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ASUS RT-BE88U vs TP-Link Archer A6

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Product A: ASUS

RT-BE88U

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B

Product B: TP-Link

Archer A6

42 of 90 known

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All 90 fields

Every value links to where we found it.

Only differences

AASUS RT-BE88U

BTP-Link Archer A6

General

4 of 9 differ

Series

Not available

Archer1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6Read 16 October 2026

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

RT-BE88U1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Model: RT-BE88U.

Archer A61Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6Read 16 October 2026The page opens on hardware version V6 and also offers V4 at https://www.tp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6/v4/. The two differ. V4 prints 400 Mbps on 2.4 GHz, OneMesh, a 1.2 GHz CPU and no VPN, while V6 prints 300 Mbps, EasyMesh and OpenVPN, PPTP and WireGuard. TP-Link's download list also names V2, V3, V4.60, V6.60 and V6.80. Only V6 is stored.

GTIN / EAN

Not available

Not available

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

27 March 202410Press articlethefpsreview.com/2024/03/27/asus-unveils-rt-be88u-wifi-7-dual-band-router-with-7200-mbps-speeds-and-34-gbps-of-combined-wired-capacityRead 15 October 2026Article of 2024-03-27 reports that ASUS unveiled the RT-BE88U.

Not available

Status

Available2Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88uRead 15 October 2026The product page is live, with support, manuals and firmware listed.

Available1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6Read 16 October 2026The US page is live in October 2026 with a Buy Now link to Amazon. The US V6.80 download page lists only the user guide and no firmware.

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.

$39911Reviewdongknows.com/asus-rt-be88u-reviewRead 15 October 2026Hardware table: U.S. Launch Price $399. Dong Knows Tech's article of 2024-06-03 says the router costs $399. Tom's Hardware calls $349.99 the MSRP in its review of 2024-08-26, so the price may have dropped later. The US maker page shows no launch price. No euro launch price was found.

Not available

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.

US11Reviewdongknows.com/asus-rt-be88u-reviewRead 15 October 2026The launch price is a U.S. price.

Not available

ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

Black3Owner's manualdlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/RT-BE88U/E27212_RT-BE88U_UM_v2_EAA_WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026Welcome section: black chassis with gaming-inspired red accents. The page gives no colour name, so it is stored as Black.

Black1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6Read 16 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 pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88uRead 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-a6Read 16 October 2026Standalone router, EasyMesh-compatible.

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-be88uRead 15 October 2026The US page sits under WiFi Routers, ASUS WiFi Routers and is not a ROG or TUF product, so it is stored as home. It has gaming features such as a dedicated gaming port. Other regional ASUS sites list the same model under ASUS Gaming Routers, so the maker's category differs by region.

Home1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6Read 16 October 2026Listed under the maker's WiFi routers.

Wi-Fi

9 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-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Network Standard lists WiFi 7 (802.11be).

Wi-Fi 51Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6Read 16 October 2026

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.

BE72001Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Product Segment: BE7200 ultimate BE performance, 1376+5764 Mbps.

AC12001Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6Read 16 October 2026

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-BE88U

Band	Wi-Fi	Streams	Max channel width (MHz)	Max link rate (Mbps)	Dedicated backhaul
2.4 GHz	Wi-Fi 7	4	40	1,376	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-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026WiFi Data Rate: WiFi 7 (802.11be) 5 GHz up to 5764 Mbps and 2.4 GHz up to 1376 Mbps. Transmit / Receive: 5 GHz 4x4 and 2.4 GHz 4x4. Boosts Speed lists 20/40/80/160 MHz bandwidth. The 2.4 GHz channel is stored as 40 MHz, since 1376 Mbps is the 802.11be rate of 4 streams at 40 MHz and Dong Knows Tech prints 20/40MHz for that band. 5764 Mbps is the rate of 4 streams at 160 MHz. There is no 6 GHz radio.13Reviewtomshardware.com/networking/routers/asus-rt-be88u-wi-fi-7-router-reviewRead 15 October 2026Review published 2024-08-26 on a dual-band Wi-Fi 7 router with 4x4 on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz and no 6 GHz. Its iPerf 3.16 results from an Acer Swift Edge 16 with a Qualcomm FastConnect 7800 adapter, uncongested, 5 GHz: above 1.2 Gbps at 6 ft and 958 Mbps at 25 ft. They are not stored, because measured throughput is Tom's Guide only.

