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March 2022 was when I first entered the realm of 10Gbps Internet with a Sonic fiber-optic plan, which has since proven to be an excellent service, at least in the San Francisco Bay Area. It was a game-changer moving from Comcast’s Xfinity cable Internet.
The fast speed aside, Sonic has no monthly data cap, much better connection quality, and the same speeds for both download and upload directions.
In the past few years, much has changed. We now have Wi-Fi 7, and with it, routers equipped with 10Gbps ports are commonplace. Still, similar to Gigabit broadband, getting true 10Gbps is not possible.
Among other things, this post will talk about the why and set some expectations. Most importantly, after years of daily experience, I’d say that we simply don’t need 10Gbps Internet, and in all cases, this broadband grade is a luxury.
So, the real question is, would that be worth the investment? We’ll find out, considering that achieving (close to) 10Gbps bandwidth can still be quite expensive today, and by that, I don’t mean the broadband subscription itself.
Dong’s note: I first published this piece on March 30, 2022, and last updated it on February 11, 2025, to add up-to-date, relevant information.
10Gbps Internet: Moving the bottleneck from broadband to local hardware
For years, the sub-Gigabit broadband connection has always been the bottleneck in our connection to the outside world—it still is today for many. That’s because if your Internet speed is 100Mbps, you can’t download anything faster than 100Mbps on a good day, no matter how fast your local network is.
Even Gigabit-class Internet—something between 500Mbps to 1Gbps—is still slower than Wi-Fi. Starting with Wi-Fi 6, Gig+ is a typical sustained rate.
Digital data in a brief
The phrase “Dong Knows Tech” (no quotes), when digitized, consists of the following binary string, which varies depending on what application you use to code:
01000100 01101111 01101110 01100111 00100000 01001011 01101110 01101111 01110111 01110011 00100000 01010100 01100101 01100011 01101000Each digit in the string equals a bit, which is short for “binary digit“, which is the lowest unit of data storage. The spaces between eight-digit groups are there only to make the whole string less mind-boggling. They also help separate the more common data unit, a byte. One byte (B) equals eight bits (b).
As you might have noticed, each character on the screen, including the space between two words, generally requires one byte of data. On top of that, formatting, font size, and colors also require additional bytes to store.
So, we need a lot of bytes—often in thousands or kilobytes (KB), millions or megabytes (MB), billions or gigabytes (GB), trillions or terabytes (TB)—to store data. As a result, byte is used to convey:
- Storage space, such as a 32GB thumb drive, a 128GB microSD card, or a 4TB SSD.
- Data copy speed per second (often MB/s or GB/s). For example, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 portable SSD drive can have copy speeds of up to 1000MB/s.
For data transmission, we use bits per second, often in millions (1,000,000) or megabits per second (Mbps) or in billions or gigabits per second (Gbps). Based on that, the following are common terms:
- Fast Ethernet: A connection standard that can deliver up to 100Mbps.
- Gigabit: That’s short for the Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) standard and generally means transmission speeds in gigabits per second.
- Gig+: A connection that’s faster than 1Gbps but slower than 2Gbps. It often applies to 2×2 Wi-Fi 6/6E or broadband Internet speeds.
- Multi-Gigabit: A link that’s 2Gbps or faster. This often applies to Multi-Gig or Wi-Fi 7 hardware.
- Multi-Gig: A new BASE-T wired connection standard that delivers 2.5GbE, 5GbE, or 10GbE over CAT5e (or a higher grade) network cables, depending on the devices involved, and is also backward compatible with Fast Ethernet and Gigabit.
As a result, with Gigabit or slower broadband, it’s incorrect to use an Internet speed test application to gauge your Wi-Fi performance—the best number you get is that of the former, the bottleneck. I ranted long and hard about that in this post on speed testing.
A 10Gbps—that’s 10Gigabit Ethernet, a.k.a 10GE, 10GbE, or 10GigE—broadband connection changes all that. The Internet is now the fastest pipe in your home. But it also brings about another headache for those wanting to get the absolute most out of this world-bound highway.
Setting the right expectation
Here’s a fact: current networking devices feature 10Gbps as the highest port grade. Consequently, they can’t deliver 10Gbps in full—hardware has overhead. In other words, there’s no way for us to experience true 10 Gigabit Internet with existing equipment.
I can say that with a high level of confidence because in the past three years, I’ve tested dozens of 10Gbps routers, mesh systems, and switches, and none could deliver 9000Mbps in real-world sustained performance, as shown in the chart below.
In other words, if you want to see a real 10Gbps sustained rate, you will need equipment that can handle 20Gbps or faster. We’ll get there at some point, but for now, that’s not in the foreseeable future simply because it’s not necessary. In fact, 10Gbps is already unnecessary in all cases.
Sonic says its 10Gbps plans generally deliver “up to” 8700Mbps in speed testing.
So, we’re now talking about being happy with “sorta 10Gbps” connectivity, or “10Gbps-class”. Still, things remain challenging. I speak from years of experience.
