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ASUS RT-BE86U vs NETGEAR Nighthawk RS100

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Product A: ASUS

RT-BE86U

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B

Product B: NETGEAR

Nighthawk RS100

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AASUS RT-BE86U

BNETGEAR Nighthawk RS100

General

3 of 9 differ

Series

Not available

Nighthawk1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026

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

RT-BE86U2Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be86uRead 14 October 2026The tech spec page lists Model RT-BE86U. The manual and the quick start guide carry the same model name.

RS100, RS100-100NAS, RS90, RS90-100NAS1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026Page data gives the part number RS100 and the US SKU RS100-100NAS. The US page links the shared user manual for RS100, RS90 and RS70 and the manual gives RS100 and RS90 the same radios. The job brief says Amazon US sells the same router as RS90 (RS90-100NAS). The RS90 datasheet matches the RS100 datasheet in size, weight, adapter and ports. The EU model RS100-100EUS is not stored, because the EU page quotes another coverage.3Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS90/RS90_TS.pdfRead 14 October 2026RS90 datasheet: same BE3600 radios, 2 internal antennas, quad-core 2.0 GHz, 12V/1.5A adapter, 184 x 66 x 122 mm and 380 g as the RS100.

GTIN / EAN

Not available

6064491723861Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026UPC 606449172386 in the page's product data for RS100-100NAS. The RS90-100NAS UPC was not found.

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

Not available

Not available

Status

Available2Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be86uRead 14 October 2026The product page is live and offers the router in stock at 269.99 USD, and support, manuals and firmware are listed.

Available1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026The US NETGEAR store sells the router at 149.99 USD on 2026-10-14.

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

Not available

Not available

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

Not available

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

$329.999Reviewdongknows.com/asus-rt-be86u-be6800-wi-fi-7-router-reviewRead 14 October 2026Hardware table: U.S. Price (at launch) $329.99. Tom's Hardware calls $329 the street price in November 2024. The US maker page now shows 269.99 USD, which is not stored. No euro launch price was found.

$149.995Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20250219233836/https://www.netgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026Archived copy of the maker's US page from 2025-02-19 lists the RS100 at $149.99. The first Wayback copy was written before launch coverage. TechRadar says the launch price was $129.99 and other outlets say $149, so the sources disagree. The maker's own price is stored.6Reviewdongknows.com/netgear-nighthawk-rs100-reviewRead 14 October 2026Hardware table: US launch price $149.99.

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

Not available

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

US9Reviewdongknows.com/asus-rt-be86u-be6800-wi-fi-7-router-reviewRead 14 October 2026The launch price is a U.S. price.

US1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026The US store page offers it for sale.

ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

Black3Owner's manualdlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/RT-BE86U/E26582_RT-BE86U_UM_V2_EAA_WEB.pdfRead 14 October 2026Welcome section: black chassis with gaming-inspired red accents. The page gives no colour name, so it is stored as Black.

Not available

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 pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be86uRead 14 October 2026Standalone router that works as the primary AiMesh router or as an AiMesh node, so it is stored as router.

Router1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026

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.

Home2Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be86uRead 14 October 2026The page sits under WiFi Routers, ASUS WiFi Routers and is not a ROG or TUF product. It has gaming features such as a dedicated gaming port and Game Boost, but the maker's category is the general router line, so it is stored as home. Tom's Hardware calls it geared more toward gamers.

Home1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026Listed under Home WiFi, WiFi Routers.

Wi-Fi

10 of 14 differ

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

Wi-Fi 71Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be86u/techspecRead 14 October 2026Network Standard lists WiFi 7 (802.11be).

Wi-Fi 71Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026Title: WiFi 7 Router, dual-band, up to 3.6 Gbps. Wi-Fi 7 on both bands per the manual.

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.

BE68001Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be86u/techspecRead 14 October 2026Product Segment: BE6800 ultimate BE performance, 1032+5764 Mbps.

BE36001Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026The page names it a BE3600 WiFi 7 performance router.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS100/RS100_TS.pdfRead 14 October 2026Technical Specifications: BE3600 Router Dual-Band WiFi, 2.4 GHz (2x2) and 5 GHz (2x2). Document TS-RS100-3.

