Multi-Gigabit Wi-Fi 6/E Routers: 2022’s Best List

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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 March 29, 2022, to include more qualified broadcasters.

Best Multi-Gigabit Wi-Fi 6/E Routers: Asus RT-AX89X 10Gbps and USB Ports
In all the Asus RT-AX89X is the best Multi-Gig Wi-Fi router to date thanks to its two flexible 10Gbps ports and an excellent set of features.

Table of Contents

Wi-Fi 6 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 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.)

Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12
The Asus ZenWiFi Pro ET12, like the ET8 below, includes two identical Wi-Fi 6E routers.

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

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

Cons

Bulky, no USB, only four network ports

Fluctuating performance as a fully wireless mesh due to the lack of a dedicated backhaul band

Expensive, not wall-mountable


5. Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX6000: Dual WAN/LAN 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig ports

Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX6000
The Asus GT-AX6000 comes with two 2.5Gbps ports (blue).

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

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

Impractical antenna design, bulky, not practically wall-mountable


4. Netgear Orbi RBKE960 Series: 10Gbps Multi-Gig WAN + 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig LAN

Netgear Orbi RBKE960 Quad-band Mesh Wi-Fi 6E System
Netgear Orbi RBKE960 Quad-band Mesh Wi-Fi 6E system includes three identical-looking hardware units. One is a router, and the others are satellites.

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 Quad band Mesh Wi Fi 6E System Box

Pros

Powerful hardware with Quad-band Wi-Fi and Multi-Gig wired backhaul support

Excellent Wi-Fi coverage, fast performance

More Wi-Fi networks than previous Orbis, including two additional virtual SSIDs

Cons

No web-based Remote Management, few free features, Mobile app (with a login account and even subscriptions) is 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

QNAP QHora 301W Wi Fi 6 Router 4 1
The QNAP QHora-301W is one of a few Wi-Fi 6 routers with two 10Gbps BASE-T 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 Wi Fi 6 Router

Pros

Reliable Wi-Fi performance

SD-WAN and other enterprise-class features

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

Zyxel Armor G5 3
The Zyxel Armor G5 has two Multi-Gig 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 4

Pros

Two Multi-Gig network ports

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


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 Folded

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

Not wall-mountable, no universal backup restoration


B. Wi-Fi 6 routers with a single Multi-Gigabit port

These are routers with just one Muti-Gig port. Changes 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.)

Asus ZenWiFi ET8 Tri band Wi Fi 6E Mesh System
The Asus ZenWiFi ET8 Tri-band Wi-Fi 6E router has a single 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig WAN port.

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 Tri band Wi Fi 6E Mesh System 1

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

Cons

Comparatively slow performance in most use cases

No Link Aggregation or Multi-Gig LAN port

Only four network ports on each hardware unit

6. Linksys MX8500: Single 5Gbps Multi-Gig WAN port (and more as a mesh)
Linksys AXE8400 Atlas Max 6E with hand
The Linksys MX8500 Wi-Fi 6E comes with a 5Gbps WAN port.

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 6E with power adapters

Pros

Reliable performance, extensive coverage

Excellent NAS performance when hosting external storage device(s)

Separate SSID for each band

Cons

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
Linksys MR7500 AXE6600 Hydra Pro 6E Routers Ports
The Linksys MR7500 AXE6600 Hydra Pro 6E router comes with a 5Gbps 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 6E Routers Feature Photo

Pros

Simple design with 5Gbps WAN port

Robust web interface, helpful (optional) mobile app

Cons

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


TP Link Archer 6000 Ports
The TP-Link Archer AX6000’s 2.5Gbps port is a WAN-only one.

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 6000 Box

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

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
Asus ZenWiFi AX Ports
The Asus ZenWiFi AX router comes with a 2.5Gbps WAN 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.

ZenWiFi AX

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
Netgear Orbi RBR850
The Netgear Orbi RBR850 router comes with a 2.5Gbps 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 RBK852 New

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

No 160MHz channel support, limiteWiFiFi customization

Not compatible with Wi-Fi Orbi hardware

No multi-gig LAN port, intermittent lags


(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.)

TP Link Archer AX11000 Router 6
The TP-Link AX11000 has a 2.5Gbps WAN port and a ton of regular Gigabit LAN ports.

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 Router 18

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 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.


(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.)

TP-Link Archer GX90 AX6600 Wi-Fi 6 Tri-Band Gaming Router
The TP-Link Archer GX90 is an excellent-looking AX6600 Wi-Fi 6 Tri-router.

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 GX90 AX6600 Gaming Router 2

Pros

Fast and reliable Wi-Fi performance

Excellent feature set and network settings

Robust full web user interface

Nice design and comparatively affordable

Cons

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 Routers ports
The Netgear RAXE500 comes with a 2.5Gbps port in addition to the usual 4 Gigabit LANs and one Gigabit WAN.

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.

The Netgear RAXE500 Router angle

Pros

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

Fast network-attached storage when hosting a storage device

Cons

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)


The TP Link Archer AX90 Wi Fi 6 Routers Backside
The TP-Link Archer AX90 comes with a 2.5Gbps 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.

The TP Link Archer AX90 Wi Fi 6 Routers Top

Pros

Reliable and fast Wi-Fi performance, excellent range

Tri-band, 160MHz, and a 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig port

Standard web interface with optional mobile app

Cons

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
Asus GT AXE11000 Ports
The Asus GT-AXE11000’s network ports. Note the 2.5Gbps LAN/WAN.

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 Top View

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

Wi-Fi 6E is not fully available

Only one 2.5Gbps port, no 10Gbps port

Bulky design, not wall-mountable, buggy firmware (at launch)


Wi-Fi speed test: TP Link Deco X5700 Single Ports
The TP-Link Deco X5700 comes with a 2.5Gbps port that can work either as a WAN or a LAN.

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 Box

Pros

Excellent Wi-Fi performance and coverage

Tri-band with multi-gig port and 160MHz channel width support

User-friendly, comparatively affordable

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
Asus RT AX86U
The Asus RT-AX86U comes with one 2.5Gbps 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 12

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

Cons

Single, low-speed (2.5Gbps) Multi-Gig port

Gaming features turn Adaptive QoS off

No support for WTFast Gamer VPN

TP Link Archers AX3200 Hand
The TP-Link Archer AX3200’s network ports.

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 Archers AX3200 Label

Pros

Reliable Wi-Fi performance, with decent throughput speeds

Tri-band with 2.5Gbps network port

Cons

Slow NAS performance when hosting a portable drive

Simple QoS and Parental Control


3. Netgear RAX120: Single 5Gbps Multi-Gig LAN/WAN port
Netgear RAX120 Ports
The Netgear RAX120 is an all-around excellent router. Note the 5Gbps 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 AX12 Front

Pros

Powerful hardware, fast performance

Multi-Gig network port (5Gbps)

Well organized web user interface

Ultra-fast network storage performance

Cons

No online protection, gaming, or mesh features


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 RAX200

Pros

Reliable and fast performance

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.)

Asus GT-AX11000 Ports
The Asus GT-AX11000 is a massive Wi-Fi 6 router. Note the 2.5Gbps LAN/WAN port.

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 AX11000 Top 1

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

Cons

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.

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.

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