Let’s start with the hardware.
10Gbps on the client end: Wired only, and it’s tricky
Below is a screenshot of the current Internet speed on my work computer. It’s fast, alright, but you’ll note that it’s not 10Gbps, only around 2.5Gbps. Did I get ripped off? Nope.
My desktop computer used for the test has a built-in 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig network adapter. And the Internet connection saturated that multi-Gigabit connection. You’ll note that the number is slightly lower than 25000Mbps—again, hardware, the port in this case, has overhead.
There are very few motherboards with built-in 10Gbps network ports—they often have the 2.5Gbps and 5Gbps port grades instead. That said, on a computer, you generally need to upgrade to 10Gbps via Thunderbolt or PCIe adapters, which are not cheap.
Upgrading a desktop computer to 10Gbps Multi-Gig is similar to upgrading it to Wi-Fi 6/E. You get an add-on card, assemble it on a qualified PCIe slot, and install the software.
The biggest and only difference is a 10Gbps NIC card requires a four-lane (x4) or faster PCIe slot instead of a single-lane (x1).
On most desktop motherboards, the only qualified PCIe slot is the 16-lane, generally reserved for a dedicated graphics card. In this case, you can only upgrade if you use the computer’s basic integrated (onboard) graphic processing unit (GPU).
How about Wi-Fi, you might ask? In my experience, even the best-to-date Wi-Fi connection—a 2×2 Wi-Fi 7 card using a 320MHz channel width—sustains at around 3500Mbps of real-world rates in a best-case scenario. It’s virtually impossible to experience 10Gbps via Wi-Fi.
So, if you want to experience 10Gbps, upgrading your computer to a 10Gbps wired adapter is the only way for now. But even then, that’s only half of the equation. You need a router and possibly a switch of the same caliber, too.
10Gbps Internet on the router end: Generally expensive
In the past few years, routers with Multi-Gig ports have become the norm. However, those with two or more 10Gbps ports are still somewhat of a luxury simply because they are expensive.
You need, at minimum, two ports on a router to form a 10Gbps connection, one on the WAN side and the other on the LAN side. The 10Gbps LAN port also allows you to expand the network with the same grade via a switch.
Notes on 10Gbps hardware
A router needs more than just a couple of 10Gbps Ethernet network ports to deliver (close to) true 10Gbps. It also requires high processing power and applicable firmware to handle this bandwidth.
Generally, consumer-grade Multi-Gig routers and switches do not deliver true 10Gbps (10,000Mbps) throughputs. After “overhead”, they sustain approximately between 6.5Gbps (Wi-Fi 6/6E hardware) and 8.5Gbps (Wi-Fi 7 hardware). Often, a router’s traffic-related features, such as QoS, security, etc., when turned on, can impact its bandwidth.
Many home Wi-Fi routers support the entry-level Multi-Gig, which is 2.5Gbps and can deliver close to 2,500Mbps in real-world speeds.
Below is the frequently updated list of the best routers with 10Gbps ports. Again, as noted in the performance chart above, none of them could deliver true 10Gbps real-world speed, and they are all quite expensive.
Top 5 best 10Gbps Multi-Gig routers
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| Name | Ubiquiti Cloud Gateway Fiber (UCG-Fiber)’s Rating | Asus GT-BE98 Pro’s Rating | Asus RT-BE88U’s Rating | TP-Link Archer GE800’s Rating | Netgear Nighthawk RS700S’ Rating |
| Price | – | – | – | – | – |
| Rating | |||||
| Description | |||||
| Statistics | |||||
| Buy this product |
I tested all of these devices with my 10Gbps broadband, and the best result I’ve gotten in the past few years was around 8500Mbps.
By the way, not all routers (or switches) came with the all BASE-T 10Gbps port. Some have one or two of the less common SFP+, which can be turned into a BASE-T via an adapter. In some cases, the SFP+ port on a router can come in handy if the fiberoptic ONT uses the same port type.
Extra: BASE-T vs. SFP+
BASE-T (or BaseT) is the standard port type for data communication and refers to the wiring method, which is 8-position 8-contact (8P8C), used inside a network cable and the connectors at its ends.
This type is known by a misnomer called Registered Jack 45 or RJ45. So, we’ll keep calling it RJ45.
On the other hand, the SFP, nowadays with its popular SFP+ (plus) rendition, is used for telecommunication and data communication, primarily in enterprise applications. SFP stands for Small Form Factor Pluggable and is the technical name for what is often referred to as Fiber Channel or Fiber.
For data communication, an SFP+ port generally has speed grades of either 1Gbps or 10 Gbps. The older version, SFP, can only do 1 Gbps, though it shares the same port type as SFP+. This type of port standard is stricter in terms of compatibility with better reliability and performance.
SFP can also be more flexible in term of speed grades, and has other forms that can offer faster-than-10Gbps bandwidth, such as SFP28 that has 25Gbps ceiling speed.
