ASUS has just announced two new additions to its Wi-Fi 7 router lineup: the ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro and ZenWiFi BT10 mesh networking systems. These systems promise impressive speeds and comprehensive coverage, making them a compelling choice for those looking to upgrade their home internet setup.
Meet the ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro and ZenWiFi BT10
The ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro and ZenWiFi BT10 may look similar at first glance. They both feature sleek, white designs that will blend seamlessly into most home environments. However, the key differences lie in their capabilities.
The ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro is a quad-band system offering greater bandwidth than the tri-band ZenWiFi BT10. ASUS claims that the ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro can deliver up to 30 GB of throughput, broken down as follows:
- 2.4GHz band: up to 1,376Mbps
- 5GHz band: up to 5,764Mbps
- 6GHz band (1): Up to 11,529Mbps
- 6GHz band (2): Up to 11,529Mbps
In contrast, the ZenWiFi BT10, with one fewer 6GHz band and a slower 2.4GHz network, offers a total bandwidth of about 18Gbps.
Coverage and connectivity
Regarding coverage, a single ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro unit can cover up to 4,000 square feet, and a pair can extend coverage to 8,000 square feet. The ZenWiFi BT10, meanwhile, can cover up to 3,000 square feet with a single unit and 6,000 square feet with two. This means that a two-pack should provide ample coverage for most single-level homes.
Connectivity is another area where the ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro shines. It includes a 10Gbps WAN/LAN combo port, a second 1Gbps WAN/LAN combo port, one 10Gbps LAN port, and two 1Gbps LAN ports. The ZenWiFi BT10, however, lacks the two 1Gbps LAN ports. Both systems feature USB ports supporting 4G and 5G tethering, ensuring you stay connected even if your fibre network goes down.
The dual 10Gbps ports are essential features of these systems. They can be used for high-speed wired backhaul transmissions, enhancing overall network performance.
Compatibility and future-proofing
While these new systems offer impressive speeds, it's important to remember that achieving these speeds requires compatible client devices. Currently, only a few high-end smartphones and ultraportables support Wi-Fi 7. However, this is expected to change as more devices support the new standard.
ASUS has confirmed that the ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro and ZenWiFi BT10 are available now, although pricing details have not been disclosed. Given their advanced specifications, you can expect these systems to come at a premium price.
Information on their availability and pricing in Singapore has yet to be available, but we will update you as soon as more details are provided.
