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Together with 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E, and especially the sorta-upcoming Wi-Fi 7, is the new area of faster-than-Gigabit connections, the Multi-Gigabit, which is similar but not to be confused with Multi-Gig.
While it’ll be a long while before you need this type of network throughput, this roundup helps you get (well) ahead of the curve.
You’ll find here some two dozen multi-Gigabit-capable Wi-Fi 6 routers I’ve reviewed. They are about all you can find on the market right now, except for the eero Pro 6E which I purposely decided not to review due to privacy and other issues.
Any of these can deliver at least one Multi-Gig wired connection when you have another similarly capable party — you need a Multi-Gig switch to add more on the LAN side.
While all these are Wi-Fi routers, it’s wired networking we’re talking about here, so run network cables in your home first.
By the way, if you don’t know what Multi-Gig really means, check out the post on the subject in the box below.
Dong’s note: I first published this post on December 13, 2020, and last updated it on May 18, 2022, to include more qualified broadcasters.
Table of Contents
Wi-Fi 6/6E routers with Multi-Gigabit capability: The lists
There are two lists. One is of routers with more than one Multi-Gig — that’s two ports for now — and the other of those with a single port.
The latter includes two sub-lists of those in which the port can work only as WAN (to host a Gig+ or faster broadband connection) and those with one that can also work as a LAN port to host a local client.
I put these lists in the reviewed order with the latest on top. The number in front of a product’s name is just numerical and doesn’t mean the ranking.
You need to check each’s full review to see how they are as a Wi-Fi router. This list only takes the Multi-Gig notion into account. In other words, having multi-Gigabit capacity is not the end all be all of a router.
Note: Generally, a router with a USB port and a Multi-Gig LAN port is excellent for NAS applications when hosting a storage device. However, that’s not always the case, and I will touch on that notion, too, when applicable. The point is, just because a router is multi-Gig-capable doesn’t mean it’s all good in all related applications.
A. Wi-Fi 6/6E routers with TWO (Dual) Multi-Gigabit ports
Generally, these are those with two Multi-Gig ports. You can use at least one as a WAN and the other as a LAN. In some cases, you can use both either as WANs or LANs.
Generally, out of the box, these routers can host two Multi-Gig connections. Add a Multi-Gig switch if you need more.
6. Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12: Dual WAN/LAN 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig ports
(If you didn’t read the intro, this is the latest member on this list — the number is only numerical, not the ranking.)
The ZenWiFi Pro ET12 is the latest Wi-Fi 6E mesh system from Asus. It comes in a 2-pack of two identical routers. You can use any as a standalone device.
The coolest thing about the ET12 is the fact it has two flexible 2.5Gbps ports. This means out of the box, you can use it with Multi-Gig wired backhaul. You can even daisy-chain multiple satellites that way, without a switch.
Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12's Rating
Pros
Wi-Fi 6E-ready, extensive Wi-Fi coverage with top performance in specific setups with possible fast Wi-Fi performance in certain setups
Dual Multi-Gig pots with Multi-Gig wired backhaul, flexible port configurations
Excellent performance and coverage as a standalone router
Tons of useful features and settings, flexible Wi-Fi customization
AiMesh 2.0 full support, helpful mobile app, no login account required
Cool design
Cons
Bulky, no USB, only four network ports
Fluctuating performance as a fully wireless mesh due to the lack of a dedicated backhaul band
Short 6GHz range
Expensive, not wall-mountable
5. Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX6000: Dual WAN/LAN 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig ports
The Asus GT-AX6000 is the latest gaming router from Asus, replacing the RT-AX86U below.
The new router has everything to be the best Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router. The included two flexible Multi-Gig 2.5Gbps ports — one WAN and one LAN by default — are just a small part of its appeal.
Thanks to the USB 3.0 port and, most importantly, Asus’s vast offering in USB-related features, the GT-AX6000 can also work as an excellent mini NAS server when hosting a portable drive.
Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX6000's Rating
Pros
Fast, reliable Wi-Fi with excellent coverage
Dual Multi-Gig ports with Dual-WAN, Link Aggregations, and more
Tons of helpful networking features and settings, including AiMesh 2.0 and gaming-related applications
Robust web UI, well-designed mobile app, no login account required
Multi-Gig, WAN/LAN Link Aggregation support
Excellent NAS performance when hosting a portable drive
Bold-looking design, no fan, runs cool
Cons
Lowest Multi-Gig grade (2.5Gbps), there could be more ports considering the router's massive physical size
A bit pricey
Impractical antenna design, bulky, not practically wall-mountable
4. Netgear Orbi RBKE960 Series: 10Gbps Multi-Gig WAN + 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig LAN
Available as a 3-pack — RBKE963 (white) or RBKE963B (black) — this insanely expensive mesh system comes with Multi-Gig on both its router and satellite.
