ASUS RT-BE92U BE9700 Router Review

The ASUS RT-BE92U BE9700 WiFi 7 Router represents a significant leap forward in home networking technology. With its cutting-edge WiFi 7 capabilities and tri-band speeds of up to 9700 Mbps, this router delivers exceptional performance for demanding smart homes and power users. The inclusion of new 320MHz channels in the 6 GHz band and 4096-QAM modulation ensures unparalleled network capacity and throughput.

One of the standout features of the RT-BE92U is its versatility. The router offers a 10Gbps WAN/LAN port and four 2.5Gbps ports, providing ample connectivity options for various devices. The AI-boosted Smart AiMesh technology allows for expanded coverage and a more stable network, making it suitable for larger homes or those with challenging layouts. Additionally, the commercial-grade AiProtection Pro and comprehensive VPN features underscore ASUS’s commitment to network security.

While the RT-BE92U excels in many areas, it’s important to note that it comes with a premium price tag. This router may be overkill for users with basic home networking needs or those who don’t have devices capable of utilizing WiFi 7 technology. Furthermore, at the time of this review, the router doesn’t feature AFC (Automated Frequency Coordination), which limits its 6 GHz coverage compared to its other bands.

Despite these considerations, the ASUS RT-BE92U BE9700 proves to be an impressive WiFi machine, offering a compelling balance of performance, features, and future-proofing. Its user-friendly setup process and intuitive management interface make it accessible even for less tech-savvy users. For those with demanding networking requirements or those looking to future-proof their home network, the RT-BE92U stands out as a top-tier option in the WiFi 7 router market.

The ASUS RT-BE92U BE9700 WiFi 7 Router boasts a modern and functional design that sets it apart from its predecessors. Standing vertically, this router adopts a sleek tower-like form factor that not only looks stylish but also helps save valuable desk space. The device’s dimensions of 11.32 x 9.73 x 4 inches strike a balance between compactness and performance, although it may have a slightly larger footprint compared to some competing models.

One of the standout features of the RT-BE92U’s design is its versatility in placement. The router comes with wall-mounting capabilities, offering users flexibility in positioning it for optimal signal distribution throughout their home or office. This thoughtful design element allows for better adaptation to various living spaces and network setups.

ASUS has clearly prioritized build quality in the RT-BE92U. The router feels solid and well-constructed, with high-quality materials that suggest durability and longevity. Despite its powerful internals, the device manages heat efficiently without the need for an internal fan, resulting in silent operation even under heavy loads. This fanless design not only contributes to the router’s quiet performance but also potentially increases its reliability by reducing the number of moving parts.

The ASUS RT-BE92U BE9700 router showcases cutting-edge WiFi 7 technology, delivering blazing-fast tri-band speeds of up to 9700 Mbps. It supports new 320MHz channels in the 6 GHz band and 4096-QAM modulation, significantly increasing network capacity and throughput. This router is designed to handle demanding tasks such as 8K streaming, HDR gaming, and AI-driven applications with ease.

One of the standout features is the Multi-Link Operation (MLO), which allows the router to efficiently transfer data across multiple bands simultaneously. This ensures stable internet connections and optimized performance, especially beneficial in homes with numerous connected devices. The AI-boosted Smart AiMesh technology expands coverage and creates a more stable network, making it suitable for larger homes or those with challenging layouts.

The RT-BE92U also boasts advanced security features, including AiProtection Pro powered by Trend Micro, which provides commercial-grade network security without subscription fees. Additionally, the router offers comprehensive VPN features and supports up to three SSIDs with Smart Home Master for easy IoT device setup and management. However, it’s worth noting that the current lack of Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) support may limit the 6 GHz band’s coverage compared to the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.

The ASUS RT-BE92U BE9700 router stands out with its robust security features and comprehensive VPN capabilities. At the forefront is the AiProtection Pro security suite, powered by Trend Micro, which provides commercial-grade network security without the need for ongoing subscriptions. This feature offers real-time protection against external threats and malicious attacks, ensuring a safer browsing experience for all connected devices.

The router’s VPN capabilities are equally impressive, supporting a wide range of protocols including IPSec, L2TP, PPTP, and OpenVPN. This versatility allows users to establish secure remote connections and access their home network from anywhere. The inclusion of VPN Fusion technology enables users to run multiple VPN servers simultaneously, catering to different security needs across various devices or user profiles.

ASUS has also integrated Smart Home Master functionality, which simplifies the process of setting up and managing IoT devices. Users can create up to three separate SSIDs, each with its own security settings, making it easier to isolate and protect smart home devices. While these features offer significant advantages, some users may find the initial VPN setup process challenging, especially those less familiar with networking technologies.