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

AASUS RT-BE86U

Band	Wi-Fi	Streams	Max channel width (MHz)	Max link rate (Mbps)	Dedicated backhaul
2.4 GHz	Wi-Fi 7	3	40	1,032	No
5 GHz	Wi-Fi 7	4	160	5,764	No

Source1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be86u/techspecRead 14 October 2026WiFi Data Rate: WiFi 7 5 GHz up to 5764 Mbps and 2.4 GHz up to 1032 Mbps. Transmit / Receive: 5 GHz 4x4 and 2.4 GHz 3x3. Boosts Speed lists 20/40/80/160 MHz bandwidth. 2.4 GHz is stored as 40 MHz, since 1032 Mbps is the 3x3 rate at 40 MHz and Dong Knows Tech lists 20/40 MHz for that band. There is no 6 GHz radio.

BNETGEAR Nighthawk RS100

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	2	160	2,882	No

Source4Owner's manualdownloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS90/RS100-90-70_UM_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026Chapter 1, publication 202-12760-02 (July 2025): RS100 and RS90 have a combined speed of up to 3.57 Gbps. The 2.4 GHz radio supports 802.11 n/ac/ax/be with 4096-QAM, 20/40 MHz and up to 0.7 Gbps. The 5 GHz radio supports 802.11 n/ac/ax/be with 4096-QAM, 20/40/80/160 MHz and up to 2.9 Gbps. The 2 streams per band come from the 2x2 bands in the datasheet. The rates are in the Dong Knows Tech entry.6Reviewdongknows.com/netgear-nighthawk-rs100-reviewRead 14 October 2026Hardware table: dual-band BE3600, 5 GHz 2x2 BE up to 2882 Mbps (20/40/80/160 MHz), and the text says the 160 MHz rate needs DFS channels. The 2.4 GHz cell is garbled for the RS100. The review's table prints 2x2 BE up to 688 Mbps (20/40 MHz) for the BE230, which has the same BE3600 radios. 688 plus 2882 is 3570 Mbps, the same as the combined 3.57 Gbps in the maker's manual, so 688 is stored for the RS100 2.4 GHz radio. The maker prints only 0.7 and 2.9 Gbps.

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.

2=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

2=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

6 GHz band

No=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.

6,796Mbps=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

3,570Mbps=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.

7=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.

160MHz=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

160MHz=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-MIMO1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be86u/techspecRead 14 October 2026Boosts Speed: OFDMA and 4096-QAM. Wireless row: MU-MIMO. MLO comes from the product page.2Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be86uRead 14 October 2026Dual-Band MLO: Multi-Link Operation supports STR and EMLSR modes and combines 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The page also names 4K-QAM and 160 MHz channels.

4K-QAM, OFDMA, MU-MIMO, Band steering1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026Smart Connect puts both bands under one network name (manual). 4096-QAM is in the manual's introduction.3Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS90/RS90_TS.pdfRead 14 October 2026The RS90 datasheet lists MU-MIMO capable for simultaneous data streaming and uplink and downlink OFDMA. The RS100 datasheet does not list them. RS90 and RS100 share one manual and one set of radios, so the RS90 list is used for the RS100.4Owner's manualdownloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS90/RS100-90-70_UM_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026Chapter 6: Smart Connect is on by default and both radios share one network name. MU-MIMO can be turned on or off on page 69. 4096-QAM is in chapter 1.

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

31Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be86u/techspecRead 14 October 2026Antenna: External antenna x 3.

01Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026Antennas: (2) high-performance internal antennas. None are outside the case.

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

11Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be86u/techspecRead 14 October 2026Antenna: Internal antenna x 1.

21Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026Antennas: (2) high-performance internal antennas and high-power amplifiers.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS100/RS100_TS.pdfRead 14 October 2026

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

Yes2Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be86uRead 14 October 2026Design section: the detachable antennas can be physically repositioned.9Reviewdongknows.com/asus-rt-be86u-be6800-wi-fi-7-router-reviewRead 14 October 2026The review says the router comes with three detachable antennas that swivel half a sphere.

No1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026The two antennas are internal, so they cannot be removed.

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.

255m²2Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be86uRead 14 October 2026Design and MESH Network sections: coverage of up to 2,750 sq. ft. Converted to 255 m2 (255.5). Dong Knows Tech writes about 2,500 sq. ft. for its own use, and the maker figure is used.

