ASUS RT-BE88U WiFi 7 router: features, specs and who it suits

The ASUS RT-BE88U is a dual-band WiFi 7 router aimed at homes and small offices with a lot of connected devices and fast wired equipment. ASUS rates its wireless speed at up to 7200Mbps and pairs it with 10 gigabit wired ports, so the router is meant to keep up with both a fast internet connection and fast devices on the local network.

What WiFi 7 adds

WiFi 7 (802.11be) is the newest generation of the standard. ASUS highlights two features of it. 4096-QAM packs more data into each radio signal than the 1024-QAM of WiFi 6, which can raise speeds when the signal is strong. Multi-Link Operation (MLO) lets a compatible device use more than one band at once, which can improve reliability and reduce delay. Both need WiFi 7 devices to work. Older phones and laptops still connect, but they use their own generation's speeds. The 7200Mbps figure is a combined figure for the radios, not what a single device will get.

The wired side

This is where the RT-BE88U stands out. It has one 10G SFP+ port and one standard 10G WAN/LAN port, four 2.5G ports and four 1G ports. ASUS puts the total at 34G of WAN/LAN capacity and says there are up to nine LAN ports.

SFP+ is a slot for a transceiver or direct-attach cable, used with fibre or short high-speed links. A 10G link is useful for a network-attached storage box, a workstation or a fast connection to a switch. For most households, 2.5G ports already outpace typical broadband plans.

Processor and connection options

A quad-core 2.6GHz 64-bit processor handles the router's work. ASUS also lists AI WAN detection and versatile WAN configuration, aimed at keeping a connection going if the main line drops. A USB port supports mobile tethering with a 4G LTE or 5G device as a backup internet source.

Network management and security

Guest Network Pro allows up to five SSIDs, which ASUS positions for separating guests and smart-home devices from the main network. Parental controls and instant VPN connections are built in.

For security, ASUS lists AiProtection Pro, powered by Trend Micro, along with one-tap security scanning. VPN support covers site-to-site connections, which link two locations. As with every router, firmware updates and a strong admin password are the owner's job.

Building a mesh with AiMesh

AiMesh lets you combine the RT-BE88U with other compatible ASUS routers into a single whole-home network with one name and shared settings. The router can serve as the main node, with the backhaul link between nodes best kept wired where possible.

Size and placement

It measures 7.4 x 2.4 x 11.8 inches and weighs 2.5 lb (about 1.1 kg). It stands upright, so it needs open space for the antennas and airflow rather than being tucked in a cupboard.

Who it suits

It suits larger homes, home offices and enthusiasts with a NAS, a fast internet connection or WiFi 7 devices, and anyone wanting to set up VPNs or separate networks. A small apartment with a few devices may not need this many ports.

What to check before you buy

• Your internet plan and modem: confirm the speed and whether your modem has a port that matches.
• Your devices: WiFi 7 benefits show only on WiFi 7 clients.
• Wired gear: decide whether you'll use the SFP+ port, and what module or cable it needs.
• Coverage: one router may not cover a large home; check AiMesh partner compatibility.
• Setup: read through the manual for firmware updates and security settings.

The short version

• Dual-band WiFi 7 router rated at up to 7200Mbps, with MLO and 4096-QAM.
• One 10G SFP+ port, one 10G WAN/LAN port, four 2.5G and four 1G ports.
• Quad-core 2.6GHz processor and USB port for 4G/5G tethering.
• Guest Network Pro with up to five SSIDs, built-in VPN and AiProtection Pro.
• AiMesh support for whole-home networks.

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