The former has a 10Gbps WAN port and a 2.5Gbps LAN port. The latter has one 2.5Gbps LAN.
Consequently, right out of the box, you can use the hardware in a Multi-Gig wired backhaul for one satellite. If you want to use more satellites via this type of super-fast wired backhaul, you’d need a Multi-Gig switch.
Netgear Orbi RBKE960 Series' Rating
Pros
Powerful hardware with Quad-band Wi-Fi and Multi-Gig wired backhaul support
Excellent Wi-Fi coverage, fast performance
Multiple Multi-Gig ports
More Wi-Fi networks than previous Orbis, including two additional virtual SSIDs
Ease to use
Cons
Expensive
No web-based Remote Management, few free features, Mobile app (with a login account and even subscriptions) are required to be useful
Rigid Multi-Gig ports' roles, few Multi-Gig ports
The 2nd 5GHz-band is unavailable to clients even with wired backhauls, no 160MHz channel width on 5GHz
Limited Wi-Fi customization, bulky design
3. QNAP QHora-301W: Dual 10Gbps Multi-Gig ports
The QNAP QHora-301W is one of a few Wi-Fi 6 routers on the market with two 10Gbps ports, and both are BASE-T (RJ45). On top of that, it’s the only one that supports SD-WAN.
For this reason, it has the most flexible configuration in terms of network port functions. Among other things, it can host a local of multi-Gigabit speed on both WAN and LAN sides.
The router also comes with two USB 3.0 ports. Unfortunately, it has dismal support for external storage devices.
QNAP QHora-301W's Rating
Pros
Reliable Wi-Fi performance
SD-WAN and other enterprise-class features
Responsive web interface
Two 10Gbps network ports
Cons
Expensive for the modest Wi-Fi coverage
Some common settings are missing
No real Dynamic DNS, QoS, and Parental Controls
Useless USB-related features
2. Zyxel Armor G5: 1x 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig WAN + 1x 10Gbps Multi-Gig LAN ports
The Zyxel Armor G5 comes with two Multi-Gig ports with rigid designations. One is a 2.5Gbps WAN port, and the other is a 10Gbps LAN.
The Armor G5 also has quite terrible support for external storage devices, making its Multi-Gig LAN port a bit less useful.
Zyxel Armor G5's Rating
Pros
Fast Wi-Fi speeds
Two Multi-Gig network ports
Nice design
Cons
Overall buggy, especially the USB-related features
Severely lacking in features: Not mesh-ready, no Dual-WAN, no Link Aggregation, no QoS
Parental Control is a joke
Runs hot
1. Asus RT-AX89X: Dual LAN/WAN 10Gbps (Multi-Gig and SFP+) ports
(In case you didn’t read the intro: This is the first member on this list — the number is only numerical, not necessarily the ranking.)
The Asus RT-AX89X is quite a particular router. It’s the only one on this list with two different 10Gbps ports. One is a traditional BASE-T (RJ45), and the other is an SFP+ port.
The use of these ports is flexible, however, specifically:
- Both as LAN ports (default). In this case, they don’t support LAN Link Aggregation — you can’t combine them into a single 20Gbps connection.
- Both as WAN ports. In this case, they don’t support WAN Link Aggregation but can work as Dual-WAN, where each connects to a different service provider.
- One as a WAN port, and the other as a LAN port.
Asus RT-AX89X's Rating
Pros
Excellent Wi-Fi performance
Uniquely cool design with two 10Gbps network ports
Eight Gigabit network ports with Dual-WAN and Link Aggregation
Super-fast network-attached storage speed when coupled with an external drive
Tons of useful features, including free-for-life real-time online protection and AiMesh
Cons
A bit buggy at launch, relatively expensive
Bulky physical size with an internal fan — potential heat issue in hot environments
Web interface needs work
Not wall-mountable, no universal backup restoration
B. Wi-Fi 6/6E routers with ONE Multi-Gigabit port
These are routers with just one Muti-Gig port. Chances are these port is the WAN port as default, but with some, you can also use it as a LAN if you have a Gigabit or slower broadband connection. Below are the two sub-lists of each.
Wi-Fi 6 routers with a WAN-only Multi-Gig port
A router with a WAN-only Multi-Gig is suitable for those with a Gig+ or faster broadband connection. If you have a Gigabit or slower Internet, this port is only as good as a regular 1Gbps WAN port.
7. Asus ZenWiFi ET8: Single 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig WAN port
(In case you didn’t read the intro: This is the latest member on this list — the number is only numerical, not necessarily the ranking.)
