WiFi 7 router model and specifications
WiFi 7 router model and specifications
Current options for replacing your Asus RT-AC66U-B1 include routers that support multiple bands. You’re looking for devices that can handle 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz simultaneously, which should help improve connectivity for distant phones and tablets. Since most of your network is wired with CAT6 cables, you’ll want a router that meets your speed needs without excessive complexity.
For future PCs, dual-band routers are usually sufficient unless you plan heavy file transfers. Quadband models start around $629, while tri-band options begin at $190 and offer four 2.5GB ports. If you’re not planning to move many files, a dual-band setup should work well.
Regarding brand recommendations, stick with reputable manufacturers like ASUS, Netgear, TP-Link, or Linksys for reliability. Avoid overly niche brands unless they specifically meet your features and price expectations.
Otherwise distant signals typically operate at 2.4GHz. Was your router handling its full device load? You're using the Xfinity B8 model, which supports all three frequency bands and even a combo band. I set it up for older 2.4GHz devices like Kasa Wi-Fi switches. My gaming setup performs better on 6GHz compared to 5GHz, but both still maintain 10ms or less latency. Personally, I wouldn't invest heavily in a premium router unless it offers clear advantages over mid-range options.
My home setup has the router at one corner. It still functions well at the back of the house, though performance declines there. The main problem with my current router is that it only supports 2.4GHz or 5GHz. Family members get frustrated when they’re far away on 5GHz and experience congestion when close to 2.4GHz. Ideally, I’d like a single network name covering both bands and automatically choosing the best option based on distance. Right now, I have to manually pick between 2.4GHz and 5GHz. There’s no smart switching or a mix of both frequencies. What I’ve learned about WiFi 7 is that it handles this by sending data across multiple bands—2.4GHz, 5GHz, and even 6GHz—on the same SSID, adapting to provide the strongest signal available. This could significantly improve performance in many scenarios.
Fascinating. It doesn’t seem to be WiFi 7 handling the task, likely the router is the issue. I’ve used older 2.4 and 5GHz models from AT&T Fiber and Windstream before—they worked fine. Yes, automatic switching is a plus. Definitely worth considering an upgrade.
Both the router and device need to be WiFi 7 rated. Here an explanation . They call it Aggregation when multiple bands are used. With this no matter where I'm in my house, WiFi 7 uses all three bands and also the one that is most suitable (more of 2.4GHz if I'm far away, and more of 6GHz if I'm close to the router). and as user, I just sign in to a single SSID, and don't need to worry. When I looked into this a while ago, WiFi 7 routers already were being sold starting at $400. BUT WiFi 7 standard wasn't even finalized. So those early adopters bought an expensive device and HOPED the manufacturer makes the device capable later with an update. I on the other hand, want to be sure this is ready for prime time and fully functional. If for some reason this still is not mature, i rather wait 6 months. It looks like "simultaneous MLO is what I want"? Edit: what is concerning me is that routers that only have dual-band (no 6GHz) are listed as WIFI 7. If you don't have the 6GHz portion, you don't really have MLO, which i think is the main advantage of WiFi 7. Looks like WiFi 7 is a marketing word and you really have to understand what you buy.
Many specifications are optional. MLO could be restricted to two bands on certain devices. It’s important to investigate thoroughly to choose the best option. I’ll probably hold off until WiFi 8 arrives, provided my router supports it.
It appears LMG noticed you were interested in WiFi 7. A recent video features one, possibly worth checking out. The price seems to be around $200 USD.
There are several points to consider. Some makers launched items before the standards were finalized or approved. Examining the Dual band ASUS router you mentioned, it seems they employ WiFi 7 on the 5 GHz frequency, but according to the WiFi 7 Wiki page, as you noted, 6 GHz is necessary. I didn’t see that device listed in the certified router section of the WiFi Alliance’s WiFi 7 devices page. It might be worth visiting the WiFi Alliance site for a complete list. Regarding MLO, it’s true it’s required, yet I’ve observed cases where compatibility is limited to just two of the three bands based on the specific model. I’m confident the technology is solid, but it really depends on the manufacturer and your willingness to invest in advanced features. BUT, WiFi 7 products received approval last year, so there’s likely a lot of options available. If I were to upgrade, I’d probably choose WiFi 6 or 6E since they’ve been around longer. Or I could wait for WiFi 8, as many of these enhancements might be refined in the next update. I don’t think that’s the case. Considering WiFi 6 was essentially just a more powerful version of WiFi 5, WiFi 6 added 6 GHz, giving you the choice to adopt it or save costs. It wasn’t until WiFi 5 that dual band became mandatory. Since I don’t use those features, I can’t really say much about them.
Asus openly misrepresents their dual-band router as "WiFi 7." As someone who follows the market closely, I’m skeptical about them adding a feature without delivering it. I checked the official Asus site and saw it wasn’t just listed on Newegg. The only notable aspect is the Aggregating MOL, which is what really excites me in this version. If a new router lacks that, I doubt the upgrade from my current Wi-Fi 5 setup would be worth it. Perhaps a $400 model could meet my needs, but it doesn’t justify the price right now. Since I already have a decent Wi-Fi 5 device, I’ll keep an eye on the market for better or cheaper options with similar features. Meanwhile, my phone’s MLO performance is impressive, so maybe the WiFi 7 hype is still coming to life.