ASUS is known for almost every component in the PC market, including the subject of this test, the RT-AX88U WiFi Router, ASUS loaned GamePC RT-AX88U and PCE-AC58BT 160MHz wireless card for the purpose of this review, they were both returned upon completion.
Pricing and Availability
At the time of writing this the availability appears to be extremely limited with very few retailers listing the router, those who do have it listed have it at AUD $569.00.
Specifications
Sporting a 1.8 GHz quad-core processor, 256 MB Flash storage and 1 GB RAM on the inside the RT-AX88U brings you 802.11ax or the simplified name WiFi 6 (2.4GHz): up to 1148 Mbps and 5GHz: up to 4804 Mbps as well as backwards compatibility to previous generations of WiFi. Physical ports include one gigabit WAN port and eight gigabit LAN ports. Also thrown in is 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports.
Design
In line with the recent ASUS design theme the RT-AX88U has an almost aggressive automotive like design, it almost makes you think Lamborghini.
Setup
Initial setup is very straight forward, connect to the RT-AX88U by either cable or WIFI and access the web interface (instructions can be found in the box), flow through the very easy setup wizard and you're done, it took me less than 2 minutes to get the router working on my NBN connection. The router can also operate in access point mode and wireless bridge mode.
Tests
Tests were conducted on both the RT-AX88U and my current wireless Meraki MR33 wireless access point using my setup with the PCE-AC58BT card installed, to show just what wireless AX can do my current Surface Laptop was also run through the same tests.
Initial test on my Mungi 50 Megabit NBN connection returned 48.2 Megabit download and 18.7 Megabit upload which maxed out the connection, it's no surprise this router handled it without any trouble.
iPerf Bi-Directional
LAN Speed Test - 2GB File
2GB Windows File Copy
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Conclusion
If you need great WiFi on 5GHz you can get yourself a router that can take you even further once you get your hands on AX WiFi, if you already have AX WiFi then you should be out there right now trying to buy one.
Tags: ASUS