WiFi 8 is coming

[micron332]

I never chase speed liao, I chase stability hehehe

千万不要有跟人斗的心，你要赢的是你自己

i wonder how stable it is since end to end is still key. any middleman in the internet path still a vague situation for us. soon we also have 100Gbps internet for residential.

 

[kashix]

Will share some photos later on the Ultra 8 ~

 

[kashix]

i wonder how stable it is since end to end is still key. any middleman in the internet path still a vague situation for us. soon we also have 100Gbps internet for residential.

Initial impression is throughput and stability seems to be more stable/faster for even existing clients, better throughput over wider distance. For instance, was able to still pull close to 300Mbps on 5GHz after crossing 3 walls, inside the MBR. This is quite impressive to me as previously, inside that room with my U7 Pro XG, totally no signal at all.

Heat generation also another thing that I can talk about, barely any heat generated from the 8 Ultra, this is just with normal ambient cooling (ceiling fan). Web UI also revamped, cleaner looking web interface.

Overall design(aesthetic wise) really a major improvement over last gen where it looks more plasticky, this time round is more solid looking, more professionally designed. I think this time round is designed in california.

 

[HiHelloBye]

Yes, I prob 1st in Singapore hahahaha

how you get?

internal team?

 

[kashix]

how you get?

internal team?

This one I can't reveal due to NDA, paiseh ~
can only say I'm testing the unit now with my home devices ~
That includes my iPhones 18 Pro series, all working solid and well ~

also used the Xiaomi 14 as a 320MHz client, pulled 4.1-4.2gbps easily on speed test ~

 

[xiaofan]

Let's see when these first batch of Wi-Fi 8 routers will reach Singapore market and the pricing, maybe early 2027.

I am pretty sure the initial pricing of the first batch of 10Gbps capable triband or quad-band Wi-Fi 8 routers (Asus ROG GT-BN98, TP-Link Archer 8 Ultra, TP-Link Deco 8 Ultra) will be pretty expensive. They are likely to be more expensive than the first batch of hugh-end Wi-Fi 7 routers in late 2023 and early 2024 (eg: TP-Link Archer BE900, GE800 and BE800, TP-Link Deco BE85, Asus ROG GT-BE98, Asus ZenWiFi BQ16 and ZenWiFi BT10, etc).

29-Oct-2023

Challenger now has limited availability of the following.
1) Deco XE75 Pro AXE5400 triband, 2-pack and 3-pack, S$529 and S$729
2) Archer BE800 triband WiFi 7 BE19000, S$799

11-Nov-2023

Interesting to see BE85 (2 PACK) is already $1199 (RRP: $1499) at challenger website and shopee

28-Dec-2023

WiFi 7 router and mesh offerings from TPlink in local Challenger. All comes with dual 10G ports.

 

[kashix]

Let's see when these first batch of Wi-Fi 8 routers will reach Singapore market and the pricing, maybe early 2027.

I am pretty sure the initial pricing of the first batch of 10Gbps capable triband or quad-band Wi-Fi 8 routers (Asus ROG GT-BN98, TP-Link Archer 8 Ultra, TP-Link Deco 8 Ultra) will be pretty expensive. They are likely to be more expensive than the first batch of hugh-end Wi-Fi 7 routers in late 2023 and early 2024 (eg: TP-Link Archer BE900, GE800 and BE800, TP-Link Deco BE85, Asus ROG GT-BE98, Asus ZenWiFi BQ16 and ZenWiFi BT10, etc).

29-Oct-2023


11-Nov-2023


28-Dec-2023

I can't comment much yet, but will have surprise!
stay tuned!

 

[xiaofan]

For those who don't want to pay for the initial high price of Wi-Fi 8 routers (including me), you may have to wait for ISP bundled Wi-Fi 8 routers.

SingTel is the first one to bundle HB810 with its 10Gbps plan. Later Starhub got the EB810v. Both have pretty high end HW specifications but the initial EB810v Firmware were buggy.

18-Dec-2023
https://www.hardwarezone.com.sg/mobile/telco/tech-news-surf-faster-home-singtel-wi-fi-7-tp-link

22-Feb-2024
https://www.hardwarezone.com.sg/pc/...e-broadband-internet-plan-free-wi-fi-7-router

For me I got a few 2.5Gbe capable China Wi-Fi 7 routers in 2024. For 10Gbps capable triband Wi-Fi 7 routers, I only bought the TP-Link HB710 at S$192 from Starhub Shop in Dec 2024 and TP-Link Archer BE805 at S$300 from an M1 user here in Jan 2025.

