Routers / Compare

ASUS ROG Strix GS-BE18000 vs TP-Link Archer AX21

A

Product A: ASUS

ROG Strix GS-BE18000

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B

Product B: TP-Link

Archer AX21

45 of 90 known

Change TP-Link Archer AX21

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All 90 fields

Every value links to where we found it.

Only differences

AASUS ROG Strix GS-BE18000

BTP-Link Archer AX21

General

4 of 9 differ

Series

ROG Strix2Maker product pagerog.asus.com/us/networking/rog-strix-gs-be18000Read 15 October 2026The page is titled ROG STRIX GS-BE18000 and sits under ROG Gaming Routers.

Archer1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026

Model numbersiMaker identifiers for this exact model and its listed variants. Excludes sibling models and other generations.

GS-BE18000, 90IG09Y0-MO9C001Maker product pagerog.asus.com/us/networking/rog-strix-gs-be18000/specRead 15 October 2026Model Name: GS-BE18000.14Retailer pagelambda-tek.com/ASUS-90IG09Y0-MO9C00-sh/B50980291Read 15 October 2026UK retailer listing of ASUS ROG Strix GS-BE18000 with the manufacturer part number 90IG09Y0-MO9C00.15Retailer pageldlc.com/en/product/PB00717231.htmlRead 15 October 2026French retailer spec sheet, Model: 90IG09Y0-MO9C00. The sheet lists weight 927.5 g like the maker and labels the sizes width 90, height 225 and depth 225 mm.16Retailer pageinet.se/produkt/x251407/asus-rog-strix-gs-be18000Read 15 October 2026Swedish retailer page, manufacturer part number 90IG09Y0-MO9C00. It lists the product as 90 mm wide, 225 mm high and 225 mm deep and a package weight of 1.654 kg.

Archer AX21 V51Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026The page is for hardware version V5 (support page: Archer AX21(US) V5.6). The maker's US pages also carry V3 and V4. V3 has a USB 2.0 port, 12 V 2 A power and 260.2 x 135.0 x 38.6 mm, and is end of life. V4 lists 260.2 x 135.0 x 38.6 mm. This entry covers V5 only, the version Amazon sells.

GTIN / EAN

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AnnouncediThe maker's first announcement of this model. This is separate from first retail availability.

Not available

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Status

Available2Maker product pagerog.asus.com/us/networking/rog-strix-gs-be18000Read 15 October 2026The US product page is live with a Where to buy link and the router is on sale at US retailers.

Available1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026The V5 page has a Buy Now button and the support page lists firmware 1.1.2 built 2025-08-14. The maker's US end-of-sale list (V9) gives an end-of-sale notice date of 2026-08-18 and an end-of-sale date of 2027-02-14 for versions 4.6 and 5.6, so it is still sold.6Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.tp-link.com/upload/manual/2026/202609/20260921/US%20EOS_List_Home%20-%20V9.pdfRead 14 October 2026Archer AX21 versions 4.6 and 5.6 (US): end-of-sale notice 2026-08-18, end of sale 2027-02-14. Versions 1.20, 1.26, 2.0, 2.6 and 3.6 had end-of-sale dates from 2024-05-29 to 2024-11-30. Stored as available until the end-of-sale date passes.

PredecessoriThe model this one directly replaced, in the same line, tier and size, as the maker or a trusted review names it.

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SuccessoriThe model that directly replaced this one, in the same line, tier and size. A revision such as a Slim or OLED model does not count when a next generation exists.

Not available

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Launch price (US)iThe maker's US launch MSRP for the stated configuration, excluding tax. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

$449.998Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/i-tested-the-asus-rog-strix-gs-be18000-and-this-stealth-gaming-router-punches-way-above-its-weightRead 15 October 2026The review gives a list price of $450 and its price table shows $449.99. Best Buy sold it for $399.99 at review time.9Reviewdongknows.com/asus-rog-strix-gs-be18000-reviewRead 15 October 2026Hardware table: US Launch Price $449.99.12Reviewtomshardware.com/networking/routers/asus-rog-strix-gs-be18000-wi-fi-7-gaming-router-reviewRead 15 October 2026The spec table lists an MSRP of 449.99 USD. Best Buy sold it for 399.99 USD at review time. Review published 2026-02-01.13Press article24wireless.info/asus-rog-strix-gs-be18000Read 15 October 2026Best Buy US listing at 449.99 USD on 2025-05-22, matching the Dong Knows Tech launch price.

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Launch price (EU)iThe maker's euro launch price for the stated configuration, including VAT as published. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

Not available

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MarketsiISO country or region codes where this exact model or variant is sold. A source page's language does not establish availability.

US8Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/i-tested-the-asus-rog-strix-gs-be18000-and-this-stealth-gaming-router-punches-way-above-its-weightRead 15 October 2026The prices are US prices at US retailers. The launch price applies to the US.