The ZenWiFi ET8 is somewhat the Wi-Fi 6E version of the ZenWiFi XT8 below. It comes in a 2-pack of identical routers; each has a 2.5Gbps WAN port.
In a mesh setup, though, the WAN port of the satellite can work as a LAN port, unless you want to use it for the wired backhaul.
Asus ZenWiFi ET8's Rating
Pros
Reliable and extensive coverage with possible fast Wi-Fi performance in certain setups
Wi-Fi 6E ready, Multi-Gig WAN, and Dual-WAN support
Excellent as a standalone router
Tons of useful features and settings, flexible Wi-Fi customization
AiMesh 2.0 support
Competitive pricing
Cons
Comparatively slow performance in most use cases
Modest 5GHz band specs
Short 6GHz range
No Link Aggregation or Multi-Gig LAN port
Only four network ports on each hardware unit
6. Linksys MX8500 AXE8400 Atlas Max 6E: Single 5Gbps Multi-Gig WAN port (and more as a mesh)
The MX8500 is an interesting case. It’s part of the Linksys AXE8400 Wi-Fi 6E mesh system — the very first on the market.
For this reason, if you get a single unit, then it has just the single 5Gbps WAN port. However, in a mesh setup, the satellite unit’s WAN port now works as a LAN — a 3-pack system will give you two 5Gbps LAN ports.
Linksys AXE8400 Atlas Max's Rating
Pros
Wi-Fi 6E-ready
Reliable performance, extensive coverage
5Gbps WAN port
Excellent NAS performance when hosting external storage device(s)
Separate SSID for each band
Cons
Expensive
Comparatively slow mesWi-FiFi speeds in homes with walls
Limited Wi-Fi settings and features, mobile app coercion
No Multi-Gig LAN port (main router), Dual-WAN, or Link Aggregation
No setting backup and restore
5. Linksys MR7500: Single 5Gbps Multi-Gig WAN port
The Linksys MR7500 is the third Wi-Fi 6E router on the market, joining the ranks of the Asus GT-AXE11000 and Netgear RAXE500 below.
It’s pretty different from the other two, though, and among other things, its 5Gbps port can only work as its WAN.
Linksys MR7500 AXE6600 Hydra Pro's Rating
Pros
Wi-Fi 6E-ready
Simple design with 5Gbps WAN port
Robust web interface, helpful (optional) mobile app
Wall-mountable
Cons
Hugely overpriced
6GHz band requires Gig+ or faster Internet to be useful
Slow 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands
Limited Wi-Fi settings, mobile app coercion
No Multi-Gig LAN port, Dual-WAN or Link Aggregation
Buggy and slow NAS performance when hosting a storage device
4. TP-Link Archer AX6000: Single 2.5Gbps WAN port
The TP-Link AX6000 has one 2.5Gbps port that works as the WAN port. As a result, you won’t get faster than 1Gbps on the LAN side in a network hosted by this router.
TP-Link Archer AX6000's Rating
Pros
Fast and reliable Wi-Fi performance
2.5 Gbps WAN port with eight Gigabit LAN ports
160 MHz channel bandwidth support
Excellent QoS and Parental Control features
Robust full web user interface, helpful mobile app
USB-C ready, wall-mountable
Cons
No multi-gig LAN port
Bulky design
Not mesh-ready
Certain functions of the interface could use some improvement
Mobile app requires a login account
3. Asus ZenWiFi XT8: Single 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig WAN (and kind of LAN) port
The ZenWiFi AX (XT8) has a single WAN-only 2.5Gbps port. However, in a wireless mesh configuration (when you buy a 2-pack), this port on the satellite unit can function as a LAN port.
Asus ZenWiFi XT8's Rating
Pros
Fast Wi-Fi performance and large coverage at a comparatively affordable cost
Improved and flexible AiMesh
Lots of network settings and useful features, including free real-time online protection for life
Full 4×4 dedicated backhaul band with optional wired backhaul support
Multi-Gig WAN port with Dual-WAN and WAN link aggregation
Cons
No 160MHz 4×4 support for Wi-Fi 6 clients in a dedicated wireless backhaul setup
No Multi-Gig LAN port or LAN link aggregation
Only four network ports on each hardware unit
Firmware can be buggy, especially via wired backhaul
Storage performance (when hosting an external drive) could be better
2. Netgear Orbi RBR850: Single 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig WAN port
The Orbi RBR850, the router unit of an Orbi RBK852 mesh system, comes with a 2.5Gbps WAN port. As a result, it can host a Multi-Gig broadband connection.
