Asus WiFi 7 and WiFi 6E routers

[xiaofan]

Hi xiaofan, I looked into Asus SG website and saw there is firmware available on the tube6500:

ASUS TUF-BE6500 Firmware version3.0.0.6.102_55645
Version 3.0.0.6.102_55645
58 MB
2024/10/23
https://www.asus.com/sg/networking-...00/helpdesk_bios?model2Name=TUF-Gaming-BE6500

do you know if this is the Asia firmware?

Good that they have the firmware download for local model. I will check this out over the weekend.

Asus RT-BE6500 China model will have the default update server point to the China Asus server. I will check that out first. But if there is no update from the China Asus server, I will try the above.

BTW, for the TUF-BE6500 China version, Asus DDNS service is also from Asus China.

Usually it is safe to update Asus FW. But in this case, you may want to wait before my test.

My Asus RT-AX86U China version has gone through FW upgrade using the FW download from Asus Singapore server, and then Merlin FW. It does not change the behavior.

My Asus RT-AX82U China version has also gone through FW upgrade using the FW download from Asus Singapore server, and then Merlin Gnuton FW. It does not change the behavior.

TUF-BE6500 may be slightly different -- it is not listed in Asus Global and US website. Last time I was thinking it was a China specific model, but now more and more Asus sites have listed including Singapore and UK.

 

[xiaofan]

Good that they have the firmware download for local model. I will check this out over the weekend.

Asus RT-BE6500 China model will have the default update server point to the China Asus server. I will check that out first. But if there is no update from the China Asus server, I will try the above.

BTW, for the TUF-BE6500 China version, Asus DDNS service is also from Asus China.

Usually it is safe to update Asus FW. But in this case, you may want to wait before my test.

My Asus RT-AX86U China version has gone through FW upgrade using the FW download from Asus Singapore server, and then Merlin FW. It does not change the behavior.

My Asus RT-AX82U China version has also gone through FW upgrade using the FW download from Asus Singapore server, and then Merlin Gnuton FW. It does not change the behavior.

TUF-BE6500 may be slightly different -- it is not listed in Asus Global and US website. Last time I was thinking it was a China specific model, but now more and more Asus sites have listed including Singapore and UK.

Just checked, my Asus TUF-BE6500 China model already comes with the same FW version as Asus Singapore website.

You can refer to the SHA checksum of the two FW downloads --> they are exactly the same file.

1. My Asus TUF-BE6500 China version Web UI:
Current Version : 3.0.0.6.102_55645-g36b4cc2_541-gf1a82_Q7MA
Manual firmware update : Upload
The latest version : The router's current firmware is the latest version.

2. Asus Singapore website download:
Unzip the download and you can see the file name is the same as above.
TUF-BE6500_3.0.0.6_102_55645-g36b4cc2_541-gf1a82_Q7MA.trx

https://www.asus.com/sg/networking-...00/helpdesk_bios?model2Name=TUF-Gaming-BE6500

ASUS TUF-BE6500 Firmware version3.0.0.6.102_55645
Version 3.0.0.6.102_55645
58 MB
2024/10/23
New Features:
- Added AdGuard DNS to the parental control and Kid's network for more detailed control of advertisement blocking.

Bug Fixes and Enhancements：
-Fixed an issue where clients of the PPTP server could not access each other.
-Enhanced WireGuard connection stability.
-Resolved an issue in httpd when sending feedback.
-Fixed an issue with the NowTV profile.
-Resolved an issue causing occasional reboots.
-Perfected JavaScript-related security mechanisms, offering a more secure web interaction environment.
-Enhanced security of system command processing to guard against potential malicious operations.
-Improved web rendering engine, enhancing browsing experience and security.
-Strengthened input validation and data processing workflows, further protecting your information security.

Please unzip the firmware file, and then verify the checksum.
SHA256: 8ca7810c219bbcd520e110687d6ef2e13ed0df93b651dda0d083e76e3bd17676

Bug Fixes and Enhancements：
-Fixed an issue where clients of the PPTP server could not access each other.

3. Asus China website download
https://www.asus.com.cn/networking-...6500/helpdesk_bios?model2Name=TUF-Gaming-6500

ASUS TUF GAMING 小旋风 Pro 固件版本 3.0.0.6.102_55645
版本 3.0.0.6.102_55645
58 MB
2024/10/23
问题修正与改善
- 修正PPTP服务器用户端无法互相存取的问题
- 改善 WireGuard 连接稳定性
- 修正发送回馈时 httpd 中的问题
- 修正 NowTV 设置档的问题
- 修正偶发重新启动的问题
- 加强JavaScript相关安全机制，提供更安全的网页交互环境
-增强系统指令处理的安全性，防止潜在的恶意操作
-改进的网页渲染引擎，加强浏览体验和安全性
-强化输入验证和数据处理工作流程，进一步保护信息安全

请先将文件解压缩后再用原始固件文件确认Checksum
SHA256: 8ca7810c219bbcd520e110687d6ef2e13ed0df93b651dda0d083e76e3bd17676

 

[xiaofan]

Just carry out another check to confirm the Asus China model has exactly the same FW as Asus Singapore model (Global model).

