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ASUS Republic of Gamers has introduced the ROG Rapture GT-BN98 at Gamescom 2026, positioning the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BN98 as the world’s first WiFi 8 gaming router. The company says the new model is designed to deliver more stable connections, lower latency and better performance when multiple devices are using the network simultaneously.

The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BN98 combines WiFi 8 technology with ASUS’ gaming optimization tools, multi-gigabit Ethernet and network security features, making it aimed at high-performance gaming and demanding home networks.

ROG Rapture GT-BN98 Brings WiFi 8 to Gaming

The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BN98 uses WiFi 8 based on IEEE 802.11bn Draft and operates across four bands: 2.4GHz, two 5GHz bands and 6GHz. ASUS rates the combined wireless throughput at up to 25000Mbps. The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BN98 supports 4096-QAM and channel bandwidths of up to 320MHz on the 6GHz band. ASUS says WiFi 8 is designed to focus on reliability rather than only peak speeds, improving performance at longer ranges, in crowded wireless environments and across networks with multiple connected devices.

ASUS’ stated WiFi 8 improvements include up to twice the median throughput and up to twice the IoT coverage under its preliminary testing. However, the company notes that the standard has not yet been finalised and actual performance will vary depending on devices and network conditions.

ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BN98 Key Specifications

• WiFi standard: WiFi 8 / IEEE 802.11bn Draft
• Wireless configuration: Quad-band
• Maximum combined throughput: Up to 25,000Mbps
• 2.4GHz: 4×4, up to 1,376Mbps
• 5GHz-1: 4×4, up to 5,764Mbps
• 5GHz-2: 4×4, up to 5,764Mbps
• 6GHz: 4×4, up to 11,529Mbps
• Channel bandwidth: Up to 320MHz
• Modulation: 4096-QAM
• Antennas: Eight external antennas
• Processor: 2.6GHz quad-core
• Memory: 2GB RAM + 256MB flash
• Wired ports: 1 x 10Gbps WAN/LAN, 1 x 2.5Gbps WAN/LAN, 1 x 10Gbps LAN, 3 x 2.5Gbps LAN and 1 x Gigabit LAN
• USB: 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 and 1 x USB 2.0

Built for Gaming and High-Density Networks

The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BN98 includes AI Game Boost, which detects gaming devices, prioritizes traffic and optimizes routing. ASUS says its three-level game acceleration system can deliver up to 34% lower latency in its laboratory testing under specific bandwidth-constrained conditions. Actual results can vary depending on network conditions and usage.

The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BN98 also features Adaptive QoE, which dynamically allocates bandwidth according to live network conditions and application requirements. Meanwhile, WiFi Insight monitors WiFi and non-WiFi interference and provides information about network activity.

For online gaming, the bundled GTNet service analyses real-time network conditions and routes traffic through what ASUS describes as the fastest path to game servers, rather than simply choosing the shortest route. Other gaming features on the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BN98 include Game Boost, Mobile Game Mode, Gear Accelerator, ROG First, OpenNAT, Gaming Port and Gaming Network. The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BN98 can also operate as part of an ASUS AiMesh network.

More Wired Connectivity for High-Bandwidth Devices

The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BN98 is equipped with dual 10G ports and four 2.5G ports, giving users multiple options for high-speed wired connections. One of the 10G LAN ports can work as a dedicated gaming port, allowing gaming traffic to receive priority without additional configuration. The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BN98 also supports Multi-WAN configurations, WAN aggregation, and up to 20Gbps link aggregation. ASUS has included 4G/5G mobile tethering support as another connectivity option.

Security Features and Network Management

ASUS has equipped the ROG Rapture GT-BN98 with its upgraded AiProtection security system. It can block malicious websites and infected devices while also offering advertisement and tracker blocking. A security scan can assess the router’s configuration for potential vulnerabilities.

The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BN98 also supports VPN features including Instant Guard, VPN Fusion and multiple VPN client and server protocols. Guest Network Pro allows users to create separate networks for gaming, IoT devices, children and VPN use, with up to five guest-network rules across the available bands.

What WiFi 8 Means for Gamers

The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BN98’s main upgrade is not simply a higher maximum speed. ASUS is positioning WiFi 8 around connection reliability, interference management and multi-device performance. That could be particularly relevant for homes where gaming consoles, PCs, smartphones, smart-home products and streaming devices compete for bandwidth. The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BN98’s combination of WiFi 8, multi-gigabit Ethernet and traffic-management tools is designed to maintain more consistent connections as network demand increases.

For gamers using compatible WiFi 8 devices, the technology could eventually provide more consistent performance at longer ranges and in crowded wireless environments. However, ASUS’ current performance figures are based on preliminary testing, and the full benefits will depend on compatible client devices and the final WiFi 8 standard.

Conclusion

The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BN98 marks ASUS’ entry into WiFi 8 gaming networking, combining the emerging standard with a 25Gbps-class quad-band configuration, dual 10G connectivity and a range of gaming and security tools. Rather than focusing only on peak wireless speeds, ASUS is positioning the ROG Rapture GT-BN98 around reliability, lower latency and better handling of crowded multi-device networks. As WiFi 8 develops toward a final standard, the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BN98 gives ASUS a high-end platform aimed at users looking for faster and more consistent home networking.