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ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

Black8Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/i-tested-the-asus-rog-strix-gs-be18000-and-this-stealth-gaming-router-punches-way-above-its-weightRead 15 October 2026The review says it is available only in black.

Black1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026The product photos show a black unit. The page gives no colour name.

Form factoriMesh system is a product line sold in packs of mesh units, e.g. eero, Deco and Orbi. A standalone router that can join a mesh as an option is a router. A travel router is a pocket-size router sold for travel.

Router2Maker product pagerog.asus.com/us/networking/rog-strix-gs-be18000Read 15 October 2026Standalone router that works as the primary AiMesh router or as an AiMesh node, so it is stored as router.

Router1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026Standalone router, compatible with TP-Link OneMesh extenders and EasyMesh.

SegmentiThe maker's own product category, e.g. ASUS ROG is Gaming and ASUS ExpertWiFi is Business. It is not assigned from price or features.

Gaming2Maker product pagerog.asus.com/us/networking/rog-strix-gs-be18000Read 15 October 2026Sold as a ROG gaming router with the ROG-exclusive Gaming Network, Triple-Level Game Acceleration and two dedicated gaming ports.

Home1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026Listed under the maker's WiFi routers for homes.

Wi-Fi

12 of 14 differ

Wi-FiiThe newest Wi-Fi generation the product supports.

Wi-Fi 71Maker product pagerog.asus.com/us/networking/rog-strix-gs-be18000/specRead 15 October 2026Network Standard lists WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and WiFi 7 (802.11be).

Wi-Fi 61Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026Standards and protocols: Wi-Fi 6, IEEE 802.11ax/ac/n/a on 5 GHz and 802.11ax/n/b/g on 2.4 GHz.

Wi-Fi speed classiThe maker's class name, e.g. BE19000 or AXE11000. It adds up the top link rates of all radios. No single device reaches it. A Wi-Fi 6E class starts with AXE, also when the maker writes AX, so eero's AX5400 is AXE5400. The class is not the model number, so GL.iNet's GL-AXT1800 is AX1800.

BE180001Maker product pagerog.asus.com/us/networking/rog-strix-gs-be18000/specRead 15 October 2026Product Segment: BE18000 ultimate BE performance: 688+5764+11529 Mbps. The three rates add up to 17981 Mbps.

AX18001Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026WiFi Speeds: AX1800, 5 GHz 1201 Mbps and 2.4 GHz 574 Mbps (802.11ax).

Wi-Fi radiosiOne row per radio in one unit. A quad-band unit with two 5 GHz radios has two 5 GHz rows.

AASUS ROG Strix GS-BE18000

Band	Wi-Fi	Streams	Max channel width (MHz)	Max link rate (Mbps)	Dedicated backhaul
2.4 GHz	Wi-Fi 7	2	40	688	No
5 GHz	Wi-Fi 7	4	160	5,764	No
6 GHz	Wi-Fi 7	4	320	11,529	No

Source1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/us/networking/rog-strix-gs-be18000/specRead 15 October 2026WiFi Data Rate: 2.4GHz BE 2x2 20/40MHz up to 688 Mbps, 5GHz BE 4x4 20/40/80/160MHz up to 5764 Mbps and 6GHz BE 4x4 20/40/80/160/320MHz up to 11529 Mbps, all 4096 QAM. Transmit / Receive lists 2x2, 4x4 and 4x4. The rates fit the 802.11be rates for those streams and widths.12Reviewtomshardware.com/networking/routers/asus-rog-strix-gs-be18000-wi-fi-7-gaming-router-reviewRead 15 October 2026The review states 2.4 GHz 2x2, 5 GHz 4x4 and 6 GHz 4x4 with 688, 5,764 and 11,529 Mbps. Its own iPerf3 results (6 GHz just over 2 Gbps at 6 ft and 1,467 Mbps at 25 ft, 5 GHz 1,273 and 497 Mbps, 2.4 GHz 122 and 39 Mbps) use another method than Tom's Guide and are not stored.

BTP-Link Archer AX21

Band	Wi-Fi	Streams	Max channel width (MHz)	Max link rate (Mbps)
2.4 GHz	Wi-Fi 6	2	40	574
5 GHz	Wi-Fi 6	2	80	1,201

Source1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026The overview shows Wi-Fi 6 2.4 GHz at 40 MHz, 2x2, 574 Mbps and Wi-Fi 6 5 GHz at 80 MHz, 2x2, 1201 Mbps. WiFi Capacity lists 4 streams in total.

Radio bandsiRadios that work at the same time in one unit. Tri-band is 3 and quad-band is 4, also when two radios use the same frequency band.

3=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

2=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

6 GHz band

Yes=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

No=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

Combined Wi-Fi link rateiSum of the top link rates of all radios in one unit. It is close to the number in the speed class. No single device reaches it.

