With the ASUS ROG STRIX GS-BE18000, ASUS is launching the next level of modern network technology. As a gaming router, it supports the brand new WiFi 7 standard (IEEE 802.11be) and promises new standards in terms of speed, latency and transmission stability thanks to its tri-band design, 4096-QAM, multi-link operation (MLO) and a theoretical total bandwidth of up to 18,000 Mbps. Under the hood is a 2.0 GHz quad-core processor, 2 GB RAM and a total of eight antennas, which achieves an area coverage of up to 300 m². In typical gaming fashion, the gaming router also features illuminated accents. ASUS has illuminated the manufacturer logo of the ASUS ROG Strix GS-BE18000 with various effects.
Whether the Next Gen promises are actually noticeable in everyday life and to what extent the other software features are helpful is now to be found out.
Technical data
| Model | GS-BE18000 |
| Network standard |
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
IEEE 802.11a
IEEE 802.11b
IEEE 802.11g
IEEE 802.11n
IEEE 802.11ac
IPv4
IPv6
|
| Data rate |
2.4 GHz BE:
2×2 (Tx/Rx) 4096 QAM 20/40 MHz, max. 688 Mbps
5 GHz BE:
4×4 (Tx/Rx) 4096 QAM 20/40/80/160 MHz, max. 5764 Mbps
6 GHz BE:
4×4 (Tx/Rx) 4096 QAM 20/40/80/160/320 MHz, max. 11529 Mbps
|
| Data transfer Transmit + Receive |
2×2 2.4 GHz
4×4 5 GHz
4×4 6 GHz
|
| Processor | Quad Core, 2.0 GHz |
| Memory | 256 MB Flash, 2 GB DDR4 RAM |
| Number of antennas | 8 |
| Operating modes | Router (AiMesh), AiMesh Node, AP, Repeater, Media Bridge |
| Connections | 1 x 2.5 Gbps WAN, 7 x 2.5 Gbps LAN, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen1 |
| weight | 927,5 g |
| Dimensions | 225 x 90 x 225 mm |
| price | € 307.90 * |
Scope of delivery
- Gaming router is wrapped in protective film
- RJ-45 cable and power supply adapter for two types of sockets included
In addition to the router itself, the ASUS Tri-Band Gaming Router comes with an RJ45 cable and a power supply unit with adapters for two types of sockets. The package is rounded off with a quick start guide and warranty card.
Appearance & finish
- Mini-PC-like design with eye-catching logos and air intakes
- Seven 2.5 Gbit/s LAN, two special gaming ports, USB 3.0, no 10Gbit/s
- High-quality workmanship, good cooling, quiet 36 watt power supply unit
To begin with, it is clear that the ASUS ROG Strix GS-BE18000 does not quite fit into the standard router category visually. The appearance of the ASUS ROG Strix GS-BE18000 is almost more reminiscent of a typical mini PC, although it tends more towards the vertical than the horizontal. The striking ASUS logo, which protrudes slightly from the case, is particularly noticeable on the front. It is similar on the right side panel, with the logo serving as an additional air intake.
A look at the rear reveals the ASUS ROG Strix GS-BE18000’s ports. A total of seven 2.5 Gbit/s LAN ports are used here, with the two at the top right serving as dedicated gaming ports. At the bottom right is the WAN connection, which is also connected at a speed of 2.5 Gbit/s. There are also two buttons – one for switching on/off and one for WPS – as well as a USB 3.0 port and a socket for the power supply unit. These are all consistently good features, although gaming routers from this price range upwards now like to offer a 10 Gbit/s LAN connection – although this is not yet the case with the ASUS ROG STRIX GS-BE18000.
As far as the build quality is concerned, we are clearly in the upper class. The ASUS ROG Strix GS-BE18000 makes a good haptic impression, the edges are cleanly finished and neither wobbling nor creaking can be heard when touching it. With regard to the short long sides, the ribbed design, which act as ventilation slots and thus continuously cool the system, is striking. As far as the power supply unit is concerned, it is generously dimensioned at 36 watts. In contrast to often cheap power supply units, there is no annoying whirring during operation.
Commissioning
- Quick and straightforward setup via app or web interface
- Wi-Fi, IoT network and admin access are easy to configure
- Optional ASUS account enables remote access outside the home network
The ASUS ROG Strix GS-BE18000 can be configured either via the web-based interface or using the standalone “ASUS Router” app. For reasons of convenience, we opted for the app for commissioning, while the subsequent fine-tuning was carried out via the web interface on the PC. It is clear that the gaming router is easy to set up: You first connect the router to the network, switch it on and plug the Ethernet cable into the WAN port provided. A name and password are then set for the new home WLAN. If required, it is best to also set up a separate WLAN for IoT devices. The next step is to create administrator access. A subsequent restart and a firmware update of the router later, the setup is complete.
Finally, there is the option of pairing the ASUS ROG Strix GS-BE18000 via an ASUS account. The advantage of this is that the gaming router can also be controlled outside of the home network.
Software & features
- AsusWRT 5.0 with gaming focus and clear dashboard
- AiMesh, AiProtection, parental controls and powerful gaming optimizations integrated
- Wide range of uses when using the USB port
On the software side, the ASUS ROG STRIX GS-BE18000 relies on AsusWRT 5.0, a further development of the previously known ASUS router interface, which is particularly tailored to gaming, performance and WiFi 7. As is typical for the ASUS gaming industry, the interface is dominated by strong black and red accents. After logging in, you are taken to the dashboard by default, which clearly bundles the essential information. Listed here are the number of connected clients, the current Internet status, the Wi-Fi bands used (2.4/5/6 GHz) as well as real-time network traffic, ping and latency values.