186m²1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026US page says covers up to 2,000 sq. ft. Converted exactly with 0.09290304 to 185.8 and rounded to 186. The NETGEAR Germany page for the EU model says up to 135 m2, and Expert Reviews quotes 185 m2 for the UK. The US figure is used for the US model.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS100/RS100_TS.pdfRead 14 October 2026

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

501Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026Supports up to 50 connected devices.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS100/RS100_TS.pdfRead 14 October 2026

Ports and modem

5 of 9 differ

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 RT-BE86U

Port	Count	Role	Max speed (Gbps)	Version
RJ45	1	WAN or LAN	10	Not available
RJ45	1	WAN or LAN	2.5	Not available
RJ45	3	LAN	2.5	Not available
USB-A	1	Not available	5	USB 3.2 Gen 1
USB-A	1	Not available	0.48	USB 2.0

Source1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be86u/techspecRead 14 October 2026I/O Ports: 1 x 10G for WAN/LAN, 1 x 2.5G for WAN/LAN, 3 x 2.5G for LAN, USB 3.2 Gen1 x1 and USB 2.0 Gen1 x1. USB 3.2 Gen 1 is stored at 5 Gbps and USB 2.0 at 0.48 Gbps, the standard rates. The manual calls the ports 10G WAN/LAN1, 2.5G WAN/LAN1 and 2.5G LAN 2 to 4. The product page says one 2.5G LAN port is a dedicated gaming port, which is still a LAN port. The connector of the USB ports is not named and Type-A is assumed from the port photos.

BNETGEAR Nighthawk RS100

Port	Count	Role	Max speed (Gbps)
RJ45	1	WAN	2.5
RJ45	4	LAN	1

Source1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026Ports: (1) 2.5 Gbps internet port and (4) 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports. The page lists no USB port.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS100/RS100_TS.pdfRead 14 October 2026(1) 2.5 Gbps internet port and (4) 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports.4Owner's manualdownloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS90/RS100-90-70_UM_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026Rear panel: four Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 LAN ports and a yellow 2.5G Internet port. No USB port is described.

Ethernet portsiRJ45 ports of all roles, WAN and LAN.

5=CalculatedFrom Ports

5=CalculatedFrom Ports

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

5=CalculatedFrom Ports

1=CalculatedFrom Ports

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

10Gbps=CalculatedFrom Ports

2.5Gbps=CalculatedFrom Ports

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

10Gbps=CalculatedFrom Ports

1Gbps=CalculatedFrom Ports

USB ports

2=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 pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be86u/techspecRead 14 October 2026AiMesh: Primary AiMesh Router and AiMesh Node.

Not available

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 pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be86u/techspecRead 14 October 2026One router is sold.

11Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026Sold as a single router. The page has no pack sizes.

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 pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be86uRead 14 October 2026The 10G WAN/LAN port unlocks 10G ethernet backhaul and the 2.5G ports 2.5G ethernet backhaul.9Reviewdongknows.com/asus-rt-be86u-be6800-wi-fi-7-router-reviewRead 14 October 2026The review says the router works best with wired backhauling in AiMesh.

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 pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be86u/techspecRead 14 October 2026User Interface: WEB ASUSWRT, APP ASUS Router APP.

Mobile app, Web interface4Owner's manualdownloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS90/RS100-90-70_UM_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026Chapter 3 logs in to the router web interface at routerlogin.net and also covers the Nighthawk app on page 24.

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/RT-BE86U/E26582_RT-BE86U_UM_V2_EAA_WEB.pdfRead 14 October 2026Quick Internet Setup runs in the web GUI at asusrouter.com and asks for a router password, not an ASUS account.9Reviewdongknows.com/asus-rt-be86u-be6800-wi-fi-7-router-reviewRead 14 October 2026The review says ASUS routers do not require a vendor-connected or third-party login account by default.

No4Owner's manualdownloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS90/RS100-90-70_UM_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026The router can be set up with the Nighthawk app or with the web interface at routerlogin.net, so no online account is required. The app uses a free NETGEAR account.6Reviewdongknows.com/netgear-nighthawk-rs100-reviewRead 14 October 2026Vendor login account: optional for the Nighthawk app. The web interface works without it.

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 pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be86u/techspecRead 14 October 2026Operating Mode: Repeater Mode, Media Bridge Mode, Access Point Mode, AiMesh Node Mode and Wireless Router Mode.

