Asus WiFi 7 and WiFi 6E routers

[xiaofan]

Just read the posts on routers and mesh systems. For 10gbps plans, should I go for M1 Archer BE805, M1 Asus BT10(x2) or Starhub EB810v? I know that BT10 is not popular here. If Singtel is offering BE85 it will make my job easier.

1) Why do you want 10Gbps when 5Gbps/6Gbps plan offer much better value?

Take note 10Gbps plans by local consumer ISPs will have the max speed at about 8.2x Gbps due to XGS-PON technology limitation.

2) In case you really want to have 10Gbps, you can continue reading.

SingTel is offering HB810 which has basically the same spec as Deco BE85 but with TP-Link EasyMesh and not Deco Mesh.

Take note SingTel is using ONR and the HB810 is configured in AP mode by default, wasting the CPU power of HB810. If you only care about wireless performance, then this does not matter.

Asus ZenWiFi BT10 two pack is still popular, it will be the best option if you want a mesh solution, as AImesh is similar to Deco mesh in terms of maturity. Asus AImesh and TP-Link Deco Mesh are both more mature and better than TP-Link EasyMesh as a mesh technology. ZenWiFi BT10 is usable but not that great as a single router because it has the weakest CPU among all the routers in this discussion.

For M1 10Gbps plan, in reality nobody should select Archer BE805 anyway, since ZenWiFi BT10 two pack has much higher resale value. If you like Archer BE805, then you can even sell the two ZenWiFi BT10 for about S$660 and buy a new Archer BE805 for about S$300.

EB810v has the best HW spec (slightly better than HB810 and Archer BE805) but there seem to be quite some FW issues reported in this forum and TP-Link seems to slow in fixing the problem as it is a service provider model.

3) My recommendation will be M1 10Gbps plan if you die die want to choose among SingTel/Starhub/M1 10Gbps plan.

4) But I will recommend M1 6Gbps plan with free Archer BE805, at S$34.90 per month, it beats the value of SingTel/Starhub/M1 10Gbps plan.

 

[purpleberry]

1) Why do you want 10Gbps when 5Gbps/6Gbps plan offer much better value?

Take note 10Gbps plans by local consumer ISPs will have the max speed at about 8.2x Gbps due to XGS-PON technology limitation.

2) In case you really want to have 10Gbps, you can continue reading.

SingTel is offering HB810 which has basically the same spec as Deco BE85 but with TP-Link EasyMesh and not Deco Mesh.

Take note SingTel is using ONR and the HB810 is configured in AP mode by default, wasting the CPU power of HB810. If you only care about wireless performance, then this does not matter.

Asus ZenWiFi BT10 two pack is still popular, it will be the best option if you want a mesh solution, as AImesh is similar to Deco mesh in terms of maturity. Asus AImesh and TP-Link Deco Mesh are both more mature and better than TP-Link EasyMesh as a mesh technology. ZenWiFi BT10 is usable but not that great as a single router because it has the weakest CPU among all the routers in this discussion.

For M1 10Gbps plan, in reality nobody should select Archer BE805 anyway, since ZenWiFi BT10 two pack has much higher resale value. If you like Archer BE805, then you can even sell the two ZenWiFi BT10 for about S$660 and buy a new Archer BE805 for about S$300.

EB810v has the best HW spec (slightly better than HB810 and Archer BE805) but there seem to be quite some FW issues reported in this forum and TP-Link seems to slow in fixing the problem as it is a service provider model.

3) My recommendation will be M1 10Gbps plan if you die die want to choose among SingTel/Starhub/M1 10Gbps plan.

4) But I will recommend M1 6Gbps plan with free Archer BE805, at S$34.90 per month, it beats the value of SingTel/Starhub/M1 10Gbps plan.

