Recently, ASUS introduced its router that supports WiFi7. Today, we will look into the product in this ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 Router Review.
The GT-BE98 is part of the Rapture series aimed at gamers. It sports features appealing to anyone seeking access to new standards combined with top-notch performance.
This product has a notable design for gamers demanding quality performance. It is also the first ASUS WiFi7 quad-band gaming router offering 320MHz channel support.
ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 Router Packaging
We immediately unboxed the product for our ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 Router Review. It ships in a black, sturdy box sporting a unique design.
The front displays a huge ROG at the centre and company branding on the upper-right corner of the box. Next to it is the router name, while on the upper-left corner of the package is WiFi7.
Inside the box, the GT-BE98 comes with accessories protected by cardboard and foam.
Package Contents
- RJ-45 cable
- Power adapter
- Quick Start Guide
- Warranty card
ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 Router Review – Design and Functionality
In this section of our ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 Router Review, there are three parts where we discuss the following:
WiFi7
WiFi7 is the latest offering, and like its predecessor, it works across these frequency bands: 5GHz, 2.4GHz, and 6GHz. But what makes it better than WiFi6 is the extensive use of the 6GHz band to enhance the data pipeline.
It is possible thanks to the feature of WiFi7 that makes it capable of simultaneously using two channels (MLO). It works by combining the 6GHz and 5GHz frequencies, totalling with a bandwidth of 320MHz.
This configuration increases throughput, facilitating increased data transmission speeds.
Design
When we unboxed for our ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 Router Review, we noticed the router sports the ROG aesthetic. It features a bold, futuristic design and has everything a gaming router should have:
- Lots of LEDs and illuminations
- Large dimensions
- Galactic-shaped antennas
- Tons of ports and connectors
It has eight massive antennas featuring the ASUS RangeBoost Plus technology. It provides quality coverage, reception, and excellent signal transmission. You can position the router horizontally and tilt it outwards at around 45°, forming a semi-circle.
You will not miss the illuminated ROG logo and customisable LEDs on top of the GT-BE98.
Moreover, the router has sharp edges matched with a glossy texture and transparent cutouts. It also has contemporary-looking ventilation grilles, making the entire aesthetic perfect for gaming enthusiasts.
If you prefer lights off, you can switch the LEDs off. Doing so will avoid turning your living room into a dance floor when night falls.
You can find a small LED indicator panel at the edge of the front part of this router. It works by tracking the connection status; however, it is barely visible in daylight.
The LED indicators notify you of the status of the following to facilitate monitoring and troubleshooting:
- Internet
- Local Network
- WiFi
- Power
Ports and Buttons
Under the LED indicators are the WPS and LED buttons, which you can customise via the ASUS Router mobile app.
The rear features a standard round DC power jack and a power button. It also has USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A and USB 2.0 ports.
You will also find a reset button, three LAN 2.5 Gbps ports, a WAN 2.5 Gbps port, and an RJ45 10 Gbps LAN/WAN port.
On the left of the router are two additional LAN ports. One has a 10 Gbps speed for gaming. The other is an RJ45 port for LAN with 10/100/1000 Mbps speeds.
Key Features of the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 Router
Quad-band Speeds
The GT-BE98 is an excellent router for gamers needing top-notch performance. Its latest technologies allow up to 16 simultaneous WiFi streams for browsing, gaming, and video streaming.
We tested the router to see if it would deliver what ASUS promises. We will share more about its performance later in our ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 Router Review.
Ultrawide 320 MHz Bandwidth
WiFi7 introduces 320 MHz channel bandwidth with double data transmission capacity. This ultrawide bandwidth can pack more data than previous WiFi technologies.
High-density 4096-QAM Data Transmission
4K-QAM enhances data transmission rates by 20% faster than WiFi 6 and 6E. The higher QAM combines signals more closely, allowing you to download and upload more data in the same timeframe.
Extensive Multi-link Operation
A device can simultaneously connect to multiple frequency bands with Multi-Link Operation. This technology aggregates bandwidth with more reliable WiFi connections on several bands to increase speeds.
Connecting to numerous bands also enables seamless switching for automated data allocation to the most suitable band to reduce latency.
The Powerhouse of the Next Generation
The quad-core 2.6 GHz processor and WiFi chipset of the GT-BE98 offer superior performance. It can handle the most demanding scenarios, including 10 Gbps WiFi connections, the latest cloud-based computing, cloud AI, and cloud gaming.