Router, Access point4Owner's manualdownloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS90/RS100-90-70_UM_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 110 sets the router up as a WiFi access point and page 111 returns it to router 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, VLAN, IPTV, Dual WAN, WAN aggregation, LAN aggregation, QoS, Parental controls, Dynamic DNS1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be86u/techspecRead 14 October 2026Guest Network (Support Guest Network Pro), IPTV, LAN Link Aggregation, Dual WAN, WAN Aggregation, DDNS, Parental Control, Adaptive QoS and Traditional QoS are listed. The product page adds an IoT Network and VLAN controls and says parental controls need no subscription.2Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be86uRead 14 October 2026Powerful VLAN Controls, Guest Network Pro with an IoT Network, and Advanced Parental Controls with the wording all without subscriptions.

Guest network, IoT network, IPTV, Dynamic DNS1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026Separate WiFi networks: main, IoT and guest (page and datasheet). IPTV and Dynamic DNS are in the manual. Parental controls are not stored, because they are part of the paid Armor service.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS100/RS100_TS.pdfRead 14 October 2026Create separate WiFi networks: Main, IoT and Guest.4Owner's manualdownloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS90/RS100-90-70_UM_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026Guest WiFi network on page 66 (one per band). IPTV port or bridge on page 81. Dynamic DNS with a free NETGEAR or No-IP account on page 116. VLAN tag bridging is part of the IPTV settings and is not stored, because a reviewer says the router could not set a VLAN tag on the WAN port for a UK fibre line. Smart parental controls are not stored.

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 pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be86u/techspecRead 14 October 2026VPN: VPN Server IPSec, Open VPN, PPTP and WireGuard.

Not available

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

WireGuard, OpenVPN, L2TP, PPTP1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be86u/techspecRead 14 October 2026VPN: VPN Client L2TP, Open VPN, PPTP and WireGuard.

Not available

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, Cellular modem1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be86u/techspecRead 14 October 2026USB application: AiCloud, Download Master, AiDisk, Media Server, Time Machine, Samba Server and FTP Server. WAN lists a 3G / 4G LTE dongle, and the product page describes 4G / 5G mobile tethering through USB. No printer server is listed and the manual has no printer section, so it is not stored.

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 pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be86u/techspecRead 14 October 2026Security: WPA3 Personal, WPA2 Personal, WPA Personal, WPA Enterprise, WPA2 Enterprise, WPA3 Enterprise and Open System & OWE. The product page footnote says WPA/WPA2 Enterprise is only available on a single router, not under AiMesh.

WPA2-Personal, WPA3-Personal1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026Page: WPA3 encryption. The manual lists the exact options.4Owner's manualdownloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS90/RS100-90-70_UM_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026Chapter 6, page 63: the router comes with preset WPA3 security. Options are WPA2-PSK [AES], WPA-PSK [TKIP] + WPA2-PSK [AES], WPA3-PSK and WPA2-PSK + WPA3-PSK. The older WPA TKIP option is not stored.

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

AiProtection Pro1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be86u/techspecRead 14 October 2026AiProtection row: AiProtection Pro with router security assessment, malicious site blocking, two-way IPS and infected device prevention and blocking.

NETGEAR Armor1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026NETGEAR Armor, powered by Bitdefender. A trial is included.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS100/RS100_TS.pdfRead 14 October 2026NETGEAR Armor powered by Bitdefender is optional, with a subscription.

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 pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be86uRead 14 October 2026The page text says subscription-free network security and says parental controls need no subscription. The tech spec lists AiProtection Pro with no paid tier.

Paid7Reviewtechradar.com/computing/wi-fi-broadband/netgear-nighthawk-rs100-reviewRead 14 October 2026Armor comes with a one-month trial and then costs $99.99 a year. The review also says some features need an extra subscription. The maker's page calls the Armor trial included and its datasheet calls the service optional with a subscription.

Automatic firmware updatesiThe router can install firmware updates by itself.

Yes1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be86u/techspecRead 14 October 2026Administration: Auto Firmware Update.

Yes1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026Supports automatic firmware updates to help improve security and performance.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS100/RS100_TS.pdfRead 14 October 2026Supports automatic firmware updates.4Owner's manualdownloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS90/RS100-90-70_UM_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 91: the router can update automatically to future firmware versions.