Really appreciate your informative reply. 5Gbps/6Gbps plan seems a better value at this stage. I have been using Asus for the past 20 years but experience was spotty with AI Mesh issues in the past. I dont mind Asus but there seems to be a problem with Asus ZenWiFi BT10 range in one of the threads here(?) My current setup is Asus Rapture GT-AX6000 and I intend to keep it for legacy devices. I find its range to be very good as well.

If I get Asus ZenWiFi BT10 (x2), I will do a wireless backhaul. Both routers will be within visible range at around 8-9m apart. The main unit will connect to a NAS system with 10Gbps port and GT-AX6000 (AP mode). But if Archer BE805 or EB810v has a good range, I dont mind a single router instead. The wireless performance for BE805 seems slightly better based on https://www.blacktubi.com/review/tp-link-archer-be805/

I guess now it comes down to either Asus ZenWiFi BT10 (x2), Archer BE805 or EB810v.

 

[xiaofan]

Really appreciate your informative reply. 5Gbps/6Gbps plan seems a better value at this stage. I have been using Asus for the past 20 years but experience was spotty with AI Mesh issues in the past. I dont mind Asus but there seems to be a problem with Asus ZenWiFi BT10 range in one of the threads here(?) My current setup is Asus Rapture GT-AX6000 and I intend to keep it for legacy devices. I find its range to be very good as well.

If I get Asus ZenWiFi BT10 (x2), I will do a wireless backhaul. Both routers will be within visible range at around 8-9m apart. The main unit will connect to a NAS system with 10Gbps port and GT-AX6000 (AP mode). But if Archer BE805 or EB810v has a good range, I dont mind a single router instead. The wireless performance for BE805 seems slightly better based on https://www.blacktubi.com/review/tp-link-archer-be805/

I guess now it comes down to either Asus ZenWiFi BT10 (x2), Archer BE805 or EB810v.

I have the Archer BE805 (bought from M1 user at S$300 late Jan 2025) and it has pretty decent WiFi range. I tend to believe it should be comparable with your ROG GT-AX6000 for the 5Ghz band.

If your ROG GT-AX6000 range is fine already, then I tend to think M1 6Gbps new user offer at S$34.90 per month (with free Archer BE805) is the best one to go.

 

[kashix]

I have the Archer BE805 (bought from M1 user at S$300 late Jan 2025) and it has pretty decent WiFi range. I tend to believe it should be comparable with your ROG GT-AX6000 for the 5Ghz band.

If your ROG GT-AX6000 range is fine already, then I tend to think M1 6Gbps new user offer at S$34.90 per month (with free Archer BE805) is the best one to go.

BE805 underrated model, so much value if you can get at that price. One of my fav model from TP Link for sure.

 

[purpleberry]

I have the Archer BE805 (bought from M1 user at S$300 late Jan 2025) and it has pretty decent WiFi range. I tend to believe it should be comparable with your ROG GT-AX6000 for the 5Ghz band.

If your ROG GT-AX6000 range is fine already, then I tend to think M1 6Gbps new user offer at S$34.90 per month (with free Archer BE805) is the best one to go.

BE805 underrated model, so much value if you can get at that price. One of my fav model from TP Link for sure.

After reading so many issues with BT10, I think Archer BE805 offers the best value for now. In your old posts, you mentioned that the BE805 CPU is of higher spec. How does this help, especially in day-to-day NAS file transfers?

If I get those Cat 7/8 ethernet cables, will there be an effect on performance if it goes 4-5m in length?

 

[xiaofan]

After reading so many issues with BT10, I think Archer BE805 offers the best value for now. In your old posts, you mentioned that the BE805 CPU is of higher spec. How does this help, especially in day-to-day NAS file transfers?

If I get those Cat 7/8 ethernet cables, will there be an effect on performance if it goes 4-5m in length?

What do you mean by NAS file transfer? Hopefully you are not using the USB port as a simple NAS. Do not have high hope on that for any router USB ports.

The CPU is more useful for things like VPN server/client function. It may also matter a bit if the router is under heavy load (eg: torrent).