Say Goodbye to Dead Zones
The GT-BE98 has eight external antennas and 16 internal dipole antennas. Four antennas use a dual-freed design with copper tubes to provide excellent efficiency and better signal strength. Plus, each radio frequency chain has an independent high-power amplifier.
Keeps Temperatures Low and Cool
The GT-BE98 has all the necessary features to keep it cool. It has a thick aluminium plate, an abrasive-blasted nanocarbon layer, a uniquely designed vent, and a heat spreader. It also has a 2cm stand to allow more airflow into the router and improve heat dissipation.
Dual 10G Ports
Enjoy 10 Gbps of network for streaming, gaming, and other activities that require high speed. This router also allows LAN aggregation to boost wired networks up to 20 Gbps. It is ideal for more demanding devices like workstation PCs or NAS servers.
Quad 2.5G Ports
The Quad 2.5G ports guarantee optimal flexibility and wired connectivity. It allows your bandwidth-intensive games to maximise ultra-fast internet connections.
10Gbps Dedicated Gaming Port
The dedicated gaming port prioritises any connected gaming device for optimal performance.
Versatile WAN options
The GT-BE98 has three WAN ports: 10 Gbps, 2.5 Gbps, and USB WAN. You can choose the best WAN for your needs or plug-and-play 4G or 5G tethering for always-active internet.
Triple-level Game Acceleration
We noticed the low ping when we tested the product for this ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 Router Review. The GT-BE98 effectively boosts PC gaming traffic from the PC gaming port to the server.
Easy Game Console Port Forwarding
Using OpenNat on GT-BE98 has been simplified, allowing you to enjoy faster connection speeds, shorter waiting, and smoother gameplay. It works with legacy game consoles and gaming handhelds.
Specifications
- WiFi Data Rate: up to 11529 Mbp (@GHz BE)
- Antenna: 8x External Antennas
- Processor: 2.6GHz quad-core processor
- Operating Frequency: 2.4/5/6 GHz
- Power Supply – AC Input: 110V~240V(50~60Hz)
- Power Supply – DC Output: 19.5 V with maximum 3.33 A current
- Dimensions: 35.04 x 35.04 x 22.06 cm
- Weight: 2kg
Hands-on with the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 Router
Like other ASUS routers, setting up the GT-BE98 was quick and easy with the intuitive mobile app and web interface. All you have to do is connect the router into a power outlet. Next, connect the cable from your ISP to the WAN port.
Once connected, you can link your smartphone or computer to the WiFi network. You can use one of the LAN ports on its rear for wired connectivity.
We used the mobile app when setting up the product for this ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 Router Review. One of the things we love about ASUS routers is the intuitive interface on the web and the mobile app.
The mobile app is more convenient, but the web interface offers extensive settings and controls.
Setting up the GT-BE98 takes a few simple steps and minutes of waiting. Once completed, you can connect your devices and enjoy ultra-fast WiFi7 speeds.
The GT-BE98 can adapt its configuration based on the parameters and features of the network connected to it. You can also segregate the four frequencies for individual use or combine these in Smart Band mode. The latter optimises the best connection for the client and automatically sets the necessary configurations.
We were impressed with the network speeds and coverage of the GT-BE98. It delivered fast, strong, and stable signals in every corner. We did not notice any drop out zones throughout our tests for this ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 Router Review.
This router easily allowed us to stream 4K content without encountering issues and gaming was buttery smooth with no latency.
Network speeds were fast and consistent and we did not experience any intermittent speed drops or lost connections.
We also tried using wired connectivity to test the speed. We were impressed since the GT-BE98 maximised the highest speeds from our provider. It delivered top-notch performance, so we enjoyed seamless gaming and streaming with minimal latency.
The overall test results were superior since the signal was strong, stable, and fast with wired and wireless connectivity.
ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 Router Review Summary
The GT-BE98 is an impressive gaming router with the fastest speeds and the latest technologies. It is ideal for gamers, streamers, and anyone who needs high network speeds. This product has all the advanced gaming features and offers comprehensive configuration options.
We highly recommend this router if you want to invest in a high-quality, future-proof router with fast network speeds. Visit the official product page of ASUS for more information about the Rapture GT-BE98 Router.
