ASUS has taken its first public step into the WiFi 8 era by unveiling the ROG NeoCore, a WiFi 8 concept router, alongside what it describes as the world’s first real-world WiFi 8 throughput test at CES 2026. The announcement marks the transition of WiFi 8 from a theoretical standard into early practical implementation.
While commercial WiFi 8 products are still some distance away, ASUS says its first lineup of WiFi 8 home routers and mesh systems is planned for release in 2026, building on its existing networking portfolio.
WiFi 8 Focuses on Reliability Over Peak Speeds
Unlike previous WiFi generations that emphasized headline speed gains, WiFi 8 is positioned around connection stability, latency consistency, and intelligent device coordination. ASUS highlights that theoretical peak speeds remain similar to WiFi 7, but architectural changes significantly improve real-world performance.
According to ASUS’ internal testing, WiFi 8 can deliver:
- Up to 2× higher mid-range throughput
- 2× wider IoT device coverage
- Up to 6× lower P99 latency
when compared to WiFi 7, achieved through smarter multi-AP and multi-client coordination.
Addressing Real-World Network Challenges
ASUS positions WiFi 8 as a response to increasingly complex wireless environments, including dense apartment buildings, mixed device ecosystems, and growing IoT deployments. Intelligent spectrum coordination is designed to reduce interference from neighboring networks, while enhanced scheduling aims to manage congestion more efficiently.
WiFi 8 also improves two-way communication for low-power devices such as smart home sensors and controllers, focusing on consistent connectivity rather than raw bandwidth.
ROG NeoCore and the AI Network Engine
The ROG NeoCore concept router integrates ASUS AiMesh technology with the company’s AI Network Engine, forming what ASUS describes as a “Smarter Spectrum, Better Experience” approach. The architecture is intended to support future AI-driven ecosystems, including cloud services, smart homes, and real-time applications that require low latency and high reliability.
ASUS notes that these improvements are particularly relevant for scenarios such as cloud gaming, real-time voice communication, and multi-device collaboration, where latency spikes are more disruptive than reduced peak speeds.
A Track Record in Early WiFi Adoption
ASUS points to its history of early adoption across WiFi 6, WiFi 6E, and WiFi 7, often securing regulatory approvals ahead of broader market rollout. With the ROG NeoCore and its WiFi 8 testing, the company aims to establish similar leadership as the next wireless standard develops.
Availability Outlook
The ROG NeoCore remains a concept device, and ASUS has not announced pricing or specific product configurations. The company has confirmed that its first WiFi 8 consumer routers and mesh systems are expected to arrive sometime in 2026.