Network and mesh functionality
The full range of functions only becomes apparent when you select the various elements via the left-hand navigation bar. In addition to the configuration of the tri-band WLANs, including the 6 GHz band with a channel width of 320 MHz and multi-link operation (MLO), there are also specific options for the precise coordination of network functions. Of particular interest to buyers with large apartments or houses is the AiMesh support, which allows a mesh network to be set up – the ASUS ROG STRIX GS-BE18000 takes on the role of master.
Security tools
The Trend Micro security tools integrated into AiProtection are also a great help. These can be used to carry out a security assessment of the router, block dangerous websites, ward off spam or DDoS attacks and isolate infected devices in the network. The security concept is supplemented by comprehensive parental controls that can be configured individually for each device and MAC address – including schedules and content filtering.
Gaming & Smart Home
As is usual with a gaming router, this target group also gets its money’s worth. In terms of Game Boost, the Gear Accelerator is available for the targeted prioritization of gaming clients in network traffic as well as Open NAT for simplified port sharing. Optimizations such as Adaptive QoS and special settings for mobile games also reduce latency and ensure more stable connections. ASUS has its own app for Android and iOS for the latter case in particular. Tip: If you want, you can even integrate your ASUS ROG STRIX GS-BE18000 into your smart home via Amazon Alexa and control it remotely using simple voice commands.
USB connection & network tools
The range of functions of the ASUS ROG STRIX GS-BE18000 is extended by a USB 3.0 port. This can be used not only as conventional network storage, but also as a print server, USB tethering via smartphone, LTE/5G modem or for Time Machine backups under macOS. In addition to the simple network tools Ping, Nslookup, Traceroute and Netstat, an internal speed test is also available via the “Adaptive QoS” menu item. This makes it easy to perform a download and upload test. Minor drawback: The firewall’s user interface appears somewhat overloaded at first, but allows a wide range of configuration options. The customization options for the VPN server are simple and clear, with a choice between PPTP, OpenVPN, IPSec and WireGuard.
Performance test & suitability for everyday use
- Good WLAN coverage, weaker 2.4 GHz, high maximum speed
- Stable 2.5 Gbit/s LAN performance and fast USB network storage
- AFC currently not yet usable in Germany
In practice, the ASUS ROG STRIX GS-BE18000 shows its positive side. Although the WLAN strength ensures solid coverage across all three frequency bands thanks to the eight internal antennas, reception is unusually weaker with the 2.4 GHz connection. In a direct comparison, a single TP-Link Deco BE65 curiously managed to distribute the signal better across two floors. In terms of the maximum achievable speed, however, the ASUS ROG STRIX GS-BE18000 is again ahead and outperforms the comparison candidate by a few Mbit/s.
What is less pleasing is that AFC is currently not available in Germany, although this router function can already be used in the USA. After all, AFC is a major WiFi 7 innovation which, in combination with the 320 MHz channel, enables a significant increase in transmission power in the 6 GHz frequency band. It remains to be seen whether and – if so – when ASUS will introduce this technology across the board.
As expected, the ASUS ROG STRIX GS-BE18000 had no problems with the wired Gigabit connection at the tested location – in the end, we only used 40% of the possible 2.5 Gbit/s of the WAN port. It is also worth mentioning for potential NAS enthusiasts who have been reluctant to buy for price reasons: At around 530 MB/s, our external SSD on the USB port achieves an extremely good performance for a simple network storage device.
Conclusion
Let’s come to the conclusion: What does the ROG STRIX GS-BE18000 from ASUS have to offer with its clear gaming DNA? The answer is: quite a lot! Although the combined throughput rates of 18 Gbit/s are more of a marketing gimmick and practically impossible to achieve, the tri-band router offers much more than you would expect. Both the design with the lighting effects and the technical data – including a quad-core processor, 2 GB RAM, 8 antennas and 7 LAN ports – are sure to appeal to the primary target group and guarantee stable performance. In addition, the ASUS ROG STRIX GS-BE18000 is completely silent during operation.
In terms of software and features, the gaming router offers all the extras that gamers want these days. The configuration options are also impressive – ASUS offers a successful interface if you prefer the typical gaming look. However, the 2.4 GHz frequency band could be improved, as it loses the connection more quickly than expected at longer ranges. In addition, the gaming router does not have a 10 Gbit/s LAN port ex works, whereas the in-house ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000 does.
So if you are looking for a powerful and future-proof gaming router with the latest WiFi 7, the ASUS ROG Strix GS-BE18000 is definitely a good choice. In combination with the AiMesh technology and additional mesh nodes, the Wi-Fi can reach even the furthest corners of the house.
- WiFi 7 support
- ASUS AiMesh for mesh expansion
- Seven 2.5 Gbit/s LAN ports
- Clear software with a wide range of functions
- High performance with quiet operation
- Weak performance in the 2.4 GHz frequency band
- No LAN port with 10 Gbit/s
ASUS ROG STRIX GS-BE18000
Speed
Equipment
User friendliness
Price-performance ratio
91/100
The ASUS ROG Strix GS-BE18000 is positioned as a gaming router with high speed, strong mesh expandability via AiMesh and extensive gaming features. In terms of price, it is mainly in the upper segment and therefore appeals primarily to power users and tech enthusiasts.