From the SHA256 checksum, we can see the firmware file is exactly the same.

Asus TUF-AX6000
https://www.asus.com/sg/networking-...00/helpdesk_bios?model2Name=TUF-Gaming-AX6000

ASUS TUF-AX6000 Firmware version 3.0.0.4.388_33427
Version 3.0.0.4.388_33427
41.11 MB
2024/11/06
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.

Please unzip the firmware file, and then verify the checksum.
SHA256: 2b80dd687b38a7c6230cb5c0136a14353046bcec01b2ce999f51ab110d4b7bb7

Asus China TX-AX6000 天选路由器
https://www.asus.com.cn/networking-.../tx-ax6000/helpdesk_bios?model2Name=TX-AX6000

ASUS 天选游戏路由 固件版本 3.0.0.4.388_33427
版本 3.0.0.4.388_33427
41.11 MB
2024/11/06
1. 加强输入验证和数据处理流程，进一步保护信息安全
2. 增强了 AiCloud 密码保护机制，防止未经授权的存取尝试
3. 透过改善缓冲区处理来提升设备安全性
4. 增强数据处理流程，确保安全且准确的信息管理
5. 强化文件存取控制机制，提供更安全的操作环境
6. 强化凭证保护，提供更好的数据安全性

请先将文件解压缩后再用原始固件文件确认Checksum
SHA256: 2b80dd687b38a7c6230cb5c0136a14353046bcec01b2ce999f51ab110d4b7bb7

 

[xiaofan]

With regard to Asus AIcloud related malware issues, I am not so sure if Asus WiFi 7 routers are affected or not.

Asus WiFi 6E routers are affected along with WiFi 6 routers. Asus has released FW updates for RT-AXE7800, GT-AXE11000, GT-AXE16000 and ZenWiFi ET12 Pro.

The FW update version info will mention the following. The updates were released in Nov 2024.
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.

Quick check:
New FW has been released for RT-AX56U, RT-AX58U, RT-AX3000, TUF-AX3000, TUF-AX4200, RT-AX5400, RT-AX82U, TUF-AX5400, TUF-AX6000, RT-AX88U, GT-AX6000, RT-AX86U Pro, RT-AX92U, GT-AX11000, RT-AXE7800, GT-AXE11000 and GT-AXE16000, but not RT-AX86U/RT-AX86S (strange). Even the supposedly RT-AC86U has got the FW updates.

RT-AX89X also does not seem to get the FW updates --> not so sure if it is affected or not.

Asus ZenWiFi XT8 (different FW for HW v1.0 and v2.0), ZenWiFi XT12 Pro, ZenWiFI Et12 Pro and ROG GT6 have also got the FW updates.

Interestingly the lower end RT-AX53U, RT-AX55, RT-AX57 and RT-AX3000P also have the same type of FW updates but I do not think they support AIcloud.

The FW update version info will mention the following. The updates were released in Nov 2024.
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.

Asus ZenWiFi XD4/XD4S, XD5 and XD6 have a bit different FW update info, as they do not support AIcloud. So they are probably not affected by the malware. The updates for these models were done in Oct 2024.
1. Optimized memory management mechanisms, improving system efficiency and stability.
2. Strengthened input validation and data processing workflows, further protecting your information security.
3. Improved web rendering engine, enhancing browsing experience and security.
4. Enhanced security of system command processing to guard against potential malicious operations.
5. Perfected JavaScript-related security mechanisms, offering a more secure web interaction environment.

 

[xiaofan]

With regard to Asus AIcloud related malware issues, I am not so sure if Asus WiFi 7 routers are affected or not.

Asus WiFi 6E routers are affected along with WiFi 6 routers. Asus has released FW updates for RT-AXE7800, GT-AXE11000, GT-AXE16000 and ZenWiFi ET12 Pro.

The FW update version info will mention the following. The updates were released in Nov 2024.
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.

It seems to me only Asus ZenWiFi BT10 and RT-BE86U have the mentioned FW updates as of now.

I have not seen the FW updates for Asus ROG GT-BE98 and Asus ZenWiFi BQ16.

I have also not see the FW updates for RT-BE88U, TUF-BE6500 and RT-BE58U.

The users may need to check the updates regularly in this case. If you use AIcloud, you may want to disable it as well.

 

[xiaofan]

Dongknows has upgraded the review of Asus ZenWiFi BT10 from a simple preview to a full review.