While physically different, BASE-T and SFP/+ are parts of the Ethernet family, sharing the same networking principles and Ethernet naming convention—Gigabit Ethernet (1Gbps), Multi-Gig Ethernet (2.5GBASE-T, 5GBASE-T), or 10 Gigabit Ethernet (a.k.a 10GE, 10GbE, or 10 GigE).
Generally, you can get an adapter, called a “transceiver”, to connect a BASE-T device to an SFP or SFP+ port. Still, in this case, compatibility can be an issue—a particular adapter might only work (well) with the SFP/+ port of certain hardware vendors.
The BASE-T wiring is more popular thanks to its simple design and speed support flexibility. Some routers and switches have an RJ45/SFP+ combo, which includes two physical ports of each type, but you can use one at a time.
With a router, you’ll be able to have a single 10Gbps connection. To connect more wired clients at 10Gbps, as mentioned, you’ll need a switch. Or you have to opt for a mesh system.
10Gbps-capable switches or mesh system: Another expensive investment
While Gigabit switches are a dime a dozen and relatively affordable, Multi-Gig switches, especially those capable of 10Gbps, have not come down in price.
For example, the Zyxel XS1930-12HP, which was first released more than four years ago, still costs around $700 today. Those with fewer ports go for less, but still, you’ll need to spend a few hundred dollars on one.
Alternatively, if you have a large home, you might want to get a 10Gbps-capable mesh system instead of a router and a switch. In this case, be prepared for another sticker shock. Below is the frequently updated list of the best five 10Gbps Wi-Fi systems you can bring home today, and you guessed it! None is affordable.
Top 5 best 10Gbps Multi-Gig mesh systems
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| Name | Ubiquiti UniFi-Based Wi-Fi System’s Rating | Asus ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro’s Rating | Asus ZenWiFi BT10’s Ratings | TP-Link Deco BE85’s Rating | Netgear Orbi 970 Series (RBE973S)’s Rating |
| Price | – | – | – | – | – |
| Rating | |||||
| Description | |||||
| Statistics | |||||
| Buy this product |
So, in the end, to experience 10Gbps-class Internet, you’ll likely need to spend over $1500 on equipment alone.
In my case, I’ve used all of the hardware mentioned here, and that brings us to my actual Internet speed out of my 10Gbps fiberoptic broadband.
My actual Multi-Gig Internet speed
Years ago, upon completing the installation, the Sonic technician did a test at the ONT with his special equipment, which showed around 8Gbps on download and upload speeds.
Over the years, the number fluctuated, but the fastest I’ve gotten is in the screenshot below: around 8.5Gbps in both directions.
It’s worth noting that I got the results above when tested directly at the ONT. When tested via my main router with a switch or two in between, I generally get around 6Gbps at best. Again, more equipment means more overhead.
Here’s the thing, though: I simply stop caring. The truth is that 2.5Gbps, which is what I get most of the time using my work desktop, is already crazy fast. Anything above that is simply not noticeable.
Fiberoptic broadband is so much better than cable, by the way. The speed aside, I consistently get ping and jitter values, which determine the quality of a connection, below a few milliseconds. In many tests, they were at zero.
Multi-Gig Internet and its hidden benefits
True 10Gbps or not, my broadband connection is now easily in the Multi-Gig realm. The ultra-fast speeds, apart from being, well, fast, also bring in some advantages you can’t have with sub-Gigabit.
QoS is (mostly) no longer applicable
The first is that you don’t need to use Quality of Service anymore. I wrote about QoS in this post, but it’s a function that prioritizes the broadband connection to prevent a device from hogging all the bandwidth.
Considering most devices have Gigabit or Wi-Fi at best, the network adapter is now the bandwidth guardrail. For example, if you host a BitTorrent client on a computer with a Gigabit connection, the client can use no more than 1000Mbps of Internet bandwidth at any given time. Supposedly, you still have some 9000Mbps for other things—it’s a matter of bandwidth.
If you use multiple clients like that, then it might still be a good idea to use QoS. But you get the idea.
Bandwidth vs. speed
When it comes to a data connection, we tend to think of speed, as how fast data moves from one party to another, generally measured in bits per second.
For a slow connection, we use kilobit (Kbps), for faster ones, we use megabit (Mbps) or Gigabit (Gbps).
When you get a broadband plan, the number of bits also indicates its bandwidth. A Gigabit plan (1000Mbps) allows two devices to connect at 500Mbps simultaneously. With a 10Gbps plan, you can do that on 20 concurrent 500Mbps-capable devices.
That’s why fast broadband is still applicable when there are only slow devices within a network.
By the way, in my case, the fiberoptic line significantly improves real-time communication thanks to the better connection quality.
A new level of personal server
Thanks to the much faster upload speed, all personal remote server applications work much better.
My business partners and I use several Synology NAS servers in multiple locations and sync data between them as off-site backups. The super-fast broadband—and the omission of a monthly data cap—makes this much better, at least at my end.