If you talk about NAS connected to the 10G LAN port, maybe the router CPU does not matter too much.

CAT7/8 cable are not required and will not improve speed compared to CAT 6 (rated for 10Gbps up to 55m) or CAT6A (fully rated for 10Gbps) for 10Gbps network.

 

[purpleberry]

What do you mean by NAS file transfer? Hopefully you are not using the USB port as a simple NAS. Do not have high hope on that for any router USB ports.

The CPU is more useful for things like VPN server/client function. It may also matter a bit if the router is under heavy load (eg: torrent).

If you talk about NAS connected to the 10G LAN port, maybe the router CPU does not matter too much.

CAT7/8 cable are not required and will not improve speed compared to CAT 6 (rated for 10Gbps up to 55m) or CAT6A (fully rated for 10Gbps) for 10Gbps network.

Thanks for your insight. I am planning to upgrade my Synology with a 10Gbps LAN adapter so I will be connecting the 10Gbps port of the router to this. Now I just need to get a good 5m ethernet cable to feed this. My AX6000 can be fed via a 1Gbps port as it is running mostly legacy devices anyway.

I have not explored VPN on routers yet. Is it correct to assume that once connected/installed, I dont have to worry on the client side?

 

[xiaofan]

Thanks for your insight. I am planning to upgrade my Synology with a 10Gbps LAN adapter so I will be connecting the 10Gbps port of the router to this. Now I just need to get a good 5m ethernet cable to feed this. My AX6000 can be fed via a 1Gbps port as it is running mostly legacy devices anyway.

I have not explored VPN on routers yet. Is it correct to assume that once connected/installed, I dont have to worry on the client side?

You can play with VPN Client on your Asus ROG GT-AX6000 function first to see how you can use the VPN Fusion function.
https://www.asus.com/sg/support/faq/1048507/

Asus ROG GT-AX6000 is a high end Aus WiFi 6 router and it is one of the best WiFI 6 router out there. A bit wasted to run as an AP...
https://dongknows.com/asus-rog-rapture-gt-ax6000-gaming-router-review/

It has the very unique VLAN function (none of the TP-Link Archer/Deco routers support this function) and Guest Network Pro.

 

[xiaofan]

Asus has updated the following two FAQ, now Asus higher end WiFi 7 routers are listed as supported.

1) Asus VLAN FAQ
https://www.asus.com/sg/support/faq/1049415/
Product: EBA63, EBG15, EBG19P, EBM68, EBR63, GT-AX11000 Pro, GT-AX6000, GT-BE19000, GT-BE96, GT-BE98, GT-BE98 Pro, ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000, RT-AX57 Go, RT-AX86U Pro, RT-AX88U Pro, RT-BE86U, RT-BE88U, RT-BE96U

2) Asus Guest Network Pro
https://www.asus.com/sg/support/faq/1049414/
Product: GT-AX6000, GT-BE19000, GT-BE96, GT-BE98, GT-BE98 Pro, RT-AX57 Go, RT-AX86U Pro, RT-AX88U Pro, RT-BE86U, RT-BE88U, RT-BE96U

 

[xiaofan]

Asus WiFi 7 routers are still expensive. The attached pricing info from Asus is only for reference as you may find better lobangs in other places.

The only cost effective model is probably the Asus ZenWiFi BT10 two-pack (S$700 or less for the two pack) dumped by M1 users. Asus list price of S$1299 looks like a joke compared to the resale price.

For those who want to look at cost effective WiFi 7 routers, TP-Link Archer BE805 (S$300 or even less) and Archer BE230 (S$90 or even less) dumped by M1 users are worth looking at. Of course the FW features will be less.

