ASUS has moved ahead with its Wi-Fi 8 rollout by putting the new ROG Rapture GT-BN98 series on sale in Canada ahead of its wider global launch. The company says the routers will reach more markets in October, while US availability details are still to come.

The launch gives buyers an early look at ASUS’s next-generation networking hardware, even though Wi-Fi 8 client devices are not yet widely available.

ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BN98 Arrives With Quad-Band Wi-Fi 8

The ROG Rapture GT-BN98 series includes two models, the GT-BN98 Pro and GT-BN98. ASUS is positioning them as high-end routers for users who need strong wireless performance and plenty of wired connectivity.

Both models use a quad-band Wi-Fi 8 design, with total wireless speeds reaching up to 30,000 Mbps on the higher-end configuration. ASUS says its internal testing also shows that the router can improve performance with some existing Wi-Fi 7 devices.

That makes the GT-BN98 more than just hardware for future Wi-Fi 8 devices. Users with newer Wi-Fi 7 equipment may also benefit from the platform before Wi-Fi 8 becomes common.

Built for Heavy Networking Loads

ASUS has equipped the ROG Rapture GT-BN98 series with a 2.6 GHz quad-core processor and 2 GB of RAM. The hardware is designed to handle demanding networking tasks while keeping performance stable under heavy loads.

For wired connections, the router comes with two 10 Gbps ports and four 2.5 Gbps LAN ports. This gives users several options for connecting high-speed PCs, storage devices and other multi-gigabit equipment.

The router also uses a 16-antenna design arranged through eight external antennas. ASUS has used a 3D structure to fit the antenna system into the chassis, while its thermal design is intended to help maintain performance during long periods of use.

Wi-Fi 8 Focuses on Better Stability

One of the main points ASUS is highlighting with its Wi-Fi 8 hardware is improved performance in busy wireless environments.

The company points to technologies such as Unequal Modulation (UEQM) and Non-Primary Channel Access (NPCA). According to ASUS simulations, these features can help improve connection stability and reduce the effects of interference when compatible Wi-Fi 8 devices become available.

In simple terms, the goal is not only to make Wi-Fi faster but also to make connections more reliable when many devices are competing for network resources.

ASUS ZenWiFi BN12 Brings Wi-Fi 8 to Mesh Networks

ASUS is also preparing the ZenWiFi BN12, a new mesh system aimed at larger homes and households with many connected devices.

The company describes the BN12 as the first 12-stream tri-band Wi-Fi 8 mesh system. It is expected to become available to consumers in October, with US availability details to be announced separately.

ASUS says the system can cover up to 7,000 square feet and uses 2x LDPC technology to improve signal penetration through walls. Each node also features two 10 Gbps ports, allowing users to build a high-speed wired backhaul between mesh units.

The BN12 supports ASUS AiMesh as well, so it can work with compatible ASUS networking hardware already in use.

The ZenWiFi BN12 also comes with ASUS AiProtection Pro and customizable parental controls without requiring a recurring subscription.

This gives users tools for network security and managing screen time without adding another monthly cost. For families with many connected devices, these features could make the mesh system more practical beyond its wireless performance.

ROG Rapture GT-BN98 Canadian Launch Comes Before Global Release

For now, Canada gets early retail access to the ROG Rapture GT-BN98 series. ASUS has confirmed that the wider worldwide launch is planned for October, while information about US pricing and availability is expected later.

On the ASUS Canadian eStore, the router is listed at CAD $1,299.99, putting it firmly in the premium networking category.

ASUS is clearly targeting enthusiasts, power users and households that want to prepare for the next generation of wireless networking rather than buyers looking for an inexpensive everyday router.

With Wi-Fi 8 hardware now starting to reach stores, the GT-BN98 and upcoming ZenWiFi BN12 give ASUS an early position in the new standard. The bigger question will be how much of that hardware’s potential can be used today, before Wi-Fi 8 client devices become widely available.