If you use a personal media server, such as Plex, streaming content from your NAS server when you’re on the go is now just like using Netflix or Hulu in terms of speed and video quality. Actually, it was better in my trial.
With 10 Gigabit Internet, the broadband speed test is now applicable for local Wi-Fi testing
This part applies directly to what I do on this website. In the past few years, I often used the Internet speed test as a supplemental testing method since it was determined to be faster than the fastest Wi-Fi connection.
I still use my current test methodology, but knowing that the Internet is no longer the bottleneck has made my work much easier. For example, I have been able to determine whether a router is consistent on both the LAN and WAN sides, whether its WAN port is truly Multi-Gig, and more.
The takeaway
Again, it’s impossible to get a real sustained 10Gbps connection—we need faster-than-10Gbps equipment for that.
That said, unless cost is not an issue, getting a 5Gbps or slower broadband will give you the best bang for your buck since you’ll be able to experience it in full (with 10Gbps equipment). Also, keep in mind that 2.5Gbps is more than fast enough in most if not all, cases.
The point is that 10Gbps broadband or local bandwidth is fun and doesn’t hurt to have if you don’t have to pay an arm and a leg for it.
At the end of the day, though, we only need the connection fast enough for your application at a given time. Anything above that becomes practically meaningless, and if you’re obsessed with speed-testing, that’ll cost you.
Dong,
My Lumos 5Gbps fiber service claims symmetrical upload and download speeds. In the beginning, my readings suggested this was an accurate claim. However, at some point, something changed, and while my upload speeds are consistent, my download speeds are all over the map and only come within @300Mbps or so of the upload speed. What has been your experience with your 10Gbps service?
Speed testing can be tricky, Ronald. But my service has been consistently around 8000Mbps both ways and I test that almost daily for reviews and stuff.
Great article. I had Google Fiber 2.5gb service for a bit and it was unbelievable however, I went back to the 1gb service and added Spectrum 1gb as a failover. Midwest thunderstorms can cause a lot of outages and this was the better setup for me.
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Here it is three years later from my post in 2022 on this topic: “Excellent info! Thanks. Just checked to see if fiber is available in my area. As soon as it is, I’ll be upgrading.”
You continue to give me hope and technical specifics. Thank you!
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Dong,
You are the multi-Gig guru so I will invoke your help. Just got 10G fiber optic from Brightridge which is 8G real throughput at the ONT. However, my Asus RT AX89X is throttling this to 1.6G at my pc; wi fi speeds are fine: 2G+. If I direct ethernet (CAT8) the ONT to my pc via 10G NIC, I get 6-7G speed so it’s not the cable or NIC. I have ONT to router via SFP+ as WAN and router to pc via 10G BASE T as LAN. Is it the router? Should I get the Netgear wi fi 7 20G router?
It’s likely your SFP+ connection or the SFP+ to BASE-T adapter.
You can get any router with dual 10Gbpst ports and try again.
Dong,
Finally figured it out after monkeying around with router settings all night, disabling various things and checking Ookla speeds! When I disable qOs, voila, 7G/4G down/upload speeds, up from 1.6G! Needless to say, I’m not paying for 10G speeds to be throttled to 1.6G!
QoS and IPS/IDS (intrusion prevention/detection system) both need very powerful routers to handle 10Gbps traffic. No residential or prosumer routers will handle that. You usually don’t need QoS with a 10Gbps connection though.
Dong,
Absolutely! After the qOS disabling “fix”, I read up on qOs and everything says with fiber connection, no need for qOS! Apparently the 10G saturates/overloads the cpu with packet inspection that slows down speed significantly!
Finally? I already mentioned that in the speed test post which I linked in your previous comment. Clearly you didn’t read that post. Make sure you follow the comment rules next time. 🙂
Hi Dong, next month finally my fiber will be upgrade from 1 to 10Gbit. What’s your advice today for the best 10Gbit router today? Is it better to wait the WiFi 7 development during 2024? Thank you!
I maintain a list of those you can consider, Giacomo.
Hi Dong,
I know the post it’s over one year old, anyway it wold be interesting to explain how your 10Gbit fiber is delivered, I think there is an XGS-PON fiber like 99% of residential users worldwide.
In PON technology a single fiber is shared/splitted with other users, one fiber (10Gbit in XGS-PON and 2.5Gbin in GPON) come by POP and splitted in different split ratio up to 256 users in XGS-PON (128 in GPON), here in Italy the ratio is 1:64.
It means that 10Gbit speedtest can suffer to others 64-128 or 256 other users that use the same fiber/pipe at the same time.
There are many others aspect involved in these high speedtest like ISP peering, IX bandwith, etc, but it’s better to understand and know that the fiber isn’t dedicated for every users.
Sonic (which Dong and I are using) uses XGS-PON.
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I suspected! Another fascinating thing is that in the same Fiber it’s possible to deliver both XGS-PON and GPON at the same time, due to a different optical wave length of the two PON’s variants.
