they can easily communicate with devices efficiently and much faster than usual.
Furthermore, the WiFi 6 access points will get to segregate each signal between the numerous receiving devices. Thus, it will service all of these with one transmission like delivery personnel with multiple stops during their route.
Next on this ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 review, we’ll focus on the essential features of the best WiFi 6 router.
Key Features of the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000
This part of our ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 review will focus on the router’s key features. Here, let’s see what makes it the best WiFi 6 router on the market.
Enjoy Stacked Performance with the ROG Rapture GT-AX11000
The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 comes with a reliable processor and platform that perform beyond wireless networking. These also work with USB, VPN, and NAT applications.
Additionally, this router delivers the fastest 2.4GHz and 5GHz speed rates. When using the 2.4GHz band, it could reach up to 1,148 Mbps. The two 5GHz bands offer up to 4.804Mbps each.
Both bands make the Rapture GT-AX11000 faster by 2.5 times compared to an equivalent 802.11ac
BCM4908 Quad-Core Processor: the First ax-compatible Chipset from Broadcom
The GT-AX11000 is equipped with Broadcom’s powerful processor, the enterprise-grade BCM4908. It’s a 64-bit quad-core processor with a clock frequency of 1.8GHz. With the BCM4908’s top-notch features, the GT-AX11000 becomes one of the best WiFi 6 routers on the market.
Broadcom is a leading company that manufactures networking components. They are one of the first to produce silicon that is ax-compatible.
From the previous generation devices, its system memory is upgraded to 1GB DDR3 for a smooth performance. It also provides the best experience when using the ROG Gaming Center interface. Aside from that, the upgraded processor helps deliver improved performance in VPN client, USB iCloud, and server apps.
ROG Rapture and 802.11ax – Higher Data for More Devices
The GT-AX11000 is one of the first routers that support the 802.11ax or WiFi 6 standard. It’s developed to solve congested and limited radio frequency range due to numerous client devices occupying networks. From wearables webcams and TVs to mobile devices, PCs, and consoles, people will need more network space soon.
The GT-AX11000 delivers exceptional performance in denser network environments, which is suitable for large homes, dormitories, and medium-sized businesses. It’s the best WiFi 6 router for places that need a fast, stable, and secure wireless connection for multiple devices.
OFDMA for Data Packets in a Single Channel
What makes the GT-AX11000 deliver excellent network speeds is the OFDMA or Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access. This technique bundles user data packets within a single channel. Also, it utilises the increase in channel width by decreasing the latency for every device when sending and receiving data.
Additional new features include TWT or Target Wake Time. This enhances the battery life of connected devices by scheduling transmissions, allowing for longer sleep time.
Have a Band for Gaming Only
Tri-band networking allows you to assign one 5GHz band to gaming only to avoid competing for bandwidth with other devices. Also, the DFS or Dynamic Frequency Selection of ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 unlocks 15 channels in the least congested 5GHz bands. As a result, the router provides additional bandwidth for all of your wireless devices.
Simultaneous VPN and Gaming
If you’re fed up and tired of virtual private networks decreasing your game performance, ROG is the solution to this.
The GT-AX11000 is the best WiFi 6 router with an impressive feature called VPN fusion. It allows you to run both regular internet connection and a VPN, simultaneously.
With that, even if other network users have to utilise VPNs, you can still take advantage of intense gaming speeds.
Light Up and Win
The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 is the first ROG router to support Aura RGB lighting. With that, you can customise your router and choose from hundreds of colours and numerous effects. Make your router unique and stylish to match your home and other devices in your Aura ecosystem.
ASUS AiProtection Pro
AiProtection Pro is Trend Micro’s newest commercial-grade security. It keeps track of each connected device, regardless of installed security software solutions.
AiProtection Pro keeps your smartphones, NAS boxes, and Smart TVs safeguarded while blocking malware and attacks from various sources. It ensures users’ safety from cross-infection on the local network.
With Parental Control, you can block specific websites and mobile app categories. Additionally, you can apply these settings to all devices of particular family members.
Trend Micro’s DPI or Deep Packet Inspection is an engine that doesn’t only filter by website URL, but also by packets. This increases the protection to mobile the apps on your devices.