BTP-Link Archer A6

Band	Wi-Fi	Streams	Max channel width (MHz)	Max link rate (Mbps)	Dedicated backhaul
2.4 GHz	Wi-Fi 4	2	40	300	No
5 GHz	Wi-Fi 5	2	80	867	No

Source1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6Read 16 October 2026Page: Wi-Fi 5, 5 GHz 867 Mbps (802.11ac) and 2.4 GHz 300 Mbps (802.11n). The page prints no streams or channel widths. The datasheet's sensitivity table lists 11ac VHT80 as the widest 5 GHz channel and 11n HT40 as the widest 2.4 GHz channel. 867 Mbps at 80 MHz is 2 streams, since 1 stream gives 433 Mbps and 3 streams 1300 Mbps. 300 Mbps at 40 MHz is 2 streams, since 1 stream gives 150 Mbps. The page and the datasheet give four antennas, two per band. The 2.4 GHz radio is 802.11n, so Wi-Fi 4.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.tp-link.com/upload/product-overview/2026/202601/20260116/Archer%20A6(EU&US)6.0_Datasheet.pdfRead 16 October 2026Wireless: 867 Mbps on 5 GHz + 300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz. Reception sensitivity table: 11ac VHT80 MCS9 on 5 GHz and 11n HT40 MCS7 on 2.4 GHz, the widest channels listed.

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.

7,140Mbps=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

1,167Mbps=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.

8=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

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-MIMO1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88u/techspecRead 15 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-be88uRead 15 October 2026Dual-Band Multi-Link: Multi-Link Operation aggregates the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. The page also names 4K-QAM.

MU-MIMO, Beamforming, Band steering1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6Read 16 October 2026Page lists Beamforming, MU-MIMO and Airtime Fairness. The datasheet adds Smart Connect, stored as band_steering. The page names no OFDMA or TWT, which Wi-Fi 5 does not have.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.tp-link.com/upload/product-overview/2026/202601/20260116/Archer%20A6(EU&US)6.0_Datasheet.pdfRead 16 October 2026Features: MU-MIMO. Smart Connect intelligently switches each device's connection to the optimum available Wi-Fi band.

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

41Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Antenna: External antenna x 4.

41Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6Read 16 October 2026Page: 4x Fixed High-Performance Antennas.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.tp-link.com/upload/product-overview/2026/202601/20260116/Archer%20A6(EU&US)6.0_Datasheet.pdfRead 16 October 2026Antennas: 4 External Antennas.

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

Not available

Not available

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-be88uRead 15 October 2026Detachable Antennas: the router comes with four detachable antennas that can be repositioned.11Reviewdongknows.com/asus-rt-be88u-reviewRead 15 October 2026The review says the router comes with four detachable antennas.

No1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6Read 16 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.

279m²2Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88uRead 15 October 2026Extendable coverage up to (1pk) 3,000 sq.ft. Converted to 279 m2 (278.7). Tom's Hardware prints the same 3,000 square feet in its spec table. Dong Knows Tech writes about 2,500 sq ft for its own use and the maker figure is used.

Not available

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

7 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-BE88U

Port	Count	Role	Max speed (Gbps)	Version
RJ45	1	WAN or LAN	10	Not available
SFP+	1	WAN or LAN	10	Not available
RJ45	1	WAN or LAN	2.5	Not available
RJ45	3	LAN	2.5	Not available
RJ45	4	LAN	1	Not available
USB-A	1	Not available	5	USB 3.2 Gen 1

Source1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026I/O Ports: 1 x 10Gbps for WAN/LAN, 1 x 10Gbps SFP+ Port, 1 x 2.5Gbps for WAN/LAN, 3 x 2.5 Gbps for LAN, 4 x RJ45 10/100/1000Mbps for LAN, USB 3.2 Gen1 x1. USB 3.2 Gen 1 is stored at 5 Gbps, the standard rate. The SFP+ role comes from the product page (10G SFP+ WAN/LAN port). The USB connector is not named here. The rear panel photo on the product page shows a blue USB Type-A port.2Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88uRead 15 October 2026The page calls the SFP+ port a 10G SFP+ WAN/LAN port and lists one 10G WAN/LAN port and one 2.5G WAN/LAN port as WAN inputs. Up to 34G WAN and LAN capacity and up to 9 LAN ports.3Owner's manualdlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/RT-BE88U/E27212_RT-BE88U_UM_v2_EAA_WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 1.3: 10G WAN/LAN1 (Internet) port, 10G SFP+ port with up to 10 Gbit/s, 2.5G WAN/LAN1 port, 2.5G LAN 2 to 4 ports, 1G LAN 5 to 8 ports and one USB 3.2 Gen 1 port.