It’s a great thing by ISP side because they can deliver the new XGS-PON standard over the old GPON standard in the same fiber with only an ONT replace by customer side. Sorry for the OT, but fiber and (more) PON are an amazing technology!
Hi Dong,
I have the Sonic 10Gb fiber and Asus RT-AX89X router too.
I connect the Sonic ONT 10Gb Port to Asus AX89X 10Gb WAN RJ45 port.
And use the 10Gb SFP+ on the Router connect to my 10Gb SFP+ port on the PC.
But I unable to get the download speed over 1Gb.
The speed test on web browser only have 300Mb Down / 4,000 Up.
If i use the speed test app on Windows it double the down and up speed. The result on the app is 800Mb down / ~8,000 Up.
I configured the speed on both Base-T and SFP+ to 10Gb on the router but still the same.
Can you advise how to get the max download speed on SFP+ port ?
Make sure you turn off the router’s security and QoS features. More in this post.
Hi Dong,
The router security and QoS are off by default.
I didn’t turn it on.
Then it’s quite strange since clearly the port could deliver around 8Gbps on the upload. Maybe it’s the settings of the computer’s SFP+ port?
I have my 5gbit (different provider) coming in through the rj45 wan and out to my computer via the SFP+ (using a rj45 transceiver). And have no issues getting full speed on the tests.
For the tests themselves, using the app is the right thing to do for the best consistency vs web browser. (Also do not use the test in the router as can’t handle speed much over 3mbit and may just lock up as mine does.) But you want to make sure you are selecting the test servers, not letting it automatically do it, as most can’t handle multi-gig speed. Which ones are you selecting for the results you are getting?
Hi Dong,
Do you by chance use any extra layer of anti-virus security software installed on your computer with your 10Gig ISP?
I have 2Gig Internet and I had to uninstall all Internet Security software in order to obtain my full 2300Mbps download speed. I had Bitdefender installed and obtained anywhere from 1500-1900Mbps. As soon as I uninstalled it I got my full 2300Mbps back using the Speedtest app.
Next, I tried Kaspersky. It was the same results. A little better. I got around 1700-1800Mbps. I uninstalled Kaspersky and my 2Gig speed came right back.
Next, I tried ESET and got the exact same results.
Right now I am using Windows Defender. Yes, I know, I know. People say “Windows Defender is all you need now days,” but I really like having something else installed. I really like the web protection these other security vendors offer.
It would be really could if you investigated this subject and wrote about it. I think it’d help a lot of readers as more folks get faster and faster Internet!
I don’t use that kind of software by default, Richard. They do more harm than good. More here.
By yes, all software (and firmware features) that handle the traffic will slow down the speed. More about testing in this post.
Great report as always, Dong.
I have an ONT with a 10Gbps Base-T port that I connected with Cat8 cable to an ASUS AX86X WAN.
From the AX86X I ran another Cat8 RJ45 from the router’s 10Gb port to my Asus Z790 Extreme’s Marvell 10Gb port.
My network settings all show 10Gb speed, but I can’t get over 950Mb +/- using Ookla’s speed test.
My ISP, Brightridge, is sending a tech tomorrow to see if they can diagnose the problem. I couldn’t figure it out.
As usual, Asus tech support was non existent.
Thanks again. My hardwired home setup was all based on your posts, and it works great with 2 AIMesh routers on the main and upper floors. My work computer is in the basement.
I’d say it’s likely your ONT, Edgar. If you get around 3Gbps and not more, then I’d say it your router or something in between. Good luck! It’s very hard to get over 5Gbps WAN consistently using a home router.
Do you mean the AX89X? There is not AX86X and the AX86U doesn’t have 10gbit ports.
If you do mean the AX89X, the fact that you didn’t mention using a SPF+ rj45 transceiver makes me think you have your ONT output plugged into the RJ45 WAN port of the router and that WAN port is 1gbit. The only way to get multi-gig in and out of this router is to use both the 10gbit rj45 jack and the 10gbit SFP+ port. One as your WAN input and one as your LAN output.
A ~940gbit speed test means a 1gbit link which would also point to you using the 1gig WAN port on the router. (also note that you should not use the internal test for speed test, only the desktop app to a known-good multi-gig speedtest server).
Also, the ethernet cable rating are not the issue. You don’t need cat 8 for anything unless you are running a data center (but then you are probably running fiber links anway) so save your money on any future purchases with using cat 6. You can even do 10gig with standard cat 5e over at-home distances without issue.
I made the same assumption, too, Paul. Good catch! Edgar, you need a router with TWO Multi-Gig ports to have a Multi-Gig connection speed…
Wow, that is a crazy good price for even 1gbit internet! They must have a rather unique cost structure.
Where I’m at I’m fortunate to have a fiber provider so I don’t have to use Comcast. They (Ziply) just lowered their 2gig and 5gig price from $120 and $300 to $90 and $120 because they are about to launch 10gbit (I’d guess closer to the 300 that 5gig was).
