In the realm of cutting-edge routers, the Asus RT-AXE7800 stands out as a formidable contender, harnessing the potential of the 6 GHz Wi-Fi radio band. If you’re seeking to venture into the world of Wi-Fi 6E without waiting for the influx of Wi-Fi 7 routers and devices, the RT-AXE7800 is a viable option. This true tri-band router brings a host of impressive features to the table, including robust throughput scores,2.5 Gbpss connectivity, mesh capabilities, and an array of ancillary functionalities. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into the performance, design, and features of the Asus RT-AXE7800 and uncover its potential as a top-notch Wi-Fi 6E router.
The Hexagonal Wi-Fi Hub
Photo: Asus
At first glance, the Asus RT-AXE7800’s unique hexagonal design is eye-catching and intriguing. Measuring 6.1 by 9.6 by 8.4 inches (HWD) with the antennas extended, the router exudes a modern and futuristic aura. The foldable antennas add a touch of practicality, allowing for optimal transmission of Wi-Fi signals throughout your home. The front panel boasts nine status LEDs, providing clear indications for power, WAN/LAN activity, and Wi-Fi radio band activity. The rear panel houses two WAN/LAN ports (2.5Gbps and 1Gbps), three 1Gbps LAN ports with support for link aggregation, a USB 3.2 Gen 1 port, and a power port. The Asus RT-AXE7800’s hexagonal form also makes it a perfect candidate for integration into a whole-home Wi-Fi mesh system, thanks to its AiMesh capabilities.
The Power Behind the Router
Photo: Asus
Under the hood, the RT-AXE7800 packs a punch with its 1.7 GHz quad-core CPU, 256MB of flash memory, and 512MB of DDR4 memory. Embracing the latest 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) technologies, it leverages OFDMA, MU-MIMO, direct-to-client beamforming, 160 MHz channel bandwidth, and WPA3 encryption. As a Wi-Fi 6E AXE7800 router, it opens doors to the 6 GHz radio band in addition to the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. This router boasts impressive maximum data rates of up to 574 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band, up to 4,804 Mbps on the 5 GHz band, and up to 2,402 Mbps on the 6 GHz band. These blazing speeds are poised to revolutionize your wireless experience.
Feature-Rich Software Suite
Photo: Asus
Asus equips the RT-AXE7800 with its AiProtection software, offering invaluable free lifetime parental controls and network security tools. The intuitive Asus mobile app grants easy access to real-time traffic stats, system component usage, network maps, and application-based QoS settings. The app also enables you to manage connected devices, assign bandwidth priority, and configure Safe Browsing settings. In addition, the web-based console provides advanced configurations, including VPN with Port Forwarding for the Instant Guard VPN feature.
The Verdict
The Asus RT-AXE7800 emerges as a true contender in the Wi-Fi 6E router market. Its hexagonal design, tri-band capabilities, and impressive data rates set it apart from the competition. While the range on the 6GHz band may be somewhat limited due to Wi-Fi 6E’s inherent characteristics, the router still outperforms most rivals, including mesh systems. For users seeking a powerful Wi-Fi 6E option with excellent parental controls and network security, the RT-AXE7800 is an outstanding choice. If you own devices compatible with the 6 GHz band or reside in a congested area, this router offers unparalleled speed and stability.