Orbi 850 Series Wi-Fi 6 System's Rating
Pros
Fast, reliablWiFiFi with large coverage
Full web interface with all common settings and features
Useful, well designed mobile app
2.5Gbps multi-gig WAN ports
Support WAN 2Gbps Link Aggregation
Cons
High cost
No 160MHz channel support, limiteWiFiFi customization
Not compatible with Wi-Fi Orbi hardware
No multi-gig LAN port, intermittent lags
Bulky design
1. TP-Link Archer AX11000: Single 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig WAN port
(In case you didn’t read the intro: This is the first member on this list — the number is only numerical, not necessarily the ranking.)
Like many routers above, the TP-Link Archer AX11000 also comes with a 2.5Gbps WAN port to host a super-fast broadband connection.
TP-Link Archer AX11000's Rating
Pros
Fast and reliable Wi-Fi performance
2.5 Gbps WAN port with eight Gigabit LAN ports
160 MHz channel bandwidth support
Excellent, Antivirus, QoS, and Parental Control features
Robust full web user interface, helpful mobile app
Eye-catching and convenient hardware design
USB-C ready, wall-mountable
Cons
Misleading gaming veneer, no actual gaming-specific features
No multi-gig LAN port, bulky design
Not mesh-ready (at launch)
Artificial" "Game" items make the interface unnecessarily confusing
Mobile app requires a login account
Wi-Fi 6/6E routers with a WAN/LAN Multi-Gig port
These are routers with a single Multi-Gig port that can work either as a WAN or a LAN. They are more flexible than those above since they are suitable for both homes with an ultra-fast broadband connection and a sub-Gigabit one.
In the latter case, you can add a Multi-Gig switch to expand your Multi-Gig wired network.
11. Synology RT6600ax: Single 2.5Gbps LAN/WAN port
(In case you didn’t read the intro: This is the latest member on this list — the number is only numerical, not necessarily the ranking.)
The RT6600ax is the first Wi-Fi 6 router from Synology and it’s one of the best among its peers. IN terms of Multi-Gig, though, it has just one 2.5Gbps port (LAN1).
While this port can work as a WAN port, that’s only the case in a Dual-WAN setup. Consequently, when you use this router with a Multi-Gig WAN connection, its original Gigabit WAN port is redundant — it can’t work as a LAN port.
In the case of all routers below, when the Multi-Gig port is working as a WAN, the default WAN port functions as another LAN.
Synology RT6600ax's Rating
Pros
Fast and reliable Wi-Fi with the support for 5.9GHz UNII-4 spectrum, mesh-ready
Robust, comprehensive yet user-friendly SRM 1.3 firmware with excellent web interface and DS Router app
Lots of useful built-in settings and networking features, helpful add-on packages with accompanying mobile apps
Can work as a full-featured NAS server
Practical design, wall-mountable
Cons
Only one 2.5Gbps port
No Link Aggregation, awkward Multi-Gig WAN, rigid default WAN port
Only client-based QoS, 5.9GHz clients are scarce
10. TP-Link Archer GX90: Single 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig LAN/WAN port
The Archer GX90 is TP-Link’s latest “gaming” router. It sort of replaces the Archer AX11000 above.
The router comes with a 2.5Gbps WAN/LAN port and also another Gbps LAN/WAN port. By default, the former works as the WAN and the latter a LAN, but you can reverse the order if you want to host a Multi-Gig local client.
TP-Link Archer GX90: Rating
Pros
Fast and reliable Wi-Fi performance
2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN
Excellent feature set and network settings
Robust full web user interface
Nice design and comparatively affordable
Cons
Thin on gaming
Single Multi-Gig port; no Dual-WAN or Link Aggregation
USB-based storage performance could be better
9. Netgear RAXE500: Single 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig LAN/WAN port
The Netgear RAXE500 is the rival of the Asus GT-AXE11000 below. And similarly, it’s the Wi-Fi 6E variant of the RAX200.
It comes with a single 2.5Gbps LAN/WAN port.
Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500's Rating
Pros
Wi-Fi 6E-ready
Collectively excellent Wi-Fi speeds and range
2.5Gbps LAN/WAN port, Dual-WAN, and LAN/WAN Link Aggregations
Robust web interface, helpful (optional) mobile app
Beautiful design
Fast network-attached storage when hosting a storage device
Cons
Expensive
Wi-Fi 6E is still in the early stage
No 10Gbps port, only one 2.5Gbps port
Limited Wi-Fi settings, no built-in QoS or Parental Controls
Online protection requires a subscription
Internal fan, a bit buggy (at launch)
8: TP-Link Archer AX90: Single 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig WAN/LAN port
The TP-Link Archer AX90 is the souped-up version of the Archer AX3200 below, but it’s the same port-wise. It comes with a 2.5Gbps WAN/LAN port, a 1Gbps WAN/LAN port, and three Gigabit LAN ports.