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 20286Maker product pageasus.com/support/faq/1051375Read 14 October 2026The Singapore FAQ (Cybersecurity Labelling Scheme) lists RT-BE86U with an end of support of 30 December 2027 and says extended support may follow, so the date is a minimum. The UK and Australia FAQs give a later date and are used. The US site has no statement.7Maker product pageasus.com/support/faq/1056369Read 14 October 2026The Australia FAQ (Cyber Security (Security Standards for Smart Devices) Rules 2025) lists RT-BE86U with 4 years, until 31 December 2028, and says extended support may be provided after that date. The date is a minimum and applies to Australia.8Maker product pageasus.com/support/faq/1051929Read 14 October 2026The UK FAQ (Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act) lists RT-BE86U with a product security update period of 4 years, until 31 December 2028, and says extended support may be provided after that date. The date is a minimum and applies to the UK. It matches the Australia FAQ.

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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 Alexa11Reviewtomshardware.com/networking/routers/asus-rt-be86u-wi-fi-7-router-review-Read 14 October 2026The software section says Amazon Alexa support integrates the router with a smart home network. 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.

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CPU cores

41Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be86u/techspecRead 14 October 2026Processor: 2.6GHz quad-core processor.

41Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026Powerful quad-core 2.0 GHz processor.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS100/RS100_TS.pdfRead 14 October 2026

CPU clockiHighest published processor clock.

2.6GHz1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be86u/techspecRead 14 October 2026Processor: 2.6GHz quad-core processor.

2GHz1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026Powerful quad-core 2.0 GHz processor.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS100/RS100_TS.pdfRead 14 October 2026

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.

1GB1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be86u/techspecRead 14 October 2026Memory: 256 MB Flash and 1 GB RAM. Dong Knows Tech lists 1 GB DDR4 RAM.

1GB6Reviewdongknows.com/netgear-nighthawk-rs100-reviewRead 14 October 2026Hardware table: 2.0 GHz quad-core CPU, 512 MB flash, 1 GB DDR4 RAM. TechRadar also prints 1 GB RAM.7Reviewtechradar.com/computing/wi-fi-broadband/netgear-nighthawk-rs100-reviewRead 14 October 2026Specification table: Memory 1GB RAM. Review published 16 July 2025.

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 pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be86u/techspecRead 14 October 2026Memory: 256 MB Flash. Stored as 0.256 GB.

512MB6Reviewdongknows.com/netgear-nighthawk-rs100-reviewRead 14 October 2026Hardware table: 512 MB flash. Stored as 0.512 GB with 1000 MB per GB. TechRadar also prints 512 MB NAND flash.7Reviewtechradar.com/computing/wi-fi-broadband/netgear-nighthawk-rs100-reviewRead 14 October 2026Specification table: Storage 512MB NAND Flash.

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

No9Reviewdongknows.com/asus-rt-be86u-be6800-wi-fi-7-router-reviewRead 14 October 2026The review says the router has no internal fan and stays silent.

No6Reviewdongknows.com/netgear-nighthawk-rs100-reviewRead 14 October 2026The text says the RS100 has no internal fan and is completely silent.

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 pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be86u/techspecRead 14 October 2026Power Supply: AC input 110V~240V (50~60Hz) and a bundled adapter. Package Content lists a power adapter.

External DC adapter1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026The router takes a DC power connector from the included adapter.

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

19.5 V, 2.31 A / 12 V, 5 A1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be86u/techspecRead 14 October 2026Published as the adapter DC output: 12 V with max. 5 A current and 19.5 V with max. 2.31 A current. The manual lists the same two ratings and does not say which adapter ships in which market. Both are stored.3Owner's manualdlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/RT-BE86U/E26582_RT-BE86U_UM_V2_EAA_WEB.pdfRead 14 October 2026Section 1.3 notes: DC power adapter (DC output) +19.5V with 2.31A and +12V with 5A.

12 V, 1.5 A1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026The router has a DC power connector and the box holds a 12V/1.5A power adapter. The label's input rating is not published, so the adapter output is stored.

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

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18W1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026What's included lists a 12V/1.5A power adapter. 12 V times 1.5 A is 18 W.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS100/RS100_TS.pdfRead 14 October 2026Package contents: (1) 12V/1.5A 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

280Wh10Measurementdongknows.com/asus-rt-be86u-be6800-wi-fi-7-router-reviewRead 14 October 2026Hardware table: power consumption per 24 hours in real-world usage is about 280 Wh. Firmware 3.0.0.6.102_37022. The review does not describe the load.