Asus ZenWiFi BT10 Review (vs. ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro): An Excellent (Alternative) Wi-Fi 7 System
https://dongknows.com/asus-zenwifi-bt10-review/

As per the review, ZenWiFi BT10 had lots of issued with old FW, latest FW seems to make it a solid product.

Latest FW changelog.
https://www.asus.com/sg/networking-...10/helpdesk_bios?model2Name=ASUS-ZenWiFi-BT10
ASUS ZenWiFi BT10 Firmware version 3.0.0.6.102_36758
Version 3.0.0.6.102_36758
59.55 MB
2024/11/06
Feature:
Introduce Smart AiMesh to improve performance of MLO backhaul and front haul.
Fixed MLO and Guest network pro related bugs.
Fixed GUI bugs.

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

Please unzip the firmware file, and then verify the checksum.
SHA256: 4b86e0fea2229e38ca9855b08d0a39c4d281a70555d6bd77fa22609bb06a0ea2

 

[xiaofan]

Dongknows also has the preview of Asus ZenWiFi BT8 which is only capable of 2.5Gbps (2.5G WAN and LAN), unlike Asus ZenWiFi BT10 which is 10G capable.

Asus ZenWiFi BT8 Quick Take (vs. ZenWiFi BT10): Entry Multi-Gig Mesh
https://dongknows.com/asus-zenwifi-bt8-review/

 

[xiaofan]

Asus China Router Pricing for reference, 12.12 should be cheaper (no more 11.11 pricing now).
https://www.asus.com.cn/store/gallery-78.html

WiFi 7 --> RT-BE88U, TUF-BE6500 and TUF-BE3600 are more recommended. RT-BE86U is okay if you like the form factor.

RT-BE88U -- RMB 2049
RT-BE86U -- RMB 1749
TUF-BE6500 -- RMB 799
TUF-BE3600 -- RMB 499

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]

Anybody got an idea on my two actual case scenarios below which I really cant figure out how.

Primary router:
Asus BQ16 - 6GHz Wifi 7, set to 320 MHz
5GHz Wifi 6, set to 160MHz
The other 5GHz band disabled.
2.4GHz Wifi6, set to 40MHz

All have different SSID, MLO turned off.

AIMesh node router:
GT-AX60000 both 5GHz and 2.4GHz enabled


Case 1:
For the primary router, even if i set it as 320MHz channel bandwidth, when i look at the Wifi Analyzer android app (am using S24 Ultra) this SSID with 6GHz band is only braodcasting at 160MHz

Case 2:
For the 5GHz band, the primary is rightfully broadcasting with 160MHz channel bandwidth but the node is only 80MHz.

I cant seem to find any options to look at the Asus "Professional" Tab for the node. I can only enable/disable the radio. Bros here any idea what could be causing this.


It's not a dealbreaker in my home wifi setup but at least would like extract the largest amount of juice as much as possible.

 

[guangzong]

Anybody got an idea on my two actual case scenarios below which I really cant figure out how.

Primary router:
Asus BQ16 - 6GHz Wifi 7, set to 320 MHz
5GHz Wifi 6, set to 160MHz
The other 5GHz band disabled.
2.4GHz Wifi6, set to 40MHz

Case 1:
For the primary router, even if i set it as 320MHz channel bandwidth, when i look at the Wifi Analyzer android app (am using S24 Ultra) this SSID with 6GHz band is only braodcasting at 160MHz

Case 2:
For the 5GHz band, the primary is rightfully broadcasting with 160MHz channel bandwidth but the node is only 80MHz.

I cant seem to find any options to look at the Asus "Professional" Tab for the node. I can only enable/disable the radio. Bros here any idea what could be causing this.

For your 2.4Ghz, it is recommended to set it to 20Mhz instead of 40.

For case 1, i have a WiFi7 router but no 7 devices, so i cannot comment.

For case 2 for 5Ghz, if you are setting it to 160Mhz, try setting it to channel 36.

 

[Proximus]

It seems to me only Asus ZenWiFi BT10 and RT-BE86U have the mentioned FW updates as of now.

I have not seen the FW updates for Asus ROG GT-BE98 and Asus ZenWiFi BQ16.

I have also not see the FW updates for RT-BE88U, TUF-BE6500 and RT-BE58U.

The users may need to check the updates regularly in this case. If you use AIcloud, you may want to disable it as well.

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)

 

[jheff21]

For your 2.4Ghz, it is recommended to set it to 20Mhz instead of 40.

For case 1, i have a WiFi7 router but no 7 devices, so i cannot comment.

For case 2 for 5Ghz, if you are setting it to 160Mhz, try setting it to channel 36.

Thanks for your comment. I realized that what is bring picked up by the node is the second band in the primary. All along i thought i disabled the radio. After i ensured the second 5G band was disabled and MLO turned off, the 5G channel abndwidth matched. DL speeds of around 1.6Gbps thereabouts.

