Asus WiFi 7 and WiFi 6E routers

[xiaofan]

If one is the using the latest Merlin FW for WIFI 7 devices, you are safu

3006.102.2_2 (17-Nov-2024)
- FIXED: Security issues in AiCloud (backports from Asus)

Yes, this is a good point.

https://www.asuswrt-merlin.net/

RT-BE96U	3006.102.2_2
GT-BE98_PRO	3006.102.2_2
RT-BE86U	3006.102.2_2
RT-BE88U	3006.102.2_2

 

[xiaofan]

Note: only GT-BE98 is sold in Singapore
Note: other Asus WiFi 7 routers may also have MLO support but may not be as mature as the following 4.

Asus MLO FAQ as of 25-Nov-2024
https://www.asus.com/sg/support/faq/1053342/

1. MLO for Asus WiFi routers.

[Wi-Fi 7 Wireless Router] What is MLO (Multi-Link Operation) and how it works?

Wi-Fi 7 introduces two advanced modes of operation for Multi-Link Operation (MLO): STR (Simultaneous Transmit and Receive) and EMLSR (enhanced Multi-Link-Single-Radio).

Note: In this FAQ, MLO refers to Wi-Fi network provided to client devices.

• STR (Simultaneous Transmit and Receive):

This mode allows devices to manage multiple Wi-Fi connections on different channels or frequencies simultaneously. For most phone devices currently, support 2GHz+ 5GHz only.​

• eMLSR (Enhanced Multi-Link-Single-Radio):

EMLSR mode focuses on optimizing the setup and recovery processes of multi-link operations. It enhances the efficiency of establishing and maintaining multiple Wi-Fi connections, especially in environments where network conditions can change rapidly.​

For MLO on ASUS routers, we support both modes, however, it will base on client devices supported modes.

MLO supported models: ASUS Wi-Fi 7 series

Model	Firmware version
GT-BE96	Later than 3.0.0.6.102_33844
RT-BE96U	Later than 3.0.0.6.102_34488
GT-BE98	Later than 3.0.0.6.102_34372
GT-BE98 Pro	Later than 3.0.0.6.102_34491

2. Limitations:

Will the AiMesh node (a WiFi 6E router that does not support MLO) have a 6GHz WiFi network after being added to the main AiMesh router that supports WiFi 7 MLO?
If MLO is enabled on AiMesh Primary router, the node without MLO will not broadcast 6GHz WiFi. If you want to disable MLO, log in to the ASUS router settings page, go to[Wireless] > [MLO], and click [Enable MLO] to disable this feature (enabled by default).

Why is it that in my WiFi 7 AiMesh system, only the first node can use MLO Backhaul, while the subsequent WiFi 7 nodes cannot utilize MLO Backhaul?
Currently, due to known chipset technology limitations, only the first node can use MLO (Multi-Link Operation) Backhaul.

 

[gundamkitten]

BQ16 new firmware:

ASUS ZenWiFi BQ16 Firmware version 3.0.0.6.102_36801
Version 3.0.0.6.102_36801
63.61 MB
2024/11/26
Please unzip the firmware file, and then verify the checksum.
SHA256: 856e7aab42ee18e4da63ee4a116b4d1e7d05fd0553e929aaef370039b54dd68c

Bug Fixes and Enhancements：
1. Strengthened input validation and data processing workflows to further protect information security.
2. Enhanced AiCloud password protection mechanisms, safeguarding against unauthorized access attempts.
3. Enhanced device security through improved buffer handling in connection features.
4. Refined data handling processes, ensuring secure and accurate information management.
5. Enhanced file access control mechanisms, promoting a more secure operating environment.
6. Strengthened certificate protection, providing enhanced data security.
7. Enhanced MLO backhaul stability.

