ASUS has started rolling out its first WiFi 8 gaming router series, with the ROG Rapture GT BN98 now entering the Canadian market before a wider global launch planned for October 2026.
The lineup includes two models, the ROG Rapture GT BN98 Pro and the standard GT BN98. Both use a quad band WiFi 8 design, a 2.6GHz quad core processor, and 2GB of RAM.
ASUS claims combined wireless throughput of up to 30,000Mbps on the higher end model, while the series also includes dual 10G Ethernet ports and four 2.5G ports.
| Specification | ROG Rapture GT BN98 Series |
|---|---|
| WiFi generation | WiFi 8 |
| Wireless bands | Quad band |
| Processor | 2.6GHz quad core |
| Memory | 2GB |
| Maximum combined wireless speed | Up to 30,000Mbps |
| 10G Ethernet | 2 ports |
| 2.5G Ethernet | 4 ports |
| Standard | IEEE 802.11bn |
| Canada availability | September 2026 |
| Wider rollout | October 2026 |
WiFi 8 Focuses More on Reliability Than Peak Speed
The biggest change with WiFi 8 is not a dramatic increase in theoretical peak bandwidth.
The new standard is being designed around better consistency, lower latency, and stronger performance in crowded wireless environments.
Its maximum headline bandwidth remains similar to WiFi 7, but the underlying improvements are intended to make connections more reliable when signal quality is weaker or several devices are competing for airtime.
ASUS says the GT BN98 can also show performance improvements with existing WiFi 7 client devices, although the full benefits will require WiFi 8 compatible hardware at both ends of the connection.
New Features Aim to Reduce Interference
ASUS highlights technologies such as Unequal Modulation and Non Primary Channel Access.
These features are intended to improve connection stability and allow devices to make better use of available wireless channels when interference is present.
The company also says WiFi 8 can provide up to twice the median throughput, wider IoT coverage, and lower latency through Multi AP Coordination.
These figures are vendor claims and will depend on network layout, client hardware, interference, and final implementation of the standard.
Dual 10G Ports Target High Speed Networks
The GT BN98 series includes strong wired connectivity for a consumer router.
There are two 10G Ethernet ports and four 2.5G ports.
That gives the router enough wired bandwidth for high speed internet connections, local file transfers, NAS systems, gaming PCs, and other demanding devices.
The Pro model is aimed more directly at gaming and includes ASUS networking software designed to prioritize traffic and reduce latency.
ASUS Is Also Preparing a WiFi 8 Mesh System
Alongside the ROG router, ASUS is preparing the ZenWiFi BN12 mesh system.
The BN12 is expected to launch in October and will support 12 wireless streams.
ASUS claims combined throughput of up to 12.9Gbps and coverage of up to 7,000 square feet with a two unit configuration.
The mesh system is aimed at larger homes where one router may not provide consistent coverage in every room.
WiFi 8 Is Still Being Finalized
The IEEE 802.11bn standard is still under development.
That means some details may change before the final WiFi 8 specification is completed.
Early hardware such as the GT BN98 is therefore entering the market before the standard is fully finalized.
ASUS also notes that the biggest improvements will require both the router and connected client devices to support WiFi 8.
The GT BN98 series is now beginning its Canadian rollout, with wider international availability expected in October 2026.
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