For dual band Asus WiFi 7 routers without 6GHz band, China versions of Asus RT-BE88U, RT-BE86U, TUF-BE6500 and TUF-BE3600 may be more cost effective if you do not mind no local warranty.
https://www.asus.com.cn/store/gallery-476.html

Asus China WiFi 7 router pricing:

RT-BE88U: RMB 2099​

RT-BE86U: RMB 1799​

TUF-BE6500: RMB 799​

TUF-BE3600 (a bit better than RT-BE58U): RMB 499​

 

[gundamkitten]

ASUS ZenWiFi Pro ET12 Firmware version 3.0.0.6.102_36382
Version 3.0.0.6.102_36382
50.93 MB
2025/03/12

SHA-256 ：251AF0A96CA3E8F5FBB749D9453B711A105FC39983F0CD8AFA5FE5E7A1E2E13C

1. Fixed the UI issue in Chrome.
2. Fixed client binding issues in Mesh scenarios.
3. Enhanced input parameter handling techniques to improve data processing stability and system security.
4. Enhance system access control mechanisms.

 

[gundamkitten]

ASUS ZenWiFi BQ16 Firmware version 3.0.0.6.102_36909
Version 3.0.0.6.102_36909
63.8 MB
2025/03/10

SHA-256 ：D6261605D5B565A237BC01CB3E8CA3BCE88F15FAEC8646044C479BE6E141CE67

1. Enhanced input parameter handling techniques to improve data processing stability and system security.
2. Enhance system access control mechanisms.

 

[kenho_23]

I got one local ASUS BE6500 from MyRepublic. Can I buy BE6500 Pro from China and form AI Mesh via wired backhaul? Will there be any performance or stability issue with this setup?

 

[xiaofan]

I got one local ASUS BE6500 from MyRepublic. Can I buy BE6500 Pro from China and form AI Mesh via wired backhaul? Will there be any performance or stability issue with this setup?

There is no such thing as Asus BE6500 Pro, the China version of TUF-BE6500 is called TUF小旋风Pro电竞路由器WiFi7.

And yes they can mesh together.

Local version and China version have the same HW/FW, just different country code. As a result there are some minor different behaviors. Please refer to Post #2 (in Page 1) of this thread for more details.

Asus China WiFi 7 routers:
https://www.asus.com.cn/store/gallery-476.html

RT-BE88U --> RMB 2099
RT-BE86U --> RMB 1799
TUF小旋风Pro电竞路由器WiFi7 --> TUF-BE6500, RMB 799.
TUF小旋风WiFi7 BE3600电竞路由器 --> TUF-BE3600, RMB 499.

 

[xiaofan]

Asus TUF-BE6500 speedtest: main MLO SSID vs IoT SSID, at close range, 3m distance.

In this case, MLO SSID is a bit faster than the IoT SSID, but probably not because of MLO, but rather using 4096 QAM (WiFi 7) versus 1024 QAM (WiFi 6).

Wireless router -- Asus TUF-BE6500, 192.168.50.1
iperf3 server -- Linux LxC container, 192.168.50.15
Wireless client, iperf3 client -- Windows 11 24H2 laptop, Acer Swift Go 14 2024 model, Intel BE200NGW based Killer BE1750 WiFi 7 adapter, 3m away from the wireless router.

iperf3 --> using -P4

1) Main MLO SSID (2.4GHz+5GHz MLO, 4096 QAM, WiFi 7), PHY connection speed 2882 Mbps

Download
[SUM]   0.00-10.05  sec  2.24 GBytes  1.92 Gbits/sec    0             sender
[SUM]   0.00-10.01  sec  2.23 GBytes  1.91 Gbits/sec                  receiver

Upload:
[SUM]   0.00-10.01  sec  1.63 GBytes  1.40 Gbits/sec                  sender
[SUM]   0.00-10.04  sec  1.62 GBytes  1.39 Gbits/sec                  receiver

2) IoT SSID (5GHz, 1024QAM, WiFi 6), PHY connection speed 2402 Mbps

Download
[SUM]   0.00-10.04  sec  2.00 GBytes  1.71 Gbits/sec  0             sender
[SUM]   0.00-10.01  sec  1.99 GBytes  1.71 Gbits/sec                  receiver

Upload:
[SUM]   0.00-10.01  sec  1.26 GBytes  1.09 Gbits/sec                  sender
[SUM]   0.00-10.10  sec  1.26 GBytes  1.07 Gbits/sec                  receiver

Just a comparison for WiFi 6 client, Acer Switft 3 early 2021 model with built-in Intel AX201 adapter, connect to the MLO SSID (5GHz band, PHY speed 2402 Mbps).