 

[orlengtao]

My BE6500 finally came after so many days using the free sea shipment on 11.11

Just to addon. Can get power supply from
https://s.shopee.sg/1LOSntyNsg also. Comes with safety mark

I understand. Reason being is the safety mark certification. Especially with fire insurance.
Best solution is get an official 12v, 2.5a from Asus sg, but I doubt they sell. 3rd party adapters eg from Huawei will be the alternative solution

just tested on my be6500. https://s.shopee.sg/1LOSntyNsg is a perfect fit (huawei). Same fit as orignal adapter
This solves the safety mark issue that some people have when using china product in sg

 

[xiaofan]

Koolcenter detailed review of Asus RT-BE86U.
https://www.koolcenter.com/posts/519

Wired and wireless throughput test results:
PC1：ASUS XG-C100C，Intel BE200
PC2：ASUS XG-C100C，Intel BE200

You can see that the wired throughput tets results are much lower than their test results from RT-BE88U. The reason is that RT-BE88U has dual 10G ports (used as WAN and LAN in this case) whereas RT-BE86U has only single 10G port (used as WAN in this case).

Wireless throughput test results are pretty similar.

Koolcenter detailed review of Asus RT-BE88U.
https://www.koolcenter.com/posts/482

 

[xiaofan]

RT-BE88U has got the updated FW.
https://www.asus.com/sg/networking-...rs/rt-be88u/helpdesk_bios?model2Name=RT-BE88U

ASUS RT-BE88U Firmware version 3.0.0.6.102_37094
Version 3.0.0.6.102_37094
65.82 MB
2024/11/25
Please unzip the firmware file, and then verify the checksum.
SHA256: 5678e951eaff889f1e84cd1ad8799aa1afe7913393a9d538e20cc17976a12d16

*Please be advised that due to an architecture upgrade in AiMesh, we highly discourage downgrading to earlier firmware versions as it may result in connectivity problems. If you experience any difficulties, we suggest resetting the AiMesh router to its default settings and re-establishing the mesh connection.

New features:
- New "Network" page to consolidate main network and Guest Network Pro for simplified management.
- Supported MLO (Multi-Link Operation) backhaul.
*Currently, MLO backhaul can only be formed with the same model.

Bug Fixes and Enhancements：
1. Strengthened input validation and data processing workflows to further protect information security.
2. Enhanced AiCloud password protection mechanisms, safeguarding against unauthorized access attempts.
3. Enhanced device security through improved buffer handling in connection features.
4. Refined data handling processes, ensuring secure and accurate information management.
5. Enhanced file access control mechanisms, promoting a more secure operating environment.
6. Strengthened certificate protection, providing enhanced data security.

 

[xiaofan]

Interestingly ROG GT-BE98 has not got the new FW updates (unless you go with Merlin Gnuton Fork), even though ROG GT-BE98 Pro has already got the new FW updates. Strange.

[Edit to add: finally updated
Version 3.0.0.6.102_36878
69.06 MB 2024/12/04]

Same for TUF-BE6500 and RT-BE58U -- they have not got the FW updates yet.

FW updated for Asus WiFi 7 routers sold in Singapore: ZenWiFi BQ16. ZenWiFi BT10, RT-BE88U and RT-BE86U.
FW not updated for Asus WiFi 7 routers sold in Singapore: ROG GT-BE98, TUF-BE6500 and RT-BE58U.

FW updated for Asus WiFi 7 routers not sold in Singapore: ROG GT-BE98 Pro, ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro. ZenWiFi BT8, TUF-BE3600
FW not updated for Asus WiFi 7 routers not sold in Singapore: ZenWiFi BT6 and ZenWiFi BD4.

Asus TUF-BE3600 has got the FW updates already. It is not sold in Singapore but sold in China.
https://www.asus.com/networking-iot...00/helpdesk_bios?model2Name=TUF-Gaming-BE3600

Asus ZenWiFi BD4 is not sold in Singapore but sold in China.

 

[guangzong]

Interestingly ROG GT-BE98 has not got the new FW updates (unless you go with Merlin), even though ROG GT-BE98 Pro has already got the new FW updates. Strange.

Asuswrt-Merlin does not support GT-BE98 (non Pro), unless you use the Gnuton fork, which is currently in alpha. One of the reasons i held back buying this model. That and the the price. With Black Friday discount, it is still around $898. Retail is $1099.

https://www.snbforums.com/threads/please-add-asuswrt-merlin-to-gt-be98-non-pro-version.93000/

https://www.snbforums.com/threads/alpha-gnuton-3006-102-2_2-gnuton1.93061/

 

[xiaofan]

Asuswrt-Merlin does not support GT-BE98 (non Pro), unless you use the Gnuton fork, which is currently in alpha. One of the reasons i held back buying this model. That and the the price. With Black Friday discount, it is still around $898. Retail is $1099.

https://www.snbforums.com/threads/please-add-asuswrt-merlin-to-gt-be98-non-pro-version.93000/

https://www.snbforums.com/threads/alpha-gnuton-3006-102-2_2-gnuton1.93061/

Thanks for the correction.