17,981Mbps=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

1,775Mbps=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

Wi-Fi streamsiSpatial streams of all radios in one unit, e.g. 12 for a tri-band router with 4x4 on each band.

10=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

4=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

Max Wi-Fi channel widthiWidest channel of any radio, e.g. 320 on the 6 GHz band.

320MHz=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

80MHz=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

Wi-Fi featuresiFeatures the maker names for the product. Band steering puts all bands under one network name and moves devices between them, e.g. Smart Connect. Band steering over only some of the bands, such as 2.4 and 5 GHz on a tri-band router, counts. AFC is Automated Frequency Coordination, which allows standard power on 6 GHz. Support that needs a later firmware counts, and the firmware goes in the source note.

Multi-Link Operation (MLO), 4K-QAM, OFDMA, MU-MIMO, Band steering1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/us/networking/rog-strix-gs-be18000/specRead 15 October 2026Boosts Speed lists OFDMA and 4096-QAM. The Wireless section lists MU-MIMO. MLO and band steering come from other sources.2Maker product pagerog.asus.com/us/networking/rog-strix-gs-be18000Read 15 October 2026Multi-Link Operation section: tri-band MLO with 4K-QAM and 320MHz channels. Automatic MLO is enabled by default.3Owner's manualdlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/GS-BE18000/E26963_GS-BE18000_UM_EAA_WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026The tutorial index lists How to configure Smart Connect in ASUS Router. Smart Connect is ASUS band steering.11Reviewprofesionalreview.com/2025/10/23/asus-rog-strix-gs-be18000-reviewRead 15 October 2026Setup can keep all bands under one SSID so that the system assigns each client a band.

OFDMA, Beamforming, Target Wake Time, Band steering1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026WiFi Capacity: OFDMA and Airtime Fairness. The overview lists Beamforming and Target Wake Time. Smart Connect is in the datasheet. MU-MIMO is not listed and is not stored.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/107355Read 14 October 2026Smart Connect assigns each device to the best available band, stored as band_steering. Target Wake Time and OFDMA are listed in the highlights.

External antennasiAntennas outside the case, as the maker counts them.

01Maker product pagerog.asus.com/us/networking/rog-strix-gs-be18000/specRead 15 October 2026Antenna: internal antenna x 8. The spec page names no external antenna.

41Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026WiFi Range: 4x Fixed High-Performance Antennas.

Internal antennasiAntennas inside the case, as the maker counts them.

81Maker product pagerog.asus.com/us/networking/rog-strix-gs-be18000/specRead 15 October 2026Antenna: internal antenna x 8.

Not available

Detachable antennasiThe external antennas screw off and can be replaced. Fixed antennas that only fold or turn do not count.

No2Maker product pagerog.asus.com/us/networking/rog-strix-gs-be18000Read 15 October 2026All eight antennas are internal, so none can be detached. Tom's Guide lists the antennas as not removable.

No1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026The page calls the four antennas fixed.

Coverage of one unit (claimed)iThe maker's claimed area that one unit covers. A square feet claim is converted exactly and rounded to a whole m². A claim for a whole pack is stored separately. An area that a trusted review quotes from the maker counts, and the source note names the review.

307m²2Maker product pagerog.asus.com/us/networking/rog-strix-gs-be18000Read 15 October 2026Coverage of up to 3,300 sq. ft. Converted to 307 m2 (306.6).4Press releasepress.asus.com/news/press-releases/rog-strix-gs-be18000-gaming-router-wifi7Read 15 October 2026Eight internal antennas powered by independent FEMs cover up to 3,300 square feet. The release is datelined Taipei, June 5, 2025, which is after the first US retail listings, so no announce date is stored.

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Connected devices per unit (claimed)iThe maker's claimed maximum number of devices one unit serves. A claim for a whole mesh pack is not stored here.

Not available

Not available

Ports and modem

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PortsiData ports on the main unit. The power input is not a port. A combo port takes an RJ45 cable or an SFP+ module and is counted once. WAN or LAN means the maker says the port can be either, including auto-sensing ports.

AASUS ROG Strix GS-BE18000

Port	Count	Role	Max speed (Gbps)	Version
RJ45	1	WAN	2.5	Not available
RJ45	7	LAN	2.5	Not available
USB-A	1	Not available	5	USB 3.2 Gen 1

Source1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/us/networking/rog-strix-gs-be18000/specRead 15 October 2026I/O Ports: 1 x 2.5Gbps for WAN, 7 x 2.5Gbps for LAN and 1 x USB 3.2 Gen1. USB 3.2 Gen 1 is stored at the standard 5 Gbps rate. The two gaming ports are LAN ports and are counted in the seven.3Owner's manualdlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/GS-BE18000/E26963_GS-BE18000_UM_EAA_WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 1.3: 2.5G LAN 1 to 7 ports, one 2.5G WAN (Internet) port and one USB 3.2 Gen 1 port.