BTP-Link Archer A6

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-a6Read 16 October 2026Page: 1x Gigabit WAN Port and 4x Gigabit LAN Ports. The page lists no USB port.

Ethernet portsiRJ45 ports of all roles, WAN and LAN.

9=CalculatedFrom Ports

5=CalculatedFrom Ports

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

6=CalculatedFrom Ports

0=CalculatedFrom Ports

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

10Gbps=CalculatedFrom Ports

1Gbps=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

1=CalculatedFrom Ports

0=CalculatedFrom Ports

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

Yes=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-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026AiMesh: Primary AiMesh Router and AiMesh Node.

EasyMesh1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6Read 16 October 2026Page: EasyMesh-compatible.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.tp-link.com/upload/product-overview/2026/202601/20260116/Archer%20A6(EU&US)6.0_Datasheet.pdfRead 16 October 2026Highlights: EasyMesh-Compatible.

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-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026One router is sold.

11Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6Read 16 October 2026

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.

Yes3Owner's manualdlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/RT-BE88U/E27212_RT-BE88U_UM_v2_EAA_WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026Support topics under AiMesh list wired connection between AiMesh routers (Ethernet 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 pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026User Interface: WEB ASUSWRT, APP ASUS Router APP.

Mobile app, Web interface1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6Read 16 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.

No13Reviewtomshardware.com/networking/routers/asus-rt-be88u-wi-fi-7-router-reviewRead 15 October 2026Setup ran in the browser at Asuslogin.com, which asked for a wireless SSID and password and then a username and password for the router. No online account was needed.

No3Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/111858Read 16 October 2026TP-Link Cloud Service chapter: a user who does not want to register a TP-Link ID now may click Skip, and the web page accepts the router password. The guide is shared by several models.

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-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Operating Mode: Repeater Mode, Media Bridge Mode, Access Point Mode, AiMesh Node Mode and Wireless Router Mode.

Router, Access point1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6Read 16 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, 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-be88u/techspecRead 15 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.2Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88uRead 15 October 2026Guest Network Pro with an IoT Network, VLAN controls and parental controls.5Maker product pageasus.com/content/aiprotectionRead 15 October 2026The page lists parental controls as part of the subscription-free AiProtection set.

Guest network, IPTV, QoS, Parental controls, Dynamic DNS1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6Read 16 October 2026Page lists a 5 GHz and a 2.4 GHz guest network, IPTV (IGMP Proxy, IGMP Snooping, Bridge, Tag VLAN), Parental Controls (URL Filtering, Time Controls), QoS by Device and DDNS (TP-Link, NO-IP, DynDNS). Tag VLAN is part of the IPTV settings, so VLAN is not stored. The page names no HomeShield.

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-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026VPN: VPN Server IPSec, Open VPN, PPTP and WireGuard.

OpenVPN, PPTP, WireGuard1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6Read 16 October 2026VPN Server: OpenVPN, PPTP, WireGuard.

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-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026VPN: VPN Client L2TP, Open VPN, PPTP and WireGuard.

OpenVPN, PPTP, WireGuard1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6Read 16 October 2026VPN Client: OpenVPN, PPTP, WireGuard.

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-be88u/techspecRead 15 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, so it is not stored.

Not available

Security

5 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-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Security: WPA3 Personal, WPA2 Personal, WPA Personal, WPA Enterprise, WPA2 Enterprise, WPA3 Enterprise and Open System & OWE. A footnote says WPA/WPA2 Enterprise is only available on a single router, not under AiMesh.

WPA2-Personal, WPA3-Personal, WPA2-Enterprise1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6Read 16 October 2026WiFi Encryption: WPA, WPA2, WPA3, WPA/WPA2-Enterprise (802.1x).2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.tp-link.com/upload/product-overview/2026/202601/20260116/Archer%20A6(EU&US)6.0_Datasheet.pdfRead 16 October 2026Wireless security: WPA/WPA2, WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK encryptions and WPA3.

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-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026AiProtection row: AiProtection Pro with router security assessment, malicious site blocking, two-way IPS and infected device prevention and blocking.

Not available

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-be88uRead 15 October 2026Page title and section: subscription-free network security with AiProtection Pro powered by Trend Micro.5Maker product pageasus.com/content/aiprotectionRead 15 October 2026ASUS AiProtection is described as a subscription-free, built-in network security solution. The product page links to this page.