TP-Link Archer AX90's Rating
Pros
Reliable and fast Wi-Fi performance, excellent range
Tri-band, 160MHz, and a 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig port
Comparatively affordable
Standard web interface with optional mobile app
Wall-mountable
Cons
Slow 5GHz-1 band.
Mobile app, login account, and a monthly subscription are required for advanced features
Relatively slow NAS performance when hosting a portable drive
7: Asus GT-AXE11000: Single 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig LAN/WAN port
The Asus GT-AXE11000 is the very first Wi-Fi 6E router on the market. In many ways, especially port-wise, it’s a variant of the GT-AX11000 below.
It includes one 2.5Gbps port that can work either as a WAN or a LAN.
Asus GT-AXE11000's Rating
Pros
Tri-band with Wi-Fi 6E support
Excellent 5GHz and 2.4GHz performance
Excellent set of game-related, online protection and monitoring features, full AiMesh 2.0 support
2.5Gbps LAN/WAN port, Dual-WAN, and LAN/WAN Link Aggregations
Cons
Expensive
Wi-Fi 6E is not fully available
Only one 2.5Gbps port, no 10Gbps port
Bulky design, not wall-mountable, buggy firmware (at launch)
6. TP-Link Deco X5700: Single 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig WAN/LAN port
The Deco X5700 is the sensible version of the Deco X90. It’s a mesh router that includes two autosensing network ports, of which one is a 2.5Gbps port.
TP-Link Deco X5700's Rating
Pros
Excellent Wi-Fi performance and coverage
Tri-band with multi-gig port and 160MHz channel width support
User-friendly, comparatively affordable
Good-looking
Cons
Spartan Wi-Fi customization, network settings, and features
Only one Multi-Gig port per hardware unit
App and login account required — privacy risks
HomeShield Pro requires a monthly subscription, limited web interface, impractical design
No USB or additional Gigabit network ports
5. Asus RT-AX86U: Single 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig LAN/WAN port
The RT-AX86U has just one 2.5Gbps port that can work either as a LAN (default) or a WAN port. For this reason, you can either host a multi-Gigabit WAN connection or a fast local client.
Before the GT-AX6000 above, the RT-AX86U was considered the best Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router. It still is among the best today.
By the way, if you have the RT-AX89X or the GT-AX6000 above, the RT-AX86U makes an excellent satellite node in a Multi-Gig wired backhaul AiMesh setup.
Asus RT-AX86U's Rating
Pros
Fast performance, excellent range, reliable
Tons of helpful networking features and settings
Useful settings for online gaming
Robust web UI, well-designed mobile app
Multi-Gig, WAN/LAN Link Aggregation support
Excellent NAS performance and features when hosting a storage device
Comparatively affordable
Cons
Single, low-speed (2.5Gbps) Multi-Gig port
Not wall-mountable
Gaming features turn Adaptive QoS off
No support for WTFast Gamer VPN
4. TP-Link Archer AX3200: Single 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig WAN/LAN port
The Archer AX3200’s 2.5Gbps port can work as a WAN (default) or LAN port. It also has a USB 3.0 port (on its side). This port didn’t perform well in my testing when hosting a storage device, so the multi-gig port didn’t improve anything on the NAS front.
TP-Link Archer AX3200's Rating
Pros
Reliable Wi-Fi performance, with decent throughput speeds
Tri-band with 2.5Gbps network port
Affordable
Standard web interface
Cons
Modest hardware specs
No Antivirus
No 160MHz channel width
Slow NAS performance when hosting a portable drive
Simple QoS and Parental Control
3. Netgear RAX120: Single 5Gbps Multi-Gig LAN/WAN port
The RAX120 comes with a single 5Gbps port that works as a LAN out of the box. You can use the web interface to change its function into that of a WAN port, however.
Netgear Nighthawk RAX120's Rating
Pros
Powerful hardware, fast performance
Beautiful design
Multi-Gig network port (5Gbps)
Well organized web user interface
Ultra-fast network storage performance
Cons
Expensive
No online protection, gaming, or mesh features
A bit bulky
2. Netgear RAX200: Single 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig LAN/WAN port
Despite being a higher-end (and more expensive) than the RAX120 above, the Netgear RAX200 comes with a 2.5Gbps port and not a 5Gbps.
This port works either as a LAN (default) or a WAN.
Netgear Nighthawk RAX200's Rating
Pros
Reliable and fast performance
Eye-catching design
Helpful mobile app, robust web UI
Multi-Gig support (2.5Gbps)
Cons
Comparatively super-expensive with nothing extra
Shallow Wi-Fi customization, spartan feature set
Comparatively low CPU clock speed
No 5Gbps or 10Gbps LAN port, not wall-mountable
1. Asus GT-AX11000: Single 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig LAN/WAN port
(In case you didn’t read the intro: This is the first member on this list — the number is only numerical, not necessarily the ranking.)