Download
[SUM]   0.00-10.03  sec  1.91 GBytes  1.63 Gbits/sec  0             sender
[SUM]   0.00-10.01  sec  1.89 GBytes  1.62 Gbits/sec                  receiver

Upload
[SUM]   0.00-10.00  sec  1.47 GBytes  1.26 Gbits/sec                  sender
[SUM]   0.00-10.12  sec  1.47 GBytes  1.24 Gbits/sec                  receiver

 

[xxviiperxx]

Just upgraded to M1 2.5ghz (higher bandwidth wasn't available at my region) and was given a TP-Link BE230 which replaced a working Asus AX6000.

However we started experiencing wifi disconnections and poor range. So decided to buy a better router ($500 and below) and use either the BE230 or AX6000 as Ai Mesh.

Any advice pls. Thanks!

 

[xiaofan]

Just upgraded to M1 2.5ghz (higher bandwidth wasn't available at my region) and was given a TP-Link BE230 which replaced a working Asus AX6000.

However we started experiencing wifi disconnections and poor range. So decided to buy a better router ($500 and below) and use either the BE230 or AX6000 as Ai Mesh.

Any advice pls. Thanks!

TP-Link Archer BE230 does not support AImesh.

Which Asus AX6000 do you have? ROG GT-AX6000 (flagship WiFi 6 router) or TUF-AX6000 (very good mid-range WiFi 6 router) or RT-AX88U (old high end WiFi 6 with good coverage) ?

ROG GT-AX6000 and TUF-AX6000 are both good WiFi 6 routers which work very well with M1 2.5Gbps, no need to change. They both have dual 2.5G ports. They are both way better than the Archer BE230.

 

[xxviiperxx]

TP-Link Archer BE230 does not support AImesh.

Which Asus AX6000 do you have? ROG GT-AX6000 (flagship WiFi 6 router) or TUF-AX6000 (very good mid-range WiFi 6 router) or RT-AX88U (old high end WiFi 6 with good coverage) ?

ROG GT-AX6000 and TUF-AX6000 are both good WiFi 6 routers which work very well with M1 2.5Gbps, no need to change. They both have dual 2.5G ports. They are both way better than the Archer BE230.

It is an old RT-AX88U . It had issue reaching my master bedroom & its toilet of my 5RM point block previously as well. So thought I needed a stronger one, or a second one nearer the bedroom.

For BE230, I meant TP-link's EasyMesh, so had the impression that my option was to buy a better model from either TP-Link or ASUS, and use the respective lousier one as node.

Thanks!

 

[xiaofan]

It is an old RT-AX88U . It had issue reaching my master bedroom & its toilet of my 5RM point block previously as well. So thought I needed a stronger one, or a second one nearer the bedroom.

For BE230, I meant TP-link's EasyMesh, so had the impression that my option was to buy a better model from either TP-Link or ASUS, and use the respective lousier one as node.

Thanks!

If you have LAN ports in the rooms, either option is okay.

You may want to post the floor plan with details of the location of the FTP, LAN ports in the room and current placement of the RT-AX88U.

 

[xxviiperxx]

If you have LAN ports in the rooms, either option is okay.

You may want to post the floor plan with details of the location of the FTP, LAN ports in the room and current placement of the RT-AX88U.

Floorplan uploaded here - https://ibb.co/995vHZ7C.

Modem and router both at the same location in living room. No LAN ports in rooms. Using HomePlugs for PCs in the study room instead.