ASUS ROG STRIX GS-BE18000 overview: Next Gen. WiFi7 router?

With the ASUS ROG STRIX GS-BE18000, ASUS is launching the following stage of contemporary community know-how. As a gaming router, it helps the model new WiFi 7 commonplace (IEEE 802.11be) and guarantees new requirements when it comes to velocity, latency and transmission stability because of its tri-band design, 4096-QAM, multi-link operation (MLO) and a theoretical complete bandwidth of as much as 18,000 Mbps. Under the hood is a 2.0 GHz quad-core processor, 2 GB RAM and a complete of eight antennas, which achieves an space protection of as much as 300 m². In typical gaming trend, the gaming router additionally options illuminated accents. ASUS has illuminated the producer emblem of the ASUS ROG Strix GS-BE18000 with numerous results.

Whether the Next Gen guarantees are literally noticeable in on a regular basis life and to what extent the opposite software program options are useful is now to be came upon.

Technical knowledge

Model	GS-BE18000
Network commonplace	Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) IEEE 802.11a IEEE 802.11b IEEE 802.11g IEEE 802.11n IEEE 802.11ac IPv4 IPv6
Data price	2.4 GHz BE: 2×2 (Tx/Rx) 4096 QAM 20/40 MHz, max. 688 Mbps 5 GHz BE: 4×4 (Tx/Rx) 4096 QAM 20/40/80/160 MHz, max. 5764 Mbps 6 GHz BE: 4×4 (Tx/Rx) 4096 QAM 20/40/80/160/320 MHz, max. 11529 Mbps
Data switch Transmit + Receive	2×2 2.4 GHz 4×4 5 GHz 4×4 6 GHz
Processor	Quad Core, 2.0 GHz
Memory	256 MB Flash, 2 GB DDR4 RAM
Number of antennas	8
Operating modes	Router (AiMesh), AiMesh Node, AP, Repeater, Media Bridge
Connections	1 x 2.5 Gbps WAN, 7 x 2.5 Gbps LAN, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen1
weight	927,5 g
Dimensions	225 x 90 x 225 mm
worth	€ 351.00 *

Scope of supply

• Gaming router is wrapped in protecting movie
• RJ-45 cable and energy provide adapter for 2 kinds of sockets included

In addition to the router itself, the ASUS Tri-Band Gaming Router comes with an RJ45 cable and an influence provide unit with adapters for 2 kinds of sockets. The package deal is rounded off with a fast begin information and guarantee card.

Appearance & end

• Mini-PC-like design with eye-catching logos and air intakes
• Seven 2.5 Gbit/s LAN, two particular gaming ports, USB 3.0, no 10Gbit/s
• High-quality workmanship, good cooling, quiet 36 watt energy provide unit

To start with, it’s clear that the ASUS ROG Strix GS-BE18000 doesn’t fairly match into the usual router class visually. The look of the ASUS ROG Strix GS-BE18000 is nearly extra harking back to a typical mini PC, though it tends extra in the direction of the vertical than the horizontal. The hanging ASUS emblem, which protrudes barely from the case, is especially noticeable on the entrance. It is analogous on the proper aspect panel, with the brand serving as an extra air consumption.

A take a look at the rear reveals the ASUS ROG Strix GS-BE18000’s ports. A complete of seven 2.5 Gbit/s LAN ports are used right here, with the 2 on the prime proper serving as devoted gaming ports. At the underside proper is the WAN connection, which can be related at a velocity of two.5 Gbit/s. There are additionally two buttons – one for switching on/off and one for WPS – in addition to a USB 3.0 port and a socket for the facility provide unit. These are all constantly good options, though gaming routers from this worth vary upwards now like to supply a ten Gbit/s LAN connection – though this isn’t but the case with the ASUS ROG STRIX GS-BE18000.

As far because the construct high quality is anxious, we’re clearly within the higher class. The ASUS ROG Strix GS-BE18000 makes a great haptic impression, the sides are cleanly completed and neither wobbling nor creaking will be heard when touching it. With regard to the brief lengthy sides, the ribbed design, which act as air flow slots and thus constantly cool the system, is hanging. As far as the facility provide unit is anxious, it’s generously dimensioned at 36 watts. In distinction to typically low cost energy provide models, there isn’t any annoying whirring throughout operation.

Commissioning

• Quick and simple setup by way of app or net interface
• Wi-Fi, IoT community and admin entry are straightforward to configure
• Optional ASUS account allows distant entry outdoors the house community

The ASUS ROG Strix GS-BE18000 will be configured both by way of the web-based interface or utilizing the standalone “ASUS Router” app. For causes of comfort, we opted for the app for commissioning, whereas the following fine-tuning was carried out by way of the online interface on the PC. It is evident that the gaming router is simple to arrange: You first join the router to the community, swap it on and plug the Ethernet cable into the WAN port supplied. A reputation and password are then set for the brand new house WLAN. If required, it’s best to additionally arrange a separate WLAN for IoT gadgets. The subsequent step is to create administrator entry. A subsequent restart and a firmware replace of the router later, the setup is full.

Finally, there may be the choice of pairing the ASUS ROG Strix GS-BE18000 by way of an ASUS account. The benefit of that is that the gaming router may also be managed outdoors of the house community.

