ASUS introduced the ROG NeoCore, its first WiFi 8 concept router, alongside the world’s first real-world WiFi 8 throughput test at CES 2026. The announcement signals ASUS’s move into next-generation wireless networking, with the company planning to ship its first WiFi 8 home routers and mesh systems later in 2026.
The ASUS WiFi 8 router demonstration revealed significant performance improvements over WiFi 7 in real-world conditions. Testing showed up to 2X higher mid-range throughput, 2X wider IoT device coverage, and up to 6X lower P99 latency through smarter multi-access point and multi-client operations. Unlike previous WiFi generations that prioritized peak speeds, WiFi 8 focuses on connection stability and reliability.
Performance Gains Over WiFi 7
WiFi 8 maintains the same maximum theoretical speed as WiFi 7 up to 23 Gbps but delivers improvements where users actually experience them. The technology addresses signal degradation over distance, maintaining stable connections whether the router is positioned indoors or outdoors.
In ASUS’s real-world testing against comparable WiFi 7 setups, the ROG NeoCore demonstrated consistent performance advantages across multiple scenarios. The router uses intelligent spectrum coordination to maintain stability in densely populated environments like apartment buildings, where neighboring router signals typically cause interference.
Key WiFi 8 Technologies
The WiFi 8 standard, developed under IEEE 802.11bn Ultra High Reliability specifications, introduces several advanced features. Coordinated Spatial Reuse automatically adjusts transmission power based on device proximity, boosting system efficiency by 15% to 25% in high-density areas.
Dynamic Sub-channel Operation allows flexible bandwidth allocation, potentially increasing throughput by up to 80% for advanced devices while preventing network congestion. Enhanced Modulation Coding Scheme includes finer data rate increments that minimize sudden connection quality drops as devices move between coverage zones.
The technology strengthens two-way communication for low-power IoT devices like smart lights and sensors, ensuring steady connections across all connected devices.
Availability and Specifications
ASUS plans to release its first lineup of WiFi 8 routers in 2026, though the final IEEE 802.11bn specification won’t be ratified until late 2028. Early hardware will be based on draft specifications and may require firmware updates to align with the finalized standard.
The ROG NeoCore will feature ASUS AiMesh technology for multi-router mesh networking and the ASUS AI Network Engine for dynamic bandwidth allocation and traffic optimization. ASUS has previously led WiFi technology launches, achieving early FCC certification for WiFi 6, WiFi 6E, and WiFi 7 products.
“WiFi 8 is not just about chasing peak speed it’s about making every connection smarter and more reliable,” said Tenlong Deng, Corporate VP and General Manager of Wireless and Networking at ASUS.
What This Means for Users
WiFi 8 targets four core connectivity challenges: distance-based speed degradation, weak IoT device communication, interference in crowded networks, and bandwidth inefficiency. For gamers and streamers, the 6X lower P99 latency translates to fewer connection drops and smoother real-time performance.
Smart home users will benefit from improved IoT device coverage and reliability. The technology is designed for AI-driven device ecosystems that require constant, stable connectivity for cloud services and real-time coordination.
Full WiFi 8 benefits require both router and client device support, and actual performance will vary by implementation and environment.
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What is the ASUS ROG NeoCore WiFi 8 router?
The ROG NeoCore is ASUS’s concept WiFi 8 router showcased at CES 2026, demonstrating next-generation wireless technology with improved stability and lower latency compared to WiFi 7.
How much faster is WiFi 8 than WiFi 7?
WiFi 8 maintains the same peak speeds as WiFi 7 but delivers up to 2X higher mid-range throughput and up to 6X lower P99 latency through smarter device coordination and spectrum management.
When will ASUS WiFi 8 routers be available?
ASUS plans to release its first WiFi 8 home routers and mesh systems in 2026, though the official IEEE 802.11bn standard won’t be finalized until late 2028.
Does WiFi 8 work with older devices?
WiFi 8 routers will be backward compatible with older WiFi standards, but full WiFi 8 performance benefits require both the router and client devices to support WiFi 8 technology.