BTP-Link Archer AX21

Port	Count	Role	Max speed (Gbps)
RJ45	1	WAN	1
RJ45	4	LAN	1

Source1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026Ethernet Ports: 1x Gigabit WAN Port and 4x Gigabit LAN Ports. The V5 page lists no USB port.

Ethernet portsiRJ45 ports of all roles, WAN and LAN.

8=CalculatedFrom Ports

5=CalculatedFrom Ports

Multi-gig portsiWired network ports of 2.5 Gbps or faster, RJ45 or fiber.

8=CalculatedFrom Ports

0=CalculatedFrom Ports

Fastest WAN portiThe fastest port that can take the internet connection.

2.5Gbps=CalculatedFrom Ports

1Gbps=CalculatedFrom Ports

Fastest LAN portiThe fastest port for wired devices. A port that can be WAN or LAN counts here too.

2.5Gbps=CalculatedFrom Ports

1Gbps=CalculatedFrom Ports

USB ports

1=CalculatedFrom Ports

0=CalculatedFrom Ports

SFP+ portiA slot for a 10 Gbps fiber or DAC module.

No=CalculatedFrom Ports

No=CalculatedFrom Ports

Built-in modemiModems inside the router. A port for an external modem does not count. A fiber slot counts only when the fiber module is in the box.

Not available

Not available

Modem standardsiStandards of the built-in modem as published, e.g. DOCSIS 3.1, VDSL2 35b, GPON or 5G NR.

Not available

Not available

Mesh

2 of 7 differ

Mesh technologiesiMesh systems the unit can join, by the maker's name, e.g. AiMesh, EasyMesh or TP-Link OneMesh.

AiMesh1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/us/networking/rog-strix-gs-be18000/specRead 15 October 2026AiMesh: Primary AiMesh Router and AiMesh Node.

EasyMesh, TP-Link OneMesh1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026The overview says to add EasyMesh-compatible devices. The specifications list OneMesh as supported. The datasheet says it is compatible with EasyMesh but has no Wi-Fi EasyMesh certification.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/107355Read 14 October 2026EasyMesh: Supported. The footnote says it is compatible with standardized EasyMesh but has not obtained the Wi-Fi EasyMesh certification.

Units per packiUnits in the box. The base lists every pack size sold. Each pack variant holds its own. A standalone router is 1.

11Maker product pagerog.asus.com/us/networking/rog-strix-gs-be18000/specRead 15 October 2026One router is sold.

11Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026One router is sold.

Coverage of the pack (claimed)iThe maker's claimed area for a whole pack. Each pack variant holds its own claim. The claims of single units are never added up.

Not available

Not available

Identical unitsiEvery unit in a pack is the same model, so any unit can be the router. Not true for systems with a separate satellite model, such as NETGEAR Orbi.

Not available

Not available

Satellite modeliModel number of the satellite when it differs from the router unit.

Not available

Not available

Satellite portsiData ports on one satellite. Only when the satellite differs from the router unit.

Not available

Not available

Ethernet backhauliMesh units can link to each other over an Ethernet cable.

Yes2Maker product pagerog.asus.com/us/networking/rog-strix-gs-be18000Read 15 October 2026Versatile Backhaul Options: wired and wireless 2.5G backhaul.

Not available

Software

5 of 7 differ

ManagementiWays to set up and manage the router. A web interface is a full settings page in a browser on the local network. A status page alone does not count.

Mobile app, Web interface1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/us/networking/rog-strix-gs-be18000/specRead 15 October 2026User Interface: WEB ASUSWRT, APP ASUS Router APP.

Mobile app, Web interface1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026Management Features: Tether App and Webpage.

Online account requirediSetup and management need an online account with the maker, with no local way around it.

No3Owner's manualdlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/GS-BE18000/E26963_GS-BE18000_UM_EAA_WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2.2 Quick Internet Setup runs in the web GUI and asks for the ISP details, the Wi-Fi names and keys and a router login password. No ASUS account is requested.12Reviewtomshardware.com/networking/routers/asus-rog-strix-gs-be18000-wi-fi-7-gaming-router-reviewRead 15 October 2026Setup in the Asus Router app or the web interface took about five minutes. Binding the router to an Asus account is offered for remote access and is optional.

No3Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/47481Read 14 October 2026Archer AX21(US) V5.60 Quick Installation Guide: method two sets the router up in a web browser at tplinkwifi.net and asks only for a login password. The TP-Link ID is optional for more cloud service.

Operating modesiModes the maker lists. Media bridge connects wired devices to another router over Wi-Fi. Extender, range extender and WDS modes count as repeater.