One interesting (but not impactful) thing about the Asus Ax89x is that its built in Speedtest app does not seem to handle more that ~3gibit. On my 5gbit service it will even lock up the screen most of the time instead of completing. Someone said that it may have to do with routers that use the speedteest-cli linux package instead of the official speedtest package from ookla will max around 3gbit.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Paul. It actually just got cheaper for us by $10 per month by opting for email or text-only support (no phone), which is great because I’d use email or text anyway.
What you mentioned about speed testing is true in all Asus routers. I guess 10Gbps Internet is so rare that the firmware cap the speed testing speed to 3.5Gbps.
Dang Dong, 10GbE internet, probably 10x times of most people’s home LAN, not to mention WiFi.
Interesting article, I can relate to that nerdy need/itch to tap the true potential of 10Gb/s connection speed.
It still amazes me that the AX89X is ~3 years old and still has the best specs around.
When I bought mine about 1.5 years ago I thought to myself, man, that thing is so over-speced, especially with the 2x10Gb/s ports and 8x1Gb/s ports and that hasn’t changed much since then.
I recently made the move to Multi Gig LAN with 2.5Gb/s with ET8 and RT-AX89X which feels an overkill with a 1Gb/s internet connection and at all, going to 10Gb/s is a few folds of an overkill.
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Had never heard of Sonic and I’m right here in the Bay Area! Thank you Dong! I can’t get Sonic but att does have 5Gb available. Don’t need either atm though. Very interesting to see you hope through the hoop to do 10Gb with consumer equipment–that’s a torture I would never put upon myself, lol.
I hear you, Samir. Generally, anything over Gigaibt is overkill, for now.
Hi Dong love your content!
I’m still on 1200mbit cable modem but I upgraded to a 25/10gbit Mikrotik CCR2004-1G-12S+2XS router. So everything is setup with minimum 2.5gbit but will change those for 10gbit sfp+ once wifi7 comes out for the access point.
Now, it took some effort to configure the router. The wizard was easy but for open service ports and firewall was more enterprise type of setup. But VERY good price and fast 64bit ARM.
Hi Dong ,
First of all great write up. A few questions here. Sonic 10G fiber is finally available in my area in downtown San Jose. I have an install scheduled for this Monday.
I was following your guidelines above, and have purchased all the required hardware.
I ended up purchasing quantity x 2 of the ASUS ROG Rapture WiFi 6E
Router (GT-AXE16000 and the Zyxel switch. I plan on setting up both router as mesh.
Wondering with only two 10gb ports on the routers. Do run the setup as such . ONT to router via Ethernet 10GB than 10GB SPF to switch and from the switch 10GBSPF to secondary router 10GBSPF ?
Let me know if the setup should differ otherwise .
Appreciate the help here !
The GT-AXE16000 has no SPF+ port, Filippos. Other than that, your assessment is correct. Also, don’t use the 388 firmware on the router, not yet.
I got a TP-Link ER8411 a week or two ago and can confirm that I get around 8200Mbps down, which is around the same as if I connect to Sonic’s ONT directly. It’s pretty decently priced at $350. There’s only two 10Gbps ports though, and they’re both SFP+, so you’ll need an SFP+ 10GBase-T module to connect the Sonic ONT. I’m using the other SFP+ port to connect to a MikroTik 10Gbps switch (CRS312-4C+8XG)
Good to know! And those business routers are generally better than their home counterpart. Thanks for sharing the experience, Daniel.
Have you tried any of MikroTik’s routers, like the CCR2004-1G-12S+2XS? I’d like something that can be rack mounted. Sonic is going to be rolling out in my area within the next few months.
No, Dan. But you can try the UDM Pro or UDM SE. Here’s my takes on the home version of those: https://dongknows.com/ubiquiti-wi-fi-6-unifi-dream-router-udr-review/
My setup for 10gb:
Dell precision workstation running pfsense (quad core) with quad sfp+ card for Wan, Lan,Lan2, Lan3
Trendnet switch with 4 sfp+ ports/24 1 gig ports
Linux workstation with Mellanox sfp+ card
8800 mps tested with speedtest.net cli program (the web version did not give accurate results for some reason-only came in at 2400 mps)
That looks like a great setup, J. How about the heat and the space requirement? My little closet is a bit small. Thanks for sharing the XP.
And here I am paying $90/Month just for 900Mbps from Xfinity (The ONLY broadband in my area 🙁 )
I hear you, Mike. You should try doing an “upgrade” by pretending to sign up again VIA xfinity WEBSITE, chances are you’ll get a lower rate. Good luck!
Interesting Dong. How exactly can do you this without messing up your current service?
Thanks, Dong. We recently installed the same Sonic fiber as you.
The plan is to run 3 wires from a switch to each of 3 Deco X5700’s placed throughout the house (one of the X5700s connected via coaxial w/ 2.5Gbps MoCA adapters; the other two via CAT5e/CAT6). Though I share the ambition for a juiced up 10Gbps setup also, we’ll have to settle for 2.5Gbps. 😉
To get as close to 2.5Gbps as possible, should the switch be rated 2.5Gbps? Or something higher (for ex., 5Gbps)? Your point about equipment overhead has me re-thinking my 2.5Gbps switch setup.