I consider gnuton fork to be as good as the original Merlin FW myself. I was using the gnuton Merlin fork for my Asus RT-AX82U (but I kind of retired it).

 

[vodcast]

Anyone facing issues of disconnecting randomly for BQ16? It keeps happening and it’s getting quite annoying.. it’s like whenever I enter the Asus app this will happen or it will just happen randomly. Sometime it happens at least once a day or once every 2 days.. not sure what is wrong.

both are connected via wired backhaul. Main bq16 has a 10g switch to other devices/hubs/bq16

SingTel ONR and bridged port as well

also on the latest firmware 3.0.0.6.102_36801

 

[xiaofan]

Dongknows' quick overview of Asus ZenWiFi BD4, which is not available in Singapore, but already available in China. I mentioned that TUF-BE3600 is better than ZenWiFi BD4 but some people may like the form factor of ZenWiFi BD4. It should work as a good mesh node for ZenWiFi BQ16 and ZenWiFi BT10 if you can use Ethernet backhaul -- it has one good point that there are dual 2.5G ports (but no other ports).
https://dongknows.com/asus-zenwifi-bd4-review/

Interestingly, Asus China also has the ZenWiFi BD4 for sale, with dual 2.5G ports. This may be a mesh node option in the rooms if you like the form factor.

In terms of wireless performance, TUF-BE3600 should be better than ZenWiFi BD4.

https://www.asus.com/networking-iot...nwifi-wifi-systems/asus-zenwifi-bd4/techspec/
https://www.asus.com.cn/networking-...nwifi-wifi-systems/asus-zenwifi-bd4/techspec/

 

[jheff21]

Anyone facing issues of disconnecting randomly for BQ16? It keeps happening and it’s getting quite annoying.. it’s like whenever I enter the Asus app this will happen or it will just happen randomly. Sometime it happens at least once a day or once every 2 days.. not sure what is wrong.

both are connected via wired backhaul. Main bq16 has a 10g switch to other devices/hubs/bq16

SingTel ONR and bridged port as well

also on the latest firmware 3.0.0.6.102_36801

So far in my experience with BQ16 as node to my BE88u wired backhaul directly, I dont have such issues. Assuming all factors are removed, my guess should be the switch giving you issue. Any chance you will be able to test the bq16 directly to the bq16 instead with a switch...just to get the feel of it if it still causes those dropouts.

 

[Singrish]

So far in my experience with BQ16 as node to my BE88u wired backhaul directly, I dont have such issues. Assuming all factors are removed, my guess should be the switch giving you issue. Any chance you will be able to test the bq16 directly to the bq16 instead with a switch...just to get the feel of it if it still causes those dropouts.

Maybe ONR?

So far only BT10 has reported issues but now solved with latest firmware per https://dongknows.com/asus-zenwifi-bt10-review/

Anyway his is wired backhaul so shouldn’t be affected.

 

[xiaofan]

The following local review of Asus ZenWiFi BQ16 mentions FW bugs related to IoT device disconnection issues.

Not sure if the users in this forum have also experienced such issues.

https://lesterchan.net/blog/2024/11/11/asus-zenwifi-bq16-mesh-router-review/

BQ16 runs hot, with temperatures hovering around 45°C. My main frustrations with the BQ16 are the firmware bugs that cause IoT device disconnections. If you are an early adopter, you must live with such bugs until the next firmware update is available.

 

[xiaofan]

So far in my experience with BQ16 as node to my BE88u wired backhaul directly, I dont have such issues. Assuming all factors are removed, my guess should be the switch giving you issue. Any chance you will be able to test the bq16 directly to the bq16 instead with a switch...just to get the feel of it if it still causes those dropouts.