Router, Access point, Mesh node, Repeater, Media bridge1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/us/networking/rog-strix-gs-be18000/specRead 15 October 2026Operating Mode: Router (AiMesh router), AiMesh node, Access point, Repeater, Media bridge.

Router, Access point1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026Working Modes: Router Mode and Access Point Mode.

Network featuresiFeatures the maker lists that work without a paid subscription. An IoT network is a separate network for smart home devices. Dual WAN uses a second internet connection as a backup or to share the load. Only features the maker clearly says are free. Parental controls counts when a free feature pauses or schedules internet access per person or device, such as eero Profiles, even when content filters need a subscription. When the maker's pages contradict each other, leave the feature out.

Guest network, IoT network, IPTV, Dual WAN, QoS, Parental controls, Dynamic DNS1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/us/networking/rog-strix-gs-be18000/specRead 15 October 2026Listed: Guest Network, IPTV, Dual WAN, DDNS, Adaptive QoS and Traditional QoS, Parental Control. IoT Network comes from the product page. VLAN and aggregation are not listed. Dong Knows Tech says link aggregation is not supported.2Maker product pagerog.asus.com/us/networking/rog-strix-gs-be18000Read 15 October 2026Smart Home Master SSIDs: IoT Network, Kid's Network, VPN Network and MLO Network.

Guest network, IPTV, QoS, Parental controls, Dynamic DNS1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026Guest Network: 1x 5 GHz and 1x 2.4 GHz. IPTV lists IGMP Proxy, IGMP Snooping, Bridge and Tag VLAN, so VLAN is not stored. QoS by Device, DDNS (TP-Link, NO-IP, DynDNS) and Parental Controls (URL Filtering, Time Controls) are listed. The router has no paid service and the page names no subscription.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/107355Read 14 October 2026Parental Controls: URL Filtering, Time Controls. Quality of Service: QoS by Device. Guest Network: 1x 5 GHz and 1x 2.4 GHz.

VPN serveriProtocols the router can serve, to reach the home network from outside. A paid VPN service is not a VPN server.

WireGuard, OpenVPN, IPsec, PPTP1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/us/networking/rog-strix-gs-be18000/specRead 15 October 2026VPN Server IPSec, Open VPN, PPTP and WireGuard.

OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP, WireGuard2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/107355Read 14 October 2026VPN Server: OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP, Wireguard VPN Server. The V5 product page lists only OpenVPN and PPTP servers. The datasheet is newer and is used, and the V5 firmware notes mention L2TP/IPSec VPN and a VPN kill switch.

VPN clientiProtocols the router can use to connect to an outside VPN server.

WireGuard, OpenVPN, L2TP, PPTP1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/us/networking/rog-strix-gs-be18000/specRead 15 October 2026VPN Client L2TP, Open VPN, PPTP and WireGuard.

OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP, WireGuard2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/107355Read 14 October 2026VPN Client: OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP, Wireguard VPN Client. The V5 product page lists no VPN client row.

USB applicationsiWhat the USB port can be used for. Cellular modem is a USB 4G or 5G modem used as an internet connection or backup.

File server, Media server, Time Machine, Printer server, Cellular modem1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/us/networking/rog-strix-gs-be18000/specRead 15 October 2026WAN lists a 3G / 4G LTE dongle and 4G / 5G Auto Mobile Tethering, so cellular_modem is stored. USB application lists tethering and the supported file systems. File and media serving come from the manual. A printer server and Time Machine come from the reviews.3Owner's manualdlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/GS-BE18000/E26963_GS-BE18000_UM_EAA_WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 1.1 names an SMB server, a UPnP AV server and an FTP server for file sharing.8Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/i-tested-the-asus-rog-strix-gs-be18000-and-this-stealth-gaming-router-punches-way-above-its-weightRead 15 October 2026The USB port is described as able to run a print server, share a data drive and use a mobile phone as a backup internet feed.11Reviewprofesionalreview.com/2025/10/23/asus-rog-strix-gs-be18000-reviewRead 15 October 2026The USB port supports a file server, FTP, Samba, a network printer server, backups, a download manager and 3G/4G/5G adapters.12Reviewtomshardware.com/networking/routers/asus-rog-strix-gs-be18000-wi-fi-7-gaming-router-reviewRead 15 October 2026Software section: the USB port serves network storage, a network printer server, a USB cellular modem or smartphone as an internet link and a Time Machine backup server for Macs.

Not available

Security

4 of 5 differ

Wi-Fi securityiEnhanced Open encrypts an open network without a password.

WPA2-Personal, WPA3-Personal, WPA2-Enterprise, WPA3-Enterprise, Enhanced Open (OWE)1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/us/networking/rog-strix-gs-be18000/specRead 15 October 2026WiFi Encryption: WPA/WPA2/WPA3 Personal, WPA/WPA2/WPA3 Enterprise, Open System and OWE. The footnote says Enterprise is not available under AiMesh mode.