Thanks!
You generally need a higher grade to get the full speed of a lower grade, James. For your case, though, getting a 5Gbps or faster would make no difference since the X5700 has a 2.5Gbps port. Still, I’d go 10Gbps. The TRENDnet TEG-S750 will fit your case well and it’s not too pricey. But you need a router with two Multi-Gig ports, though, as mentioned in the post.
Thanks, Dong. Much appreciated
Sure, James! You got a first-world problem there. Have fun! 🙂
Hi Dong,
Love your reviews, I learn a ton from them.
I just got Sonic 10gig Fiber in Oakland, am trying to make the most of it, and could use some help.
My equipment:
Router: asus rog rapture gt-axe11000 (wifi 6e, 2.5gig)
Switch: NETGEAR Nighthawk Pro Gaming SX10 (10gig)
Motherboard: GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS MASTER (10gig(
I have a CAT 8 cable plugged in from my Sonic modem directly into the Asus routers 2.5gig slot. The most download/upload speed I’ve seen from online tests for wifi is about 600 mpbs.
What do I need to do to see speeds closer to 2.5gig on my wifi 6e?
Thanks!
I don’t know where to start, Adam. You should read this post again and follow the related links. But to point you in the right direction:
1. You CAN’T get Wi-Fi speeds faster than Gig+, for now. PERIOD. Whatever otherwise you’ve heard is wrong. The related posts will explain why (and what Gig+ means). Hint: use the site search.
2. You need a router with at least TWO 10Gbps ports. Use one for the WAN side (your Fiber-optic ONT) and the other for the LAN side (your switch).
3. Your current setup’s Intenet is capped at 1Gbps. That’s ONE-TENTH of 10Gbps. You won’t get above that.
Seriously, give this post a SERIOUS read. That’s part of the rules before asking any question anyway. And yes, you should read the rules, too. 🙂
Hi All,
Recently upgraded my router to the Rog Rapture GT-Axe16000 and have achieved 8 gig up and 8 gig down when plugged dirctly into my gigabyte z690 aorus master motherboard. Put my GT-Axe11000 downstairs and got a single ZenWiFi Pro ET12 AXE11000 for the backyard. Now blanketed with fast wifi6 all over.
I’m crossing my fingers they come down the Peninsula with that 10gbps soon! Just got 2.5gbps from AT&T.
I’m now trying to figure out my network gear upgrade path here. I’m thinking waiting might be best given the lack of 10gbps capable equipment. Even if the stuff has a 10gbe doesn’t mean it’s going to get it. Many devices simply don’t have the processing power and few list switching capacity.
Really curious about your thoughts on the most cost effective setup. Also if it’s worth waiting on wifi 7.
I don’t think it’s worth the investment in hardware, Tom. If you only need a single router, that might be OK, but if you need to connect multiple wired devices, the cost will go up fast, and the issue is there’s not much noticeable in return other than the good feeling. I’d say wait until you really have use for it. But it does NOT hurt if you can afford the hardware, and 10Gb is still great if you can only use 1Gb. Cost aside, faster is always better on this front. 🙂
You know how great we were feeling over in the UK having just got Gigabit internet (1000Mbps)? 10Gbps! Most impressive! Congratulations!
Thanks, Harold. To be honest, it didn’t make much of a difference, other than the bragging rights. 🙂
Congrats on the upgrade Dong! Just curious, does turning on any of the VPN features on the RT-AX89X (e.g. IPSec, Instant Guard) severely drop the d/l and u/l wired speeds on your end? I’m getting just over 1 Gbps when I do that as opposed to 8-9 Gbps with VPN off. Turning on the Ai Protection feature also hits wired speeds but not to the extent of when the VPN features are activated. I’ve reached out to Asus Tech Support on this but they don’t seem too interested in doing anything about it…However, as per your advice, VPN is only on (if I remember to) when I’m out and about.
Thanks, Richard.
I can confirm that my test results shown in the post were done with Instant Guard (no active client, though) and AiProtetion turned on. And I tested just now again on my 2.5Gbps machine and got the same result. But generally, features like those (especially QoS) can adversely affect the speed, especially if you don’t configure them correctly or appropriately. If you’re in doubt, back up the settings, reset your router, try the testing with none of those turned on, then turn them on again gradually.
Thanks for confirming that Dong. I’ve tried switching to my Gigabit fiber connection only and that doesn’t seem to be affected by the activation of the router’s VPN or Ai Protection features. Suspect it may be something to do with the ISP using a passive optical network for Gigabit as opposed to the active optical network for 10G. The former (Gigabit) has a modem before the router while the latter (10G) directly connects to the RT-AX89X’s 10G SFP+ port from an ISP-provided long range tranceiver. I couldn’t get a straight answer out of the 10G ISP’s tech support either so guess I’ll have to leave VPN off for now until I need to use it…
Sorry meant ONT instead of modem!