The Asus GT-AX11000 is the first Wi-Fi 6 router on the market that comes with a 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig port. Asus routers are pretty flexible in port use, and you can use this port as a LAN (default) or WAN.
Asus GT-AX11000's Rating
Pros
Fast and reliable Wi-Fi performance with an excellent range
Lots of useful features for home users
Unique and effective settings for online gaming
Multi-Gig network port, Dual-WAN, Link Aggregation
Mesh ready
Cons
Expensive
Bulky design, loose antennas, non-wall-mountable
Fewer LAN ports than the previous model
Long boot-up time, buggy (at launch), fluctuating Wi-Fi throughputs
The takeaway
There you go. You’ve got about all of the current home Multi-Gig options in one place in this post.
Note that some routers can still deliver 2Gbps speed without having a Multi-Gig port by combining two 1Gbps ports in a Link Aggregation setup.
Multi-Gig vs Link Aggregation
Link Aggregation, also known as bonding, is where multiple network ports of a router aggregate into a single fast combined connection.
Typically, you can have two Gigabit ports working in tandem to provide a 2 Gbps connection. In this case, Link Aggregation is a “cheat” way to get Multi-Gig out of two non-Multi-Gig ports. However, you can also bond two 10Gbps ports into a 20Gbps connection.
That said, Multi-Gig is a new standard that gives you a fast connection out of a single port and Link Aggregation is a technique to artificially increase the bandwidth when you have a lot of ports to spare.
While Link Aggregation works, it’s quite awkward since you will have multiple cables for a single connection.
In most cases, for now, any of these routers can be a bit overkill. They are previews of a near future when 10Gbps is the new norm, just like Gigabit today.
And we’ll get there when we truly need this type of ultra-fast connection speed — for virtually all home applications, Gigabit is more than fast enough. It’s a matter of demand and supply.
I have a 2,5g internet connection and would like to maximise my wifi Network. I have a orbi 752 (limited to 1gb). I have a 1000ft2 flat, what is the best choice for multi gig router: asus xt8, orbi 852, netgear raxe500, others ?
Thanks for your help!! Best regards
You *can’t* get 2.5Gbps out of a wireless connection, E. So, generally any of these routers will do on the wireless front. But if you want to really enjoy a real 2.5Gbps, then you need one with *two* 2.5Gbps (or better yet 10Gbps) Multi-Gig ports. Make sure you read the intro part of this post. Also, check out this post on how hard it is when it comes to getting *real* Multi-Gig Internet.
In fact my ISP router as a 2,5gb lan port, so i would like to find The best router with a 2,5 GB port. Thanks
It’s one the list. 🙂
I would like to setup the 2.5Gbe LAN network as I purchased Asustor 5304t with 2.5Gbe ports.
My current setup are as follows:
Internet: Exetel HFC
Modem from NBN: Arrius CM8200
Modem router from Exetel: ZTE H268A using 2 VOIP service (4 x 1 Gbe ports and 1 1Gbe WAN port)
Mesh Router from ASUS: ASUS Xt8 mesh (1 2.5 GBE port and 3 x 1 Gbe) and 1 mesh satellite
Current connection is from NBN modem port to Exetel HFC wan port and then Exetel HFC lan port to ASUS XT8 WAN port. 3 rooms with wired LAN (1 downstairs and 2 upstairs cat6 wiring) are currently connected to ZTE H268A modem. 2 VOIP phones are connected to the ZTE H268A modem router. The ASUS XT8 satellite is connected to the ASUS Xt8 router wirelessly.
I just obtained the Internet and VOIP settings from Exetel so I thought I can remove the modem router and using asus xt8 router and buying 2.5 switch and VOIP phone adapter (grandstream?)
Also if I setup the network using ASUS XT8 in wired backhaul, I think I have some issue which causes no internet (when the cat 6 wiring connects to the asus router and then the lan wiring upstairs connected to the asus mesh satellite upstairs using wired backhaul)
Q1. What is the best setup in my scenario?
Q2. What sort of extra equipment should I get?
Q3. Should I get a 8 port managed switch (e.g. QNAP) or unmanaged switch (QNAP)? Does a managed switch help to solve the asus wired backhaul issue?
Q4. Is it a way to solve the wired backhaul issue?
You should start this with this post, Johnny, and follow related posts. Set aside some time and you’ll figure it out.
I have three Zyxel 2.5 GB switches in my network – thanks for the recommendation, by the way! Is maintaining a consistent 2.5 GB wired LAN connection from the router to the switches sufficient justification to buy a router with a 2.5 GB LAN port? I subscribe to my ISP’s 1 GB Internet plan.