 

[xiaofan]

TP-Link Wi-Fi 8 Product Launch Schedule

Wi-Fi 8 client adapters will be launched in Q2 2027.

https://wifinowglobal.com/news-and-blog/tp-link-bets-big-on-wi‑fi-8-with-expansive-product-lineup-archer-8-ultra-preorders-starting-september-30/

Regional preorders for the Archer 8 Ultra are scheduled to begin on September 30.

Deco 8 mesh systems: First quarter of 2027
Roam 8 travel router: Second quarter of 2027
Wi‑Fi 8 range extenders: Second quarter of 2027
Wi‑Fi 8 client adapters: Second quarter of 2027

 

[xiaofan]

Asus ROG GT-BN review by Malaysian reviewer

https://www.blacktubi.com/review/asus-rog-rapture-gt-bn98/
...
ASUS claims that the GT-BN98 can deliver up to 2x higher median throughput compared to Wi-Fi 7 at mid-to-long range.
...
And that’s exactly what I’ve experienced with the GT-BN98. When testing the system, the GT-BN98 produced significantly hight Wi-Fi throughput over a distance of two walls compared to the GT-BE98. The improvement at long range was immediately noticeable and consistent across multiple test runs. Of course, this was tested without a Wi-Fi 8 client device since there isn’t any I can find at the point of writing this article in 2026. Instead, I compared two units of the GT-BN98 against two units of the GT-BE98, both configured as a router and a Wi-Fi client.
...
On both our short range line-of-sight and long range tests, I experienced more than 10% higher average throughput on the GT-BN98 compared to the GT-BE98, even on my MacBook with just Wi-Fi 7. While it’s not as dramatic as the near-double performance gains when using two Wi-Fi 8 units, it’s still a meaningful improvement that shows the newer routers are benefiting Wi-Fi 7 clients as well, just on a smaller scale.
...

 

[kashix]

Asus ROG GT-BN review by Malaysian reviewer

https://www.blacktubi.com/review/asus-rog-rapture-gt-bn98/
...
ASUS claims that the GT-BN98 can deliver up to 2x higher median throughput compared to Wi-Fi 7 at mid-to-long range.
...
And that’s exactly what I’ve experienced with the GT-BN98. When testing the system, the GT-BN98 produced significantly hight Wi-Fi throughput over a distance of two walls compared to the GT-BE98. The improvement at long range was immediately noticeable and consistent across multiple test runs. Of course, this was tested without a Wi-Fi 8 client device since there isn’t any I can find at the point of writing this article in 2026. Instead, I compared two units of the GT-BN98 against two units of the GT-BE98, both configured as a router and a Wi-Fi client.
...
On both our short range line-of-sight and long range tests, I experienced more than 10% higher average throughput on the GT-BN98 compared to the GT-BE98, even on my MacBook with just Wi-Fi 7. While it’s not as dramatic as the near-double performance gains when using two Wi-Fi 8 units, it’s still a meaningful improvement that shows the newer routers are benefiting Wi-Fi 7 clients as well, just on a smaller scale.
...

The sheer size and weight of this thing is absurd lol. I prefer the Archer 8 Ultra, does everything and in a much smaller form factor.

 

[kashix]

Exclusive first look at the real set of 8 Ultra!
The form factor is noticeably smaller than the BE800/BE805, and honestly, I’m loving this design.

If Batman ever needed a router, I reckon this colour scheme would be right up his alley. A clean, professional look with a subtle, understated finish that blends effortlessly into your home décor. Definitely one that passes the all-important “wife factor” test!

Personally, I still prefer this more compact form factor. Based on my initial testing, the Wi-Fi coverage is sufficient to reach my MBR, which is a win in my book.

Sometimes, bigger isn’t necessarily better. A sleek design, good coverage, and something that doesn’t look out of place in the living room? I’ll take that win.

 

[xiaofan]

The sheer size and weight of this thing is absurd lol. I prefer the Archer 8 Ultra, does everything and in a much smaller form factor.

I agree. I am okay with smaller RT-BE86U form factor, or TUF-BE9300/TUF-BE6500 form factor, with external antenna. But I do not like ROG GT-BE98/GT-BN98 form factor which is huge.