AiProtection Pro comes with a lifetime license to provide unlimited protection for your ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000. Periodic security definition updates are implemented and revised regularly to stay protected from the latest threats.
ASUS AiCloud
ASUS AiCloud connects your home network with an online storage service. It provides access to your files via AiCloud mobile app via Android, iOS, or browser using any device with internet access.
You can connect AiCloud to another compatible router to extend your cloud storage between home and office. Connect an HDD, SSD, or a USB flash drive to the GT-AX11000 router, and you can establish an expandable online storage medium.
Adaptive QoS
Adaptive QoS or Quality of Service enhances both outbound and inbound bandwidth on wired and WiFi connections.
Tasks and applications can be prioritised via the easy drag-and-drop interface. These feature different presets for VoIP, gaming, media streaming, web browsing, plus file transfers.
Traffic Analyser
With Traffic Analyzer, you can have a view of your network’s status. It also lets you choose from different timescales, including monthly, weekly, or daily.
Plus, it allows for identifying potential issues to eliminate performance bottlenecks within your network. It presents each user’s bandwidth, as well as sent and received packets.
ASUS AiMesh
ASUS AiMesh is a feature that the GT-AX11000 supports for extending WiFi network coverage in larger areas since it allows for a single network that’s enough to cover your entire home or office.
Additionally, AiMesh monitors your devices’ signal strength so it can switch between routers when needed.
Specifications
Now, our ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 review will feature the specifications of today’s best WiFi 6 router.
The BCM-43684 WiFi chip from Broadcom powers the router. This element establishes a tri-band 802.11ax network known as WiFi 6.
It can get into the newest wireless techniques, such as Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access or OFDMA. Other techniques include dynamic frequency options and efficiency of utilising any of 15 5GHz bands for the clearest signal.
Inside, the chip comes with a quad-core 1.8GHz processor. It has 1GB of RAM plus 256MB of space for the settings and firmware.
It’s not only a fast router, but the GT-AX11000 is considered to be the best WiFi 6 router around. It can push 4.8Gbps on each of the available 5GHz transmission on each of the two 5GHz transmission bands. Plus, there’s also its 2.4GHz channel.
Lastly, it’s rated at a total of 10.8Gbps to wireless devices that have 802.11ax hardware.
Additionally, it has a 2.5G Base T Gigabit Ethernet ports, which you can use if you prefer wired connections. It has a maximum throughput of 2.5Gbps.
The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 supports WPS WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK, WPA-Enterprise, WPA2-Enterprise encryption.
For the power supply, its AC input is 110V~240V(50~60Hz). The DC output is 19 V with a maximum current of 3.42 A.
For Windows, the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 supports Windows 7, 8, and 10. For macOS, it supports macOS X 10.6, 10.7, and 10.8.
Hands on with the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000
This time on our ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 review, we’ll focus on the performance of this router.
When it comes to the router’s range, it’s fantastic. We were able to cover the entire office with no noticeable drops in signal strength or speed. The router provided excellent signal at each corner of the area when we placed it in the middle, which was really awesome.
Moreover, the router was reliable during our tests, which is something we truly appreciate.
For a few days, we tested the router with a lot of heavy tasks. To our surprise, it didn’t disconnect even once. The speeds remained consistent and there were never any speed drops.
Also, we used multiple devices simultaneously and tried streaming, gaming, and browsing. Our overall experience with the router was great.
With all the impressive results during our tests, we can say that the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 is indeed the best WiFi 6 router.
ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 Review Summary
Today, there aren’t a lot of WiFi 6 routers yet, but the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 has set the bar. As of now, it’s the best WiFi 6 router we’ve used. It may be a little overwhelming for new users. However, it’s the most well-appointed routers we’ve seen.
If you’re on the market to search for a new and upgraded router, it’s best to go for WiFi 6. Although it’s more expensive than the rest of its kind, it makes sense to spend on WiFi 6 instead of getting a WiFi 5 unit.
And if you’re looking for the best WiFi 6 router, go for the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000. With all of its features you need for a faster and more stable network connection, this is indeed an excellent choice.
To conclude our ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 review, we were satisfied with the router, and we highly recommend it. So if you want to have this product, check out the store locator for authorised dealers and resellers.