WPA2-Personal, WPA3-Personal, WPA2-Enterprise1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026WiFi Encryption: WPA, WPA2, WPA3 and WPA/WPA2-Enterprise (802.1x).2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/107355Read 14 October 2026WiFi Encryption: WPA, WPA2, WPA3, WPA/WPA2-Enterprise (802.1x).

Security serviceiThe maker's built-in security service by name, e.g. AiProtection Pro, HomeShield, NETGEAR Armor or eero Plus.

AiProtection Pro1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/us/networking/rog-strix-gs-be18000/specRead 15 October 2026AiProtection row: AiProtection Pro with Router Security Assessment, Malicious Site Blocking, Two-Way IPS and Infected Device Prevention and Blocking.

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Security service costiWhat the service costs after any free trial. Basic free means the basic features are free and the full set needs a subscription. When the free and paid tiers share one name, such as HomeShield, it is basic free. NETGEAR Armor has no free tier after its trial, so it is paid. When the paid tier is a separate add-on, such as eero Plus, it is paid.

Free2Maker product pagerog.asus.com/us/networking/rog-strix-gs-be18000Read 15 October 2026The page headline says subscription-free network security. AiProtection Pro runs on a Trend Micro cloud database and no fee is named.

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Automatic firmware updatesiThe router can install firmware updates by itself.

Yes1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/us/networking/rog-strix-gs-be18000/specRead 15 October 2026Administration: Auto Firmware Update.

Yes1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026Cloud Service: Auto Firmware Upgrade and OTA Firmware Upgrade.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/107355Read 14 October 2026Cloud Service: Auto Firmware Upgrade, TP-Link ID, DDNS.

Security updates untiliPublished end date of security updates for this model. It is not calculated from a number of years. A published minimum date, such as "at least through" or "or later", counts as the stated date. The source note says it is a minimum and names the region.

31 December 20296Maker product pageasus.com/support/faq/1051929Read 15 October 2026The UK FAQ (Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act), updated 2026-08-19, lists GS-BE18000 in the group with a product security update period of 4 years, until 31 December 2029, and says extended support may be provided after that date. The date is a minimum and applies to the UK.

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Smart home

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Thread border router

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Matter controlleriCan add and control Matter devices. Being a Matter device alone does not count.

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Zigbee hubiA built-in Zigbee radio that controls Zigbee smart home devices.

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BluetoothiVersion of the Bluetooth radio in the router, often used for setup.

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Smart home platformsiSmart home and voice platforms the router works with, e.g. Amazon Alexa or Google Home.

Amazon Alexa12Reviewtomshardware.com/networking/routers/asus-rog-strix-gs-be18000-wi-fi-7-gaming-router-reviewRead 15 October 2026Software section: the features include Amazon Alexa integration. The maker pages do not name Alexa.

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Hardware

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System on chipiMain chip or platform as published, e.g. Broadcom BCM4916 or Qualcomm Networking Pro 620. A chip maker name alone, such as Broadcom, is not stored.

Broadcom BCM67668Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/i-tested-the-asus-rog-strix-gs-be18000-and-this-stealth-gaming-router-punches-way-above-its-weightRead 15 October 2026Spec table: Wi-Fi chips Broadcom BCM6766. The text says Broadcom's BCM6766 Wi-Fi chip with a 2.0GHz quad-core processor. Profesional Review names the same chip as the CPU. The maker publishes no chip.11Reviewprofesionalreview.com/2025/10/23/asus-rog-strix-gs-be18000-reviewRead 15 October 2026Review text: CPU Broadcom BCM6766 quad-core at 2.0 GHz, with 2 GB DDR4 RAM and 256 MB flash. It also lists BCM6766 for 2.4 and 5 GHz and BCM7263 for 6 GHz.

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CPU cores

41Maker product pagerog.asus.com/us/networking/rog-strix-gs-be18000/specRead 15 October 2026Processor: 2.0GHz quad-core processor. One paragraph on the product page says tri-core, the spec table says quad-core and the reviews agree.

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CPU clockiHighest published processor clock.

2GHz1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/us/networking/rog-strix-gs-be18000/specRead 15 October 2026Processor: 2.0GHz quad-core processor.

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RAMiRouter RAM in GB. When any trusted source prints a GB figure, use it, e.g. 1 GB rather than 1024 MB converted. Convert MB with 1000 MB per GB only when MB is the only figure, e.g. 512 MB is 0.512, and keep the original figure in the source note. Same rule as streaming devices.

2GB1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/us/networking/rog-strix-gs-be18000/specRead 15 October 2026Memory: 256 MB Flash and DDR4 2 GB RAM.