Yes, Ron. 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig hardware is the sure way to get full 1Gbps Internet. You need a router that has the same speed grade (or faster) on both the WAN and LAN sides, too, by the way.
I appreciate the time and advice, Dong I have enjoyed your work for a long time, even before you went solo, and I will find a way to support it!
Thanks for the support, Ron! ❤️
Can you tell me which has better range the GT-AX11000 or the new GT-AX6000?
I’d say the AX6000’s is slightly better, Eric.
I am here in the multi gig (LAN) world thanks to the posts on your website, I am running a full GT-AX6000 mesh and all nodes are wired and running at 2.5 GB.
I do have an oddity though. I have a QNAP 2104-2T multi-gig switch to connect to the satellite nodes and the satellite speed is at full throttle (930 Mb) for a 1GB WAN .
When I connect my Imac 24 (1GB) to the router I get the full speed (930 Mb) but when I go thru the QNAP switch (either the 2.5 or 10GB port) the speed drops to about 600 Mb. Same cable etc.
n
Source OOKLA speed test. Very consistent result. Any suggestions?
Something to do with the switch, Mario, in case it’s not obvious to you. 🙂 That or because you connected the switch to a Gigabit port on the router.
Dong
Can you recommend mesh system, with at least 2gig wan and 2 gig lan on each unit. My fiber connection is 2gig so obviously need the wan at least 2, but also want a 2 gig lan .
thanks
joe
Your only option, for now, is this AiMesh combo, Joe. And you’ll need a Multi-Gig switch, too.
wont be able to wire backhaul,,,just router downstairs and mesh node upstairs,,,want the 2gig LAN to run Apple TV 4k over it’s gig ethernet port by the main router/fiber connection thanks
Then you’ll never get the speed you want, Joe, more in this post. And get the XT8.
thanks,,that’s the unit i was looking at for my home mesh setup,,non cabled backhaul,,,3000sq ft residence
I have read your article on Multi-Gig Wi-Fi 6 Routers. I am looking to purchase an Asus ZenWiFi AX XT8 AX6600 to use as a wifi access point or AIMesh point with an existing ASUS GT-AX11000. The question is, can hooking up the 2.5gb ethernet ports on the 2 devices work to establish a 2.5 gb connection or is the port on the X8 an unusable WAN only port.
That’s how you’re supposed to use the XT8 as APs or AiMesh node, Ronald. More in this post. By the way, in your case, you need a Multi-Gig switch since the GT-AX11000 has just one Multi-Gig port.
Hi Dong
Love your site and advice.
Can I ask about a new setup of the Orbi Pro SXR80 with extra satellites, the use of CAT6 cabling as backhaul and the use of the single 2.5G port (port 1) vs using the 1GB port (port 2) for WAN. I have a 2.5G D-link switch available.
My Internet via NBN is maximally at 1,000Mbps.
I was going to change the default on the SXR80 to use Port 2 for the WAN, and use Port 1 (2.5G) to connect to the 2.5G switch and then use that to backhaul to the satellities via Ethernet.
Is that the most best methodology to get the best speed all around?
Using the WiFi backhaul on the Router sounds enticing but my place is big with solid concrete walls – thus the Ethernet backhaul consideration.
Appreciate your advice.
Thanks
Andrew
I haven’t tested the SXK80, Andrew, so I can’t say for sure, but you can try that. Generally, though, you don’t want to use the Orbi if you have wired backhauls. Also, the option for Multi-Gig backhauls are limited.
I haven’t tested the SXK80, Andrew, so I can’t say for sure, but you can try that. Generally, though, you don’t want to use the Orbi if you have wired backhauls. Also, the options for Multi-Gig backhauls are limited.
Multi gig is a non thing to me. I have xfinity 1200 with a netgear cm 2050v and am never able to get any multi gig because of weak links in the chain-under 1 gig
1.2Gbps is Gig+, Thomas. That’s not Multi-Gig yet. But you’re right, often the Gigabit is the bottleneck.
Hello Dong,
Can I “soup-up” the performance of my WiFi 5 TV by streaming with a WiFi 6 router and WiFi 6 streaming device like the Fire TV 4K Max?
Yes, RJ. You basically have a new Smart TV — the Smart portion is new — in this case.
There comes a point where the selection of wifi routers with more than one multigig port is so slim that it makes sense to start looking at separate wired/wireless setups. For example, the MikroTik RB5009UG+S+IN, a $219 wired router that has an SFP+ 10G port, 1×2.5G port, and 7x1G ports. With this, you can use one of the multigig ports for the WAN, one of the multigig ports for connecting to a multigig switch or wifi access point (and since many of the wifi routers on your list have just a single multigig port, they can be used for this), and connect 1G devices directly to the router.
