The ASUS RT-BE82U is a dual-band Wi-Fi 7 router positioned for users seeking a performance-oriented upgrade. As an early entry into the Wi-Fi 7 market, this router delivers on its core promises of speed and network stability, establishing itself as a robust solution for modern home environments with high-bandwidth demands.
A significant strength of the RT-BE82U is its wired connectivity. The inclusion of five 2.5 GbE ports provides a future-proof foundation for any home network. This high-speed Ethernet infrastructure is ideal for connecting devices such as gaming PCs, network-attached storage (NAS) devices, and professional workstations, ensuring that the network’s backbone can support multi-gigabit data transfers without creating a performance bottleneck. The router is powered by a 2.0 GHz quad-core processor and 1 GB of RAM, ensuring it can handle a large number of connected devices and demanding network tasks efficiently.
The router’s wireless performance is defined by its implementation of key Wi-Fi 7 technologies. The 4096-QAM modulation allows for a denser data signal, resulting in theoretical speeds up to 20% faster than those of older Wi-Fi 6 routers. For compatible clients, this translates to faster downloads and smoother streaming of high-resolution content, such as 8K video. The Multi-Link Operation (MLO) feature enhances stability by intelligently utilizing both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands simultaneously, which helps maintain a consistent, buffer-free connection throughout the home.
The primary consideration for potential buyers is the absence of the 6 GHz band. This is common for the early models of Wi-Fi 7 routers whereby it still maintains the dual-band network. While this may limit peak performance with future devices that utilize the 6 GHz band, the current feature set provides an exceptional user experience on the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
The router setup is also simplified by the ASUS team.
Beyond its hardware, the RT-BE28U integrates a comprehensive software suite. AiMesh compatibility allows it to function as a core component of a seamless mesh network, extending coverage to eliminate Wi-Fi dead zones.
Security is managed by AiProtection Pro, which provides a robust defense against online threats.
The system also offers granular control through parental settings and the ability to segment devices into dedicated networks, such as those for IoT devices or VPN clients, all managed through a well-designed mobile application.
Overall, the ASUS RT-BE82U is a strong contender for those ready to upgrade to next-generation networking. Its powerful wired and wireless features, combined with a robust software platform, make it a solid investment for a high-performance home network.
