ASUS RT-AX89X AX6000 WiFi 6 Router: features, specs and who it suits

The ASUS RT-AX89X is a dual-band WiFi 6 router with 12 streams, eight antennas and two 10-gigabit ports. It is aimed at busy networks with many devices and fast wired equipment such as network storage or a workstation. Here is what the specifications mean.

WiFi 6 and AX6000

The router uses the 802.11ax standard, known as WiFi 6. The AX6000 label is a combined theoretical maximum across its two bands. ASUS describes it as 12-stream 6000Mbps WiFi. A stream is a separate data path between the router and a device, so more streams generally let it serve more devices at once. Real speeds depend on the device, distance, walls and interference, and no single device receives the combined figure.

ASUS also lists MU-MIMO and OFDMA. In general, MU-MIMO lets a router talk to several devices at the same time, and OFDMA divides a channel so that many small transfers, like those from smart devices, share it efficiently.

Dual 10G ports

The router has two 10-gigabit ports, one 10GBase-T (copper Ethernet) and one 10G SFP+ (a slot for a fibre or direct-attach module). ASUS says they give up to ten times the speed of gigabit Ethernet for demanding transfers. To benefit you need equipment at the other end that also supports 10G, such as a NAS or a computer with a 10G network card. Without it, the ports sit unused and the gigabit ports serve you well.

LAN and USB ports

ASUS lists eight gigabit LAN ports plus two USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports. The LAN ports let you wire consoles, PCs, TVs and access points. Wired connections are usually steadier than WiFi for gaming and large file transfers. USB ports can generally be used to share a drive or printer across the network, depending on the router's software.

Gaming and mobile game mode

The listing names a gaming port and a Mobile Game Mode. These ASUS features are generally designed to prioritise game traffic, so it is not slowed by other uses on the network.

Security and VPN

The listing describes commercial-grade security through AiProtection Pro, powered by Trend Micro, and subscription-free network security, along with Instant Guard and VPN features. These work to block threats for connected devices. As always, keep firmware current and use strong passwords.

AiMesh

The router works with other AiMesh-compatible ASUS routers, so you can extend coverage in a larger home and keep one network name. Check ASUS's compatibility list for the router you would pair it with.

Size and power

The listing gives 13.5 x 13.5 x 3.1 inches and 2.2 lb (about 1 kg). The power supply accepts 110V to 240V at 50 to 60Hz and outputs 19V at 3.42A.

What to check before you buy

• Wired equipment: do you own anything that uses 10G? If not, the 10G ports may be unnecessary.
• Internet plan and modem: the router can't exceed your provider's speed, and you'll normally need a modem.
• Device support: older devices won't use WiFi 6.
• Placement: check the footprint and antenna positioning for your shelf or desk.
• Mesh plans: confirm that any extra router is AiMesh compatible.
• SFP+ module: if you plan to use the SFP+ port, check which modules it accepts.

The short version

• A dual-band WiFi 6 router, model RT-AX89X, rated AX6000 with 12 streams.
• Dual 10G ports (10GBase-T and SFP+), eight gigabit LAN ports and two USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports.
• Eight antennas, MU-MIMO and OFDMA.
• AiProtection Pro security with subscription-free network protection and VPN features.
• AiMesh compatible.

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