This is great. I have the exact same set up after getting sonic a couple weeks ago. I’m also in SF. Bought that route because of your review so thanks!
It IS a bit more involved. Sonic tells you you need your own equipment to take advantage of the speed as the only router they provide is 1g.
Question- did you use a transceiver for the spf port? If so, what did you get?
I mentioned that in the post, Kevin. It’s an ONT with a 10Gbps Base-T port — I included a picture. That’s the only device you’d need. After that, just plug your router’s WAN port in and you’re game. More here. I’m actually in Oakland. 🙂
Oh I see now you used a fiber cable to connect to the switch. For now that port goes from the router to the PC (with 10g nic). I don’t have a Nas with 10g so no need to invest in a switch for now.
Btw you can’t connect the ONT directly to the PC. It will stop working if you’re using the other ONT port to a router
Yes, you can connect the ONT directly to a computer, Kevin, and that’s the only way to truly test your broadband connection as I mentioned in this post. But then you can’t connect any other devices to the Internet. More in this post. If your ONT has two ports and you get TWO separate Static IPs then yes, you can use both of the ONT’s ports for two devices (two routers or two computers). In most cases, you can only use either the 10Gbps or the Gigabit port of the ONT. Many ONTs have just one port anyway.
Thanks. I am getting down and up speeds just north of 3gps here. The technician who installed it used some device connected to a laptop to test the connection and that device was showing around 8.5gps – he showed me… a lot is getting lost somewhere…
Yeap, as I mentioned in the post. But 3Gbps is already too much, no? I’m happy with 2.5Gbps on my work desktop.
*jealous* , I mean congrats Dong!
10Gbps is indeed a major step forward!
Lol. Thanks, Jason.
Lucky you. I’m sure less than .0001% of the US has access to ultrafast fiber, let alone for $40mo.
I have fiber- FIOS. I pay $62mo for a 1GB connection, and I consider myself lucky. They are going to be rolling out 2GB soon but charging $120mo for it.
No thanks.
Not a bad deal. Your location?
SW Boston suburbs.
Good thing about have two service providers available (Xfinity and FIOS) is that they’ll compete over you as a customer. Ultimately I was able to lock in a deal with FIOS as a new customer for $62, no contract after switching back and forth a few times, If I modify my service plan in any way I lose that deal forever. 2GB is tempting but not for double the price.
Rather have 10GB for $40 tho.
Altice/Optimum is charging $49.95 for a Gig in NY and NJ. They’re also competing with Verizon, but for new customers only. After a year or two, the promo price usually ends.
The promo price game is what is usually played with isps. I always make it a point to find out how much the service is without all the gimmicks and then make my decision based on if I can stomach that.
That’s not bad. I don’t think you’d see much of a difference when you have 2Gbps. Not enough to justify the hardware upgrade.
I just did some upgrading for a homebuilt NAS. Two Mellanox connectx3 cards cost me $40 on eBay and an old H3C 24port switch with 4 SFP+ ports for $60. DAC cables were $10ea.
It’s amazing how affordable 10GB networking has become.
Good for file transferring but I still can’t justify (or afford) the $120mo for 2GB.
Here in Switzerland you can get 25gbit Fibre connection for 70 usd. They share the backbone with 20 – 30 connections.
Only 25Gb? J/K. Interesting! Thanks for sharing, Frank. 🙂
Very cool. I knew there were places in Europe that already had 10Gb, but 25Gb is just crazy impressive. I guess you have to have 40Gb or a 100Gb to really use that speed. Datacenter in the home anyone? lol.
Thanks so much, Dong! You are truly the forerunner in this field. I find your articles incredibly educational, informative and inspirational! You have put a “smile on my dial” today with insight into the future. Cheers from Boo in Melbourne, Australia
Thanks, Boo! 🙂
I think too often we equate bandwidth with just speed. I just can’t see why anyone would need that much capacity. Maybe some time in the future as we add more devices and compete with more traffic, but for most data hungry consumers these days, 300 to 500 MBPS is more then enough. We are also seeing the advent of more efficient clients, graphic applications, video codecs, etc. However, as far as some business applications are considered, the sky should be the limit. I’m just fine with my 300/300 Fios plan, but 40 bucks for gigabyte speeds, now that’s what I call a real bargain for bragging rights. Unfortunately, I just don’t see those kind of prices offered by any of the major ISP’s (IE: Verizon, AT&T, Altice/Optimum, Comcast.) anytime in the near future.
Yeap, Ian. I remember you were advocating Fiber-optic, and I was saying Cable was cheaper. When I got Sonic installed, I actually thought of our previous “conversation.” I stand corrected. And yes, Fiber should be cheaper since it can be. Hopefully, that will be the case soon across the country (and the world, for that matter.)
Excellent info! Thanks. Just checked to see if fiber is available in my area. As soon as it is, I’ll be upgrading.
Sure, John. 🙂