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Flash storageiBuilt-in flash memory for the firmware in GB. Convert MB with 1000 MB per GB, as for RAM. A memory card or USB drive does not count.

256MB1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/us/networking/rog-strix-gs-be18000/specRead 15 October 2026Memory: 256 MB Flash. Stored as 0.256 GB.

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Cooling faniA fan inside the unit. Passive cooling does not count.

No8Reviewtomsguide.com/computing/routers/i-tested-the-asus-rog-strix-gs-be18000-and-this-stealth-gaming-router-punches-way-above-its-weightRead 15 October 2026The review says it is passively cooled with nanocarbon-coated aluminum heat sink fins.9Reviewdongknows.com/asus-rog-strix-gs-be18000-reviewRead 15 October 2026The review says there is no internal fan.

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Power

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Power supplyiHow the main unit gets power. USB is a USB-C power adapter. PoE is power over an Ethernet cable.

External DC adapter1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/us/networking/rog-strix-gs-be18000/specRead 15 October 2026Power Supply: AC input 110V to 240V and a bundled power adapter.

External DC adapter1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026The page lists a power adapter in the package.

Rated power inputiDevice input rating as published, in volts and amps.

12 V, 3 A / 12 V, 5 A1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/us/networking/rog-strix-gs-be18000/specRead 15 October 2026Power Supply: DC output 12 V with max. 5 A current / 12 V with max. 3 A current. The manual lists the same two ratings. The page does not say which adapter is in which box.3Owner's manualdlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/GS-BE18000/E26963_GS-BE18000_UM_EAA_WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 1.3 notes: DC power adapter output +12V with 3A current and +12V with 5A current.

12 V, 1.5 A1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026Power: 12 V, 1.5 A.

Included adapter outputiRated output of the power adapter in the box. This is not power use.

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18W1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 202612 V times 1.5 A is 18 W. Package Content lists a power adapter.

Power use (typical, claimed)iThe maker's typical or average power use of one unit. A published range, such as 14 to 16 W, is left out.

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Power use (max, claimed)iThe maker's maximum power use of one unit. Power given out over PoE is not included. A published range, such as 14 to 16 W, is left out. A figure measured with the power adapter counts.

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Measured

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Wi-Fi throughput (measured)iTom's Guide throughput, one row per test position. Tool, client, direction and walls are in the source note. Other reviewers' results go in source notes only.

AASUS ROG Strix GS-BE18000

Distance (m)	Connected to	Throughput (Mbps)
4.572	Main unit	2,354
15.24	Main unit	1,354
22.86	Main unit	900.8
27.432	Main unit	40.9

Source7Measurementtomsguide.com/computing/routers/i-tested-the-asus-rog-strix-gs-be18000-and-this-stealth-gaming-router-punches-way-above-its-weightRead 15 October 2026Tom's Guide, published 2026-08-17. Keysight IxChariot set to simulate 10 data-hungry users, client an HP Envy x360 notebook. Firmware and band are not stated. Rows are 15 ft (4.572 m) 2.354 Gbps, 50 ft (15.24 m) 1.354 Gbps, 75 ft (22.86 m) 900.8 Mbps and 90 ft (27.432 m) 40.9 Mbps. The review also reports 2.238 Gbps with the router next to the notebook, which is not stored.

BTP-Link Archer AX21

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Fastest Wi-Fi throughput (measured)iHighest measured row with the client connected to the main unit. Compare only results from the same reviewer.

2,354Mbps=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi throughput (measured)

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Wi-Fi throughput through a wall (measured)iTom's Guide throughput at 25 ft through one wall, with the client on the main unit.

1,309Mbps7Measurementtomsguide.com/computing/routers/i-tested-the-asus-rog-strix-gs-be18000-and-this-stealth-gaming-router-punches-way-above-its-weightRead 15 October 2026The review says the router moved upwards of 1.309 Gbps to a room 25 feet away. Same IxChariot setup.

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Range (measured)iDistance at which the reviewer's client lost its connection to the main unit.

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Power use under load (measured)iWall power of the main unit during the reviewer's throughput or saturation test.

17.7W7Measurementtomsguide.com/computing/routers/i-tested-the-asus-rog-strix-gs-be18000-and-this-stealth-gaming-router-punches-way-above-its-weightRead 15 October 2026The review says the router consumed 17.7 watts while in use and derives a yearly cost of $27.13 from it. It does not describe the load.

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Energy use per day (measured)iEnergy the router used over 24 hours of the reviewer's test use. This is not the power at one moment.

340Wh10Measurementdongknows.com/asus-rog-strix-gs-be18000-reviewRead 15 October 2026Hardware table: power consumption per 24 hours about 340 Wh. Firmware 3.0.0.6.102_38782 and 3.0.0.6.102_38818. The review does not describe the load.