Comparing 5G and my 6G, even if my 6G is having 160MHz channel bandwidth, DL speeds goes up to 2.5Gbps. So indeed there difference.

 

[xiaofan]

Thanks for your comment. I realized that what is bring picked up by the node is the second band in the primary. All along i thought i disabled the radio. After i ensured the second 5G band was disabled and MLO turned off, the 5G channel abndwidth matched. DL speeds of around 1.6Gbps thereabouts.

Comparing 5G and my 6G, even if my 6G is having 160MHz channel bandwidth, DL speeds goes up to 2.5Gbps. So indeed there difference.

Hmm, interesting, it is practically not possible to get 2.5Gbps when you use 160MHz channel bandwidth on the 6GHz band.

2x2 BE 160MHz channel bandwidth 4096 QAM on 5GHz/6GHz band --> max PHY Speed 2882 Mbps, real world good WiFi speed at 1.6Gbps to 2Gbps, difficult to exceed 2305.6 Mbps (80% of MAX PHY speed).

2x2 BE 320MHz channel bandwidth 4096 QAM on 6GHz band only --> max PHY Speed 5764 Mbps, real world good WiFi speed at 3Gbps to 4 Gbps, diffiult to exceed 4611.2 Mbps (80% of MAX PHY speed).

Only in the future with better MLO, we may see WiFi 7 speed of 5Gbps in real world.

 

[xiaofan]

@jheff21

Please help to post your 6GHz 160MHz channel bandwidth WiFi 7 speed. Thanks. I'd like to archive the result in the WiFi 7 speed thread.

1) Best overall WiFi 7 speed in this forum by kashix with 6GHz 320MHz channel bandwith (TP-Link Archer 700 or Archer 550 Pro, Xiaomi 14 phone).
https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/...-speedtest-and-wifi-7-adapters.7048233/page-4

2) Best WiFi 7 speed using 5GHz band in this forum: by deepakmayekar with 5GHz 160MHz channel bandwith (Asus TUF-BE6500, Intel BE200 Wifi adapter).

The picture is not available and the user has been suspended.
https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/threads/asus-wifi-7-and-wifi-6e-routers.6952409/page-10

But I have a copy and document the result here.
https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/...wifi-7-adapters.7048233/page-2#post-153550654

 

[jheff21]

Hope my image pins would be okay upon posting this.


This was my result around 5pm after I have done up my checks.
https://imgur.com/gallery/yxiUFpI

Then just few mins ago i tried again. Trsut this helps in your ask.

6GHz
https://imgur.com/gallery/FQ9B7fc

5GHz
https://imgur.com/gallery/GTQrgNB

My wifi 7 client is a Samsung S24 Ultra. Starhub 5Gb plan is my ISP. Test server is connected to Starhub. No concurrent downloads in my testing.

 

[jheff21]

Forgot to mention, my router is Asus BQ16.

 

[xiaofan]

Hope my image pins would be okay upon posting this.


This was my result around 5pm after I have done up my checks.
https://imgur.com/gallery/yxiUFpI

Then just few mins ago i tried again. Trsut this helps in your ask.

6GHz
https://imgur.com/gallery/FQ9B7fc

5GHz
https://imgur.com/gallery/GTQrgNB

My wifi 7 client is a Samsung S24 Ultra. Starhub 5Gb plan is my ISP. Test server is connected to Starhub. No concurrent downloads in my testing.

Forgot to mention, my router is Asus BQ16.

Great. Thanks a lot for the help.

5pm test results

6GHz result, new test

5GHz result, new test

 

[xiaofan]

@jheff21

The PHY Link speed is a bit strange though, maybe the WiFi Analyzer app is not so accurate.

2x2 BE 160MHz channel bandwidth 4096 QAM on 5GHz/6GHz band --> max PHY Speed 2882 Mbps
2x2 BE 320MHz channel bandwidth 4096 QAM on 6GHz band only --> max PHY Speed 5764 Mbps

You may want to check from your Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Wireless connection speed property to check the PHY connection speed.

Usually Settings --> WiFi --> click the WiFi connection to see the details like Status, WiFi technology used, Connection Speed, Signal Strength, Security and IPv4 /IPv6 addresses.

 

[jheff21]

Sorry I cant seem to find the speed inherent in the phone. I have to check further. However, isnt BQ16 6GHz a 4x4 and listed speed is 11529 Mbps? I am happy to stand corrected though.

 

[xiaofan]

Sorry I cant seem to find the speed inherent in the phone. I have to check further. However, isnt BQ16 6GHz a 4x4 and listed speed is 11529 Mbps? I am happy to stand corrected though.

Asus ZenWiFi BQ16 is the router which can be 4x4.

None of the typical WiFi 6/6E/7 clients are 4x4, they are mostly 2x2 (some lower end devices are 1x1), mainly due to power reasons.