And ROG-GTBE98 was/is just too expensive for me. My current two 10Gbps capable Wi-Fi 7 routers are from TP-Link, both with internal antenna (TP-Link HB710 and TP-Link Archer BE805). You can say Archer BE805 is huge though...

 

[xiaofan]

Exclusive first look at the real set of 8 Ultra!
The form factor is noticeably smaller than the BE800/BE805, and honestly, I’m loving this design.

If Batman ever needed a router, I reckon this colour scheme would be right up his alley. A clean, professional look with a subtle, understated finish that blends effortlessly into your home décor. Definitely one that passes the all-important “wife factor” test!

Personally, I still prefer this more compact form factor. Based on my initial testing, the Wi-Fi coverage is sufficient to reach my MBR, which is a win in my book.

Sometimes, bigger isn’t necessarily better. A sleek design, good coverage, and something that doesn’t look out of place in the living room? I’ll take that win.

TP-Link Archer 8 Ultra is indeed smaller than Archer BE800/805.

(Note: TP-Link does not seem to be consistent to define W/D/H).

TP-Link Archer BE800 (same size as Starhub EB810v)

Dimensions (W x D x H)	11.9 × 10.3 × 3.8 in (302 × 262.5 × 96 mm)

TP-Link Archer BE805 (Issued by M1 previously and now MR).

Dimensions (W×D×H)	4.1 × 11.7 × 10.4 in (104.3 × 297 × 264.5 mm)

TP-Link Archer 9 Ultra (BN800)

Dimensions (W×D×H)	8.9 × 3.9 × 9.7 in (226 × 98 × 245.6 mm)

Deco BE85 (same size as SingTel HB810 and Starhub/MR HB710)

Dimensions (W×D×H)	5.04 × 5.04 × 9.29 in (128 × 128 × 236 mm)

Deco 8 Ultra --> Same size as Deco BE85 ??

 

[TanKianW]

During my work trip to Japan this year, I took the opportunity to drive down to Makuhari Messe in Chiba to attend the annual TGS2026. This year was supposed to be a 3-day (for the public) event, but due to Typhoon No. 25, the last day of the event was cancelled. I bought 2-day tickets but was only able to attend a single day.

Sharing upcoming Asus Wifi 8 networking gear and some hardware at the booths. Gave up on some of the booths due to my.....tired legs that gave up on me. I am probably too old for this next year. ​

 

[HiHelloBye]

Exclusive first look at the real set of 8 Ultra!
The form factor is noticeably smaller than the BE800/BE805, and honestly, I’m loving this design.

If Batman ever needed a router, I reckon this colour scheme would be right up his alley. A clean, professional look with a subtle, understated finish that blends effortlessly into your home décor. Definitely one that passes the all-important “wife factor” test!

Personally, I still prefer this more compact form factor. Based on my initial testing, the Wi-Fi coverage is sufficient to reach my MBR, which is a win in my book.

Sometimes, bigger isn’t necessarily better. A sleek design, good coverage, and something that doesn’t look out of place in the living room? I’ll take that win.

can share the Web GUI?

 

[kashix]

can share the Web GUI?

Can ~ but not sure if it’s the finalised shipping firmware ~ let me check first

 

[kashix]

As requested, running retail firmware for SG



@HiHelloBye
@xiaofan

@HiHelloBye You're interested in this model is it? Haha
Can't share much yet, so will slowly show more over the next month

 

[kashix]

During my work trip to Japan this year, I took the opportunity to drive down to Makuhari Messe in Chiba to attend the annual TGS2026. This year was supposed to be a 3-day (for the public) event, but due to Typhoon No. 25, the last day of the event was cancelled. I bought 2-day tickets but was only able to attend a single day.

Sharing upcoming Asus Wifi 8 networking gear and some hardware at the booths. Gave up on some of the booths due to my.....tired legs that gave up on me. I am probably too old for this next year. ​

Too big liao .... the design, honestly not a fan .... prefer minimalistic design ~

 

[Arandalo]

As requested, running retail firmware for SG



@HiHelloBye
@xiaofan

@HiHelloBye You're interested in this model is it? Haha
Can't share much yet, so will slowly show more over the next month

Do you know if this newer and cleaner web management page will also eventually trickle down to the older Wi-Fi 7 models like TP-Link Archer BE805?