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Dimensions and weight

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DimensionsiOne unit in its normal position, with antennas folded flat or removed. Height is bottom to top. For a round unit, width and depth are both the diameter. A size the maker prints with antennas up goes in Dimensions with antennas.

Width90Height225Depth225mm(3.5 × 8.9 × 8.9 in)1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/us/networking/rog-strix-gs-be18000/specRead 15 October 2026Product Dimensions 225 x 90 x 225 mm, printed without labels. The maker's front and rear photos show a narrow upright slab, so the 90 mm side is the width. LDLC and inet.se label the sizes width 90, height 225 and depth 225 mm. Tom's Guide gives 8.9 x 8.9 x 3.4 inches without labels.

Width261.1Height41Depth134.5mm(10.3 × 1.6 × 5.3 in)1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026Dimensions (W x D x H): 10.3 x 5.3 x 1.6 in (261.1 x 134.5 x 41 mm). Stored as width, depth and height. The page does not say whether the antennas are folded.

Dimensions with antennasiOne unit with its external antennas up, as the maker prints it.

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WeightiOne unit without power adapter and cables.

927.5g(2 lb)1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/us/networking/rog-strix-gs-be18000/specRead 15 October 2026Product Weight (g): 927.5 g. The page does not say whether the adapter is included.

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Wall mountableiThe maker says the unit can be mounted on a wall.

No9Reviewdongknows.com/asus-rog-strix-gs-be18000-reviewRead 15 October 2026The review says it is designed to stand vertically and is not mount-ready. The maker names no wall mount.11Reviewprofesionalreview.com/2025/10/23/asus-rog-strix-gs-be18000-reviewRead 15 October 2026The review says the router has no wall anchors. It stands upright, with rubber feet on the bottom.

Yes3Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/47481Read 14 October 2026Q5 says to keep the antennas upright when the router is hanging on a wall. No bracket is named.

Certifications

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Wi-Fi Alliance certification IDiCertificate ID in the Wi-Fi Alliance product finder.

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FCC IDiFCC ID of the main unit.

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Other certifications

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FCC, CE, RoHS2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/107355Read 14 October 2026Certifications: FCC, CE, RoHS.

In the box

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In the boxiItems as the maker lists them for the exact pack.

GS-BE18000 tri-band gaming router, RJ-45 cable, Power adapter, Quick Start Guide, Warranty card1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/us/networking/rog-strix-gs-be18000/specRead 15 October 2026Package Content: GS-BE18000 tri-band gaming router, RJ-45 cable, Power adapter, Quick Start Guide, Warranty card.3Owner's manualdlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/GS-BE18000/E26963_GS-BE18000_UM_EAA_WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 1.2: GS-BE18000 Gaming Router, network cable (RJ-45), power adapter, Quick Start Guide. The warranty card comes from the spec page.

Wi-Fi Router Archer AX21, Power Adapter, RJ45 Ethernet Cable, Quick Installation Guide2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/107355Read 14 October 2026Package Contents: Wi-Fi Router Archer AX21, Power Adapter, RJ45 Ethernet Cable, Quick Installation Guide.

Links

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Product page

rog.asus.com/us/networking/rog-strix-gs-be180002Maker product pagerog.asus.com/us/networking/rog-strix-gs-be18000Read 15 October 2026

www.tp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v51Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026

Spec sheet

rog.asus.com/us/networking/rog-strix-gs-be18000/spec1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/us/networking/rog-strix-gs-be18000/specRead 15 October 2026

www.tp-link.com/us/document/1073552Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/107355Read 14 October 2026Datasheet Archer AX21(US) V5.6.

Manual

dlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/GS-BE18000/E26963_GS-BE18000_UM_EAA_WEB.pdf3Owner's manualdlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/GS-BE18000/E26963_GS-BE18000_UM_EAA_WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026English user manual E26963, released 2025-09-16.

www.tp-link.com/us/document/1091824Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/109182Read 14 October 2026Archer AX21 Installation and User Guide, listed on the V5 support page. The viewer page is linked and the guide text was not read.

EPREL registration numberiId in the EU energy label database. Each size or model of a series has its own id, so it is per variant.

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Warranty

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Manufacturer warranty (source market)iThe maker's warranty period for the exact SKU or configuration and market named in the source note. It applies only to that stated market, not every regional variant. Statutory consumer rights are excluded. The base term is stored. An extension that needs registration goes in the source note.

3years5Maker product pageasus.com/support/api/product.asmx/GetPDWarrantyRead 15 October 2026ASUS US support warranty text, Wireless Warranty Policy updated June 2026: the general warranty is 3 years, but it may vary depending on the place of purchase. US site. Tom's Guide also reports a three-year warranty.

2years5Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/support/replacement-warrantyRead 14 October 2026US warranty page: Wi-Fi routers bought on or after 2023-09-01 have a 2 year warranty.

Both are also in the API. Back to all routers.