ASUS ROG Strix GS-AX5400 WiFi 6 Gaming Router: features and specs

The ASUS ROG Strix GS-AX5400 is a WiFi 6 router built with online gaming in mind. It combines fast wireless speeds with gaming-focused traffic tools, a built-in security suite and support for expanding into a mesh network. This page explains what its main features do and what to confirm before choosing one.

What WiFi 6 and 5400 Mbps mean

WiFi 6 (802.11ax) is a newer wireless standard that is generally better at handling many devices at once than older standards. ASUS rates the GS-AX5400 at speeds up to 5400 Mbps and mentions 160 MHz channels. A wider channel can carry more data, but the 5400 Mbps figure is a combined theoretical maximum across bands. Real speeds depend on your internet plan, the devices, walls, distance and interference.

Gaming features

ASUS lists several tools aimed at gamers:

• Gaming Port: a LAN port that gives priority to the device plugged into it, such as a console or PC.
• Mobile Game Mode: a setting that optimizes the network for games on phones and tablets.
• Gear Accelerator: described as optimizing traffic for mobile, console or PC gaming.
• Port forwarding: lets you open specific ports so certain games or services can reach your device.

These tools work by prioritizing traffic on your own network. They can't change the delay between your home and a game server, which depends on your internet provider and the route to the server.

VPN Fusion and Instant Guard

VPN Fusion lets one device use a VPN while others on the same router use the ordinary connection at the same time. That is useful if, for example, one person needs a VPN for work while someone else wants the fastest possible direct connection for gaming. ASUS Instant Guard is described as a one-click, shareable secure VPN for using public WiFi when you're away from home, relying on the router at home.

Network security

ASUS includes AiProtection Pro, powered by Trend Micro, and describes the network security as subscription-free. Features of this kind generally check traffic against lists of known threats. A router is only one layer of protection, so device updates and strong passwords still matter.

AiMesh and Aura RGB

AiMesh lets you add other AiMesh-compatible ASUS routers to build one network with seamless roaming, which can help cover a larger home. The router also has Aura RGB lighting for those who want it to match a gaming setup.

Power and size

The router measures about 10.6 x 7.1 x 6.5 inches (27 x 18 x 17 cm) and weighs 1.5 lb (about 0.7 kg). The power supply accepts 110V to 240V at 50 to 60 Hz, with a 19 V DC output at up to 1.75 A.

What to check before you buy

• Confirm your internet plan and modem work with a separate router, and that your plan's speed would benefit from WiFi 6.
• Check that your devices support WiFi 6; older ones will still connect but at lower speeds.
• Think about home size and layout, and whether you'd want to add AiMesh nodes later.
• Count the wired devices you want to connect and compare with the available LAN ports.
• Look at where it will sit, given its size and external antennas.
• Read the manual for setup of VPN and security features.

The short version

• WiFi 6 router rated by ASUS at up to 5400 Mbps with 160 MHz channels.
• Gaming Port, Mobile Game Mode and Gear Accelerator for prioritizing game traffic.
• VPN Fusion and Instant Guard for VPN use at home and away.
• AiProtection Pro security and AiMesh expansion; Aura RGB lighting.

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