105Wh6Reviewdongknows.com/netgear-nighthawk-rs100-reviewRead 14 October 2026Hardware table row Power Consumption (per 24 hours): about 105 Wh for the RS100 (BE230 195 Wh, RS200 160 Wh). Firmware at review V1.0.1.78. The review does not describe the load. The table layout is garbled in places, so the column was read from the order BE230, RS100, RS200.

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.

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Width66Height184Depth122mm(2.6 × 7.2 × 4.8 in)1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026Height 7.2 in (184 mm), width 2.6 in (66 mm), depth 4.8 in (122 mm). The photo shows an upright tower.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS100/RS100_TS.pdfRead 14 October 2026Physical Specifications: 7.2 x 2.6 x 4.8 in (184 x 66 x 122 mm). The page labels them height, width and depth.

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

Width235Height316Depth90mm(9.3 × 12.4 × 3.5 in)1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be86u/techspecRead 14 October 2026Product Dimensions 235*90*316 mm, printed without labels. Dong Knows Tech prints 12.44 x 9.25 x 3.54 in (31.6 x 23.5 x 9 cm) as the size with antennas, so the 316 mm figure is the height with the three antennas up. Stored as width 235, depth 90 and height 316. The body size without antennas is not published.

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WeightiOne unit without power adapter and cables.

854g(1.9 lb)1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be86u/techspecRead 14 October 2026Product Weight (g) 854 g. Dong Knows Tech prints 1.88 lbs (854 gram).

380g(13.4 oz)1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 20260.4 lb (380 g). The page does not say whether the adapter is included.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS100/RS100_TS.pdfRead 14 October 2026Weight: 0.4 lb (380 g).

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

No9Reviewdongknows.com/asus-rt-be86u-be6800-wi-fi-7-router-reviewRead 14 October 2026The review says the router is designed to stay on a surface and is not wall-mount-ready. The maker does not state either way.

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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.

MSQ-RTBE7D004Maker spec sheet (PDF)dlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/RT-BE86U/E23051_RT-BE86U_one_page_QSG_WEB.pdfRead 14 October 2026The ASUS regulatory notice of the quick start guide gives the Industry Canada certificate number 3568A-RTBE7D00 for the BE6800 Dual-band WiFi Router. ASUS FCC IDs are the grantee code MSQ plus the same product code, which gives MSQ-RTBE7D00. The FCC database and the FCC mirror sites could not be opened by the agent, so the FCC grant itself was not read.

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Other certifications

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In the box

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

RT-BE86U WiFi router, RJ-45 cable, Power adapter, Quick Start Guide, Warranty card1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be86u/techspecRead 14 October 2026Package Content: RT-BE86U WiFi router, RJ-45 cable, power adapter, Quick Start Guide, warranty card.3Owner's manualdlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/RT-BE86U/E26582_RT-BE86U_UM_V2_EAA_WEB.pdfRead 14 October 2026Package contents: RT-BE86U Wireless Router, network cable (RJ-45), power adapter, Quick Start Guide, warranty card.

WiFi 7 Dual-Band Router (RS100), Ethernet cable, 12V/1.5A power adapter, Quick Start Guide1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026What's included: WiFi 7 Dual-Band Router (RS100), Ethernet cable, 12V/1.5A power adapter, Quick Start Guide.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS100/RS100_TS.pdfRead 14 October 2026

Links

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Product page

www.asus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be86u2Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be86uRead 14 October 2026

www.netgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs1001Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026

Spec sheet

www.asus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be86u/techspec1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be86u/techspecRead 14 October 2026

www.downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS100/RS100_TS.pdf1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026

Manual

dlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/RT-BE86U/E26582_RT-BE86U_UM_V2_EAA_WEB.pdf3Owner's manualdlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/RT-BE86U/E26582_RT-BE86U_UM_V2_EAA_WEB.pdfRead 14 October 2026

www.downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RS90/RS100-90-70_UM_EN.pdf1Maker product pagenetgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rs100Read 14 October 2026

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 14 October 2026ASUS US support warranty text for the RT-BE86U Wireless Warranty Policy: the general warranty is 3 years, but it may vary depending on the place of purchase. US site.

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