Software & options

• AsusWRT 5.0 with gaming focus and clear dashboard
• AiMesh, AiProtection, parental controls and highly effective gaming optimizations built-in
• Wide vary of makes use of when utilizing the USB port

On the software program aspect, the ASUS ROG STRIX GS-BE18000 depends on AsusWRT 5.0, an additional improvement of the beforehand recognized ASUS router interface, which is especially tailor-made to gaming, efficiency and WiFi 7. As is typical for the ASUS gaming business, the interface is dominated by robust black and purple accents. After logging in, you might be taken to the dashboard by default, which clearly bundles the important data. Listed listed below are the variety of related purchasers, the present Internet standing, the Wi-Fi bands used (2.4/5/6 GHz) in addition to real-time community visitors, ping and latency values.

Network and mesh performance

The full vary of features solely turns into obvious when you choose the varied parts by way of the left-hand navigation bar. In addition to the configuration of the tri-band WLANs, together with the 6 GHz band with a channel width of 320 MHz and multi-link operation (MLO), there are additionally particular choices for the exact coordination of community features. Of explicit curiosity to consumers with giant residences or homes is the AiMesh help, which permits a mesh community to be arrange – the ASUS ROG STRIX GS-BE18000 takes on the function of grasp.

Security instruments

The Trend Micro safety instruments built-in into AiProtection are additionally an awesome assist. These can be utilized to hold out a safety evaluation of the router, block harmful web sites, keep at bay spam or DDoS assaults and isolate contaminated gadgets within the community. The safety idea is supplemented by complete parental controls that may be configured individually for every system and MAC handle – together with schedules and content material filtering.

Gaming & Smart Home

As is common with a gaming router, this goal group additionally will get its cash’s value. In phrases of Game Boost, the Gear Accelerator is accessible for the focused prioritization of gaming purchasers in community visitors in addition to Open NAT for simplified port sharing. Optimizations equivalent to Adaptive QoS and particular settings for cell video games additionally scale back latency and guarantee extra steady connections. ASUS has its personal app for Android and iOS for the latter case particularly. Tip: If you need, you possibly can even combine your ASUS ROG STRIX GS-BE18000 into your good house by way of Amazon Alexa and management it remotely utilizing easy voice instructions.

USB connection & community instruments

The vary of features of the ASUS ROG STRIX GS-BE18000 is prolonged by a USB 3.0 port. This can be utilized not solely as standard community storage, but additionally as a print server, USB tethering by way of smartphone, LTE/5G modem or for Time Machine backups beneath macOS. In addition to the straightforward community instruments Ping, Nslookup, Traceroute and Netstat, an inside velocity take a look at can be accessible by way of the “Adaptive QoS” menu merchandise. This makes it straightforward to carry out a obtain and add take a look at. Minor downside: The firewall’s consumer interface seems considerably overloaded at first, however permits a variety of configuration choices. The customization choices for the VPN server are easy and clear, with a alternative between PPTP, OpenVPN, IPSec and WireGuard.

Performance take a look at & suitability for on a regular basis use

• Good WLAN protection, weaker 2.4 GHz, excessive most velocity
• Stable 2.5 Gbit/s LAN efficiency and quick USB community storage
• AFC at the moment not but usable in Germany

In follow, the ASUS ROG STRIX GS-BE18000 exhibits its optimistic aspect. Although the WLAN energy ensures stable protection throughout all three frequency bands because of the eight inside antennas, reception is unusually weaker with the two.4 GHz connection. In a direct comparability, a single TP-Link Deco BE65 curiously managed to distribute the sign higher throughout two flooring. In phrases of the utmost achievable velocity, nevertheless, the ASUS ROG STRIX GS-BE18000 is once more forward and outperforms the comparability candidate by a couple of Mbit/s.

What is much less pleasing is that AFC is at the moment not accessible in Germany, though this router operate can already be used within the USA. After all, AFC is a serious WiFi 7 innovation which, together with the 320 MHz channel, allows a major enhance in transmission energy within the 6 GHz frequency band. It stays to be seen whether or not and – if that’s the case – when ASUS will introduce this know-how throughout the board.

As anticipated, the ASUS ROG STRIX GS-BE18000 had no issues with the wired Gigabit connection on the examined location – in the long run, we solely used 40% of the potential 2.5 Gbit/s of the WAN port. It can be value mentioning for potential NAS fans who’ve been reluctant to purchase for worth causes: At round 530 MB/s, our exterior SSD on the USB port achieves a particularly good efficiency for a easy community storage system.

Conclusion

Let’s come to the conclusion: What does the ROG STRIX GS-BE18000 from ASUS have to supply with its clear gaming DNA? The reply is: rather a lot! Although the mixed throughput charges of 18 Gbit/s are extra of a advertising and marketing gimmick and virtually inconceivable to attain, the tri-band router provides rather more than you’d anticipate. Both the design with the lighting results and the technical knowledge – together with a quad-core processor, 2 GB RAM, 8 antennas and seven LAN ports – are certain to enchantment to the first goal group and assure steady efficiency. In addition, the ASUS ROG STRIX GS-BE18000 is totally silent throughout operation.

In phrases of software program and options, the gaming router provides all of the extras that avid gamers need lately. The configuration choices are additionally spectacular – ASUS provides a profitable interface if you happen to favor the standard gaming look. However, the two.4 GHz frequency band may very well be improved, because it loses the connection extra rapidly than anticipated at longer ranges. In addition, the gaming router doesn’t have a ten Gbit/s LAN port ex works, whereas the in-house ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000 does.

So if you’re in search of a strong and future-proof gaming router with the most recent WiFi 7, the ASUS ROG Strix GS-BE18000 is unquestionably a good selection. In mixture with the AiMesh know-how and extra mesh nodes, the Wi-Fi can attain even the furthest corners of the home.