Verdict
The latest Wi - Fi 6E 6GHz internet , ultra - flying 5GHz Wi - Fi and dual 10 Gigabit Ethernet make the Asus ROG Rapture GT - AXE1600 a fauna of a router . With a elementary app control and excellent gaming choice , this is a top - end router for those that need and demand the right-down best .
Pros
Cons
Key Features
Introduction
At just over £ 500 , there ’s no getting away from the fact that the Asus ROG Rapture GT - AXE1600 is an expensive router .
Your money is n’t travel to scourge though , as this router is fully kitted out to deliver the best performance , includingWi - Fi 6Eand duple 10 Gb Ethernet ports .
Design and features
If I ’m going to buy an expensive router , I want it to wait and feel expensive . luckily , the Asus ROG Rapture GT - AXE1600 fits into that family . A stack of antennas , the router looks like it means business .
Looking around the exterior , it ’s readable that there ’s a lot going on inside this model , with a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet WAN port ( which is faster than is require today and will last into the future ) , four Gbit Ethernet interface and two 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports that are ideal for the modish PCs and a firm NAS .
Once the router is power on , the Perspex lid lights up in a blueprint of color . It ’s a cool burden , and one that can be controlled via the app or web interface , either vary the coloration and pattern , or just become the Light Within off if you find them distract .
There are two USB ports , one USB 3.0 and one USB 2.0 , which can be used for sharing extraneous storage . They ’re a flimsy step down from the USB 3.2 ports on theAsus ROG Rapture GT - AXE11000 , but that does n’t bother me too much . In all of the years I ’ve been reviewing routers andmesh systems , I ’ve never once actually need to use a USB larboard on a router .
The router can be configured through the web interface or the Asus router app . Both give some the same level of ascendency , and I slightly prefer using the app .
First , the app got me to tie to my net connection , and then it gave me the option of configure the networks . By default , the Asus ROG Rapture GT - AXE1600 separates its internet , although you could combine them under one name .
I remember it ’s easy to have them separate , so you’re able to break up which web you want to tie to . Entering a electronic internet name in the 2.4GHz box auto - populates the other networks adding _ 5G-1 , _ 5G-2 and _ 6G. That ’s for the two 5GHz net ( one lower channels , one high ) and the 6GHz mesh , respectively .
The router has high - specification internet , with the 2.4GHz running four streams at a utmost of 1148Mbit / s , the 5GHz networks both running four streams at up to 4804Mbit / s , and the 6GHz also running four streams at up to 4804Mbit / s.
The fastest speeds call for the widest channels , which are 40MHz on the 2.4GHz band and 160MHz on the 5GHz and 6GHz bands . Interference is likely to be an outlet , and I found that only the 6GHz band could give me the firm connection upper . That ’s no surprisal , and Wi - Fi 6E was designed specifically for this rationality .
Via the independent WWW port , there ’s a Game Radar , which shows current Ping times for uncouth multiplayer game . ASUS provides a Boost option to increase gambling performance , available via the vane interface or app , alongside different prioritisation profiles including piece of work from dwelling and media streaming .
The range of gambling controls is n’t quite as elaborate as those in Netgear DumaOS routers , such as theNetgear Nighthawk XR1000 , which lets you lock down which servers you connect to . However , the mastery on the Asus ROG Rapture GT - AXE1600 are simple to turn on and off .
Via the app , you’re able to create crime syndicate profiles for each extremity of your house , specify their machine . Each profile has web filtering jell by the rough geezerhood , although categories of substance can be manually added or unblocked , plus bedtime setting . And , a profile can be blocked at any clock time .
Power by Trend , AIProtection will block malicious sites mechanically , and stop potentially infect devices from connecting to the internet . It ’s squeamish to have a bit of supernumerary protection in the mix .
AIMesh is supported , letting the router use other AIMesh devices to build a mesh web . That ’s handy if you desire the physical world power that a router like this brings , but need the flexibility of a mesh to give better performance throughout your sign .
Performance
Wi - Fi 6E is capable of delivering some of the fastest wireless speed , provided a gadget is within reach . I tested using a Wi - Fi 6E motherboard on a desktop personal computer , running my throughput tests to a twist connected via 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet to the router . I was pleased to see throughput of 911.86Mbit / s. That ’s just unsure of the 934Mbit / second I see on theNetgear Orbi RBKE963but close enough : the Asus ROG Rapture GT - AXE1600 is still capable of wired networking speeds .
Next , I move onto the wireless tests . I found that the best throughputs were to be had on the 2nd 5GHz web , which apply the high channel numbers , which have less hinderance to them . At close grasp , I managed 652.74Mbit / s , which is extremely fast ; propel to the 2nd floor 5 K forth , speeding were 509.30Mbit / s ; on the second base , at 10 m from the router , I saw speeds of 473.95Mbit / s. These are the sort of speeds I might expect from a hefty interlocking organisation , showing that the Asus ROG Rapture GT - AXE1600 has power and range .
Testing the 2.4GHz circle , I was impressed with the 95.11Mbit / s velocity at cheeseparing range . speeding overlook off after that , due to the levels of interference on this band : I view speeds of 69.82Mbit / s at 5 m and a becoming 52.79Mbit / s at 10 m.
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Should you buy it?
This router is fast across the board , but 6GHz networking and dual 10 Gigabit Ethernet mean it ’s at the press cutting edge .
If you do n’t need all of this power , but just want reliable Wi - Fi , a tatty router or web system may suit .
Final Thoughts
able of delivering immense speeds , and with dual 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports , the Asus ROG Rapture GT - AXE1600 is one of the most expensive standalone router , but it ’s still sound value , as you ’re getting a lot for your money . Its gaming mastery are great , and it ’s a powerful standalone router all - daily round .
If you ’re after a individual router and want the good operation , this is an excellent choice . you’re able to see alternative in our usher to thebest wireless routers .
Trusted Score
How we test
Unlike other site , we test every wireless router we brush up good over an extended period of clip . We employ industry stock test to compare features right . We ’ll always tell you what we find . We never , ever , take on money to critique a product .
Find out more about how we test in ourethics policy .
FAQs
Using this applied science , you could summate another AIMesh product to promote this router ’s signaling .
With 10x the throughput of Gigabit Ethernet , 10 Gb Ethernet is good for connect up multiple compatible switches or for high requirement devices , such as desktop personal computer and NAS drives .