There is also the $379 Ubiquiti UDM Pro, which is kind of overkill and large, but for a router with two 10G SFP+ ports and a 3.5″ HDD bay, the price isn’t that bad.
The downside would be that these sorts of routers is much less user friendly than typical consumer fare. But then, I think we’re still at the point where people who are paying for Internet connections faster than 1 gigabit are probably still more technically savvy people.
Hey Dong, do you have a multi-gig router suggestion that is not super expensive for my setup (wifi is not important)
– 2-port WAN link aggregation
– Multi-gig LAN port (1 or more)
The RT-AX89X is your only option, Marc.
Thanks but unfortunately this AX89X is far beyond budget. Guess I’ll have to keep waiting
Hi Dong,
I’ve looked around and see that the AX86U has WAN Link aggregation AND a 2.5Gbe port. Can this 2.5Gbe port be used for LAN?
I might just get a AX86U if this fulfils my requirements.
Hi Dong,
I have a single mode G.657.B3 fiber to my unit, with a 1.5Gbps service.
What router I could use?
I have 2 computers that are pretty far and I want to use fiber to them with SFP+, so I need at least 3 SFP+ ports, one for WAN and 2 for the other computers.
Other ports can be 1Gb and wi-fi 6 should do it.
Thanks for the article, this is a new issue with home networking.
You’ll need a Multi-Gig switch, Dan. As for the router, the RT-AX89X is about the only one right now. Use its SFP+ for WAN and the 10Gbps BaseT to connect to the switch.
Thanks Dong,
I’m not sure the Asus is enough or I need a modem also.
I could use the WAN SFP+ from the termination point, but this is single mode, I’m not sure if it works, Asus says multi mode SFP+.
As a switch, I could use a Mikrotik with 4 SFP+ ports between the router and my computers.
Dan
That depends on the ISP, Dan.
I finally pulled the trigger on an RT-AX89X, ver. A2 and updated to the latest firmware. Using the SFP+ port as WAN (SMF) with the 10GBase-T port hooked up to a 10Gbe switch. That in turn is linked to my PC via a 10G SFP+ to Thunderbolt 3 adapter. Got close to advertised ISP speeds measured on Ookla initially. Testing the next day saw speeds drop to a tenth of what the ISP provides. I unplugged the router and hooked up the ethernet link directly to the PC from the 10Gbe switch and got back nearly full advertised speeds. I tried turning off Ai Protection, which hurts performance, but no dice. Ended up doing a hard reset of the router and apparently that worked. Going to monitor it for the rest of the week to see if the LAN speeds drop off again like before. The transceiver in the SFP+ port runs uncomfortably hot even with a fibre optic one plugged in. I’m concerned that will shorten the lifespan of the router even with the built-in fan and will monitor closely. Like everyone else, I got this for the 10G ports so wifi wasn’t really a priority, if only there was a function to disable the radios. The wifi is spotty at best with the 5Ghz band sporadically disappearing and dropping my AC/AX devices down to 2.4Ghz. Hence, the family uses a separate wireless home network. Looking forward to the Wifi 6E version of the router if there is going to be one. I’ve also set my sights on TP Link’s Archer AX206 as well but there’ve been no new updates since it was announced at CES 2021 in January.
Archer AX206 | AX11000 Tri-Band 10G WiFi 6E Router | TP-Linkhttps://www.tp-link.com › home-networking › archer-a…
Oh the global chip shortage…
Hi Dong
I have an Asus AX89X and I have created two different bands because I was having issue with the dual band smart connect options- the homepods kept disconnecting from the Apple TVs for some strange reason. Seperating the bands seem to be working much better for me. A few questions-
1. Do you recommend keeping the bands seperate?
2. How many devices can the AX89X support on the 5G band? With most of my devices 5Ghz and Wifi 6 capable is one band enough or would you recommend a triband router?
3. I love the ASUS router because it allows me to connect to the internet directly by plugging the ethernet cable into the RJ45 port and get rid of the ISP router from BT. Is the ASUS the only device capable of doing that?
Sorry of I sound like a bit of an amateur, networking is not my thing and I cant think of anyone better to ask these questions.
Thanks in advance.
1. Yes.
2. It’s a matter of bandwidth. More in this post about routers. And this post will talk in lenght about dual-band vs. tri-band.
3. All routers can do that.
Thank you. Love the article, it’s made things a lot clearer and answered a lot of questions.
I wasn’t aware that all routers could do that? I was under the impression that most routers needed the isp modem to be active and an Ethernet cable to connect the modem to the router. Just to be clear what you’re saying is that all Wi-fi 6 routers can connect to the internet directly, bypassing the need for a separate modem?