So you use the RT-BE88U (dual band, no 6GHz band) as main router and ZenWiFi BQ16 (quad band, with two 5GHz bands and 6GHz band) as AImesh node using Ethernet Backhaul.

Just wondering if you encounter issues when using the 5GHz-2 and 6GHz band of the ZenWiFi BQ16.

Typically, the quad-band router will be used as the main AImesh router and the dual band router will be used as AImesh node. But I understand you may choose to go with RT-BE88U as main AImesh router in this case as it has more LAN ports, including 2.5G LAN ports.

Lacking 2.5G LAN ports is one of the main drawbacks of ZenWiFi BQ16, but it can be fixed by adding a 2.5G/10G switch.

 

[jheff21]

So you use the RT-BE88U (dual band, no 6GHz band) as main router and ZenWiFi BQ16 (quad band, with two 5GHz bands and 6GHz band) as AImesh node using Ethernet Backhaul.

Just wondering if you encounter issues when using the 5GHz-2 and 6GHz band of the ZenWiFi BQ16.

Typically, the quad-band router will be used as the main AImesh router and the dual band router will be used as AImesh node. But I understand you may choose to go with RT-BE88U as main AImesh router in this case as it has more LAN ports, including 2.5G LAN ports.

Lacking 2.5G LAN ports is one of the main drawbacks of ZenWiFi BQ16, but it can be fixed by adding a 2.5G/10G switch.

You are right. It would've been best if BQ16 is my main. However after several trial and error (including wife frustrated because i kept on reconfiguring ) I made this decision mainly due to the multiple ports and funny reason - bq16 is aesthetically pleasing to my wife so it is in bedroom.

I dont use the 5ghz-2 band coz I dont see any practical use case for now. If I remember correctly, it always affect the two 5Ghz band to go 80 MHz channel bandwidth so thats why I turned it off also. For the 6Ghz band, I only have 1 device that can use it so I dont see any point, at least for now. But this is future ready in case I have more device that supports 6Ghz band.

 

[jheff21]

The following local review of Asus ZenWiFi BQ16 mentions FW bugs related to IoT device disconnection issues.

Not sure if the users in this forum have also experienced such issues.

https://lesterchan.net/blog/2024/11/11/asus-zenwifi-bq16-mesh-router-review/

BQ16 runs hot, with temperatures hovering around 45°C. My main frustrations with the BQ16 are the firmware bugs that cause IoT device disconnections. If you are an early adopter, you must live with such bugs until the next firmware update is available.

Havent seen the review, will check later on. But i agree it runs hot. As a node I havent checked it again. Let me try later. For the IoT device disconnection, yes there were disconnections in one of my tapo cameras. So far i dont know whether it is fixed because my camera now connects to my main which is be88u.

 

[stupidog]

Havent seen the review, will check later on. But i agree it runs hot. As a node I havent checked it again. Let me try later. For the IoT device disconnection, yes there were disconnections in one of my tapo cameras. So far i dont know whether it is fixed because my camera now connects to my main which is be88u.

my BQ16 is also hot, but after i bought a twin cpu fan and let BQ16 sit on top of it...it's much better now.

 

[guangzong]

my BQ16 is also hot, but after i bought a twin cpu fan and let BQ16 sit on top of it...it's much better now.

Yeah, i always get those cheap USB fans from AliExpress. For power, I simply connect them to the USB port of my ASUS router. The temperature drop can be rather significant - as much as 10-15 degress Celsius.

 

[gundamkitten]

ASUS GT-BE98 Firmware 2024/12/04

ASUS GT-BE98 Firmware version 3.0.0.6.102_36878

Version 3.0.0.6.102_36878
69.06 MB 2024/12/04

Please unzip the firmware file, and then verify the checksum.
SHA256: ae96ab1fabf568bd01cf19bc17cba978d36c23c3509cc2b2bfdb002280c807c9

1. Strengthened input validation and data processing workflows to further protect information security.
2. Enhanced AiCloud password protection mechanisms, safeguarding against unauthorized access attempts.
3. Enhanced device security through improved buffer handling in connection features.
4. Refined data handling processes, ensuring secure and accurate information management.
5. Enhanced file access control mechanisms, promoting a more secure operating environment.
6. Strengthened certificate protection, providing enhanced data security.