Not available

Automatic firmware updatesiThe router can install firmware updates by itself.

Yes1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Administration: Auto Firmware Update.

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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 20287Maker product pageasus.com/support/faq/1051929Read 15 October 2026The UK FAQ (Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act) lists RT-BE88U in the group 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.8Maker product pageasus.com/support/faq/1056369Read 15 October 2026The Australia FAQ (Cyber Security (Security Standards for Smart Devices) Rules 2025) lists RT-BE88U 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. It matches the UK FAQ.9Maker product pageasus.com/support/faq/1051375Read 15 October 2026The Singapore FAQ (Cybersecurity Labelling Scheme) lists RT-BE88U with an end of support of 30 December 2027 and says extended support may follow. The later UK and Australia date is stored.

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Smart home

None of 5 known

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.

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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 BCM491611Reviewdongknows.com/asus-rt-be88u-reviewRead 15 October 2026The review does not name the chip. The SoC comes from WikiDevi and MBReviews.14Spec databasewikidevi.wi-cat.ru/ASUS_RT-BE88URead 15 October 2026CPU/SoC: Broadcom BCM4916, 2.6 GHz, 4 cores.15Reviewmbreviews.com/asus-rt-be88u-wifi-7-router-testRead 15 October 2026Teardown table: quad-core 2.6GHz Broadcom BCM4916KFEBG with two Broadcom BCM6726 Wi-Fi chips.

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CPU cores

41Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Processor: 2.6GHz quad-core processor.

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CPU clockiHighest published processor clock.

2.6GHz1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Processor: 2.6GHz 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 pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Memory: 256 MB Flash and 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 pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88u/techspecRead 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.

No11Reviewdongknows.com/asus-rt-be88u-reviewRead 15 October 2026The review says the router has no internal fan and a fanless design.

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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 pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Power Supply: AC input 110V~240V (50~60Hz) and a power adapter. Package Content lists a power adapter.

External DC adapter1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6Read 16 October 2026Power: 12 V, 1 A. The datasheet lists a power adapter in the box.

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

12 V, 5 A / 19 V, 2.37 A / 19.5 V, 2.31 A1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Power Supply: DC output 12 V with max. 5 A current, 19 V with max. 2.37 A current and 19.5 V with max. 2.31 A current. The manual and the quick start guide list only 19.5 V 2.31 A and 12 V 5 A. The page does not say which adapter ships in which market, so all three are stored.3Owner's manualdlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/RT-BE88U/E27212_RT-BE88U_UM_v2_EAA_WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 1.3 notes: DC power adapter (DC output) +19.5V with 2.31A and +12V with 5A.4Maker spec sheet (PDF)dlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/RT-BE88U/E23287_RT-BE88U_one-page_QSG_v2_WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026Specifications: DC power adapter DC output +19.5V with 2.31A and +12V with 5A.

12 V, 1 A1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6Read 16 October 2026Power: 12 V, 1 A.

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

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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.

340Wh12Measurementdongknows.com/asus-rt-be88u-reviewRead 15 October 2026Hardware table: power consumption per 24 hours is about 340 Wh. Firmware 3.0.0.6.102.33921. 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.

Width300Height60.5Depth188mm(11.8 × 2.4 × 7.4 in)1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Product Dimensions 300*188*60.5, printed without labels or units. Dong Knows Tech prints 11.8 x 7.4 x 2.4 in (30 x 18.8 x 6.04 cm). A height of 60.5 mm is too low for upright antennas, so the figure is the body with the antennas folded or removed. Stored as width 300, depth 188 and height 60.5.

Width215Height32Depth117mm(8.5 × 1.3 × 4.6 in)1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6Read 16 October 2026Dimensions (W x D x H): 8.5 x 4.6 x 1.2 in (215 x 117 x 32 mm). The four fixed antennas are not part of this size.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.tp-link.com/upload/product-overview/2026/202601/20260116/Archer%20A6(EU&US)6.0_Datasheet.pdfRead 16 October 2026Dimensions (W x D x H): 8.5 x 4.6 x 1.2 in (215 x 117 x 32 mm).

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.

1,060g(2.3 lb)1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Product Weight (g) 1060 g. Dong Knows Tech prints 2.23 lbs (1.01 kg).

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

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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-RTBE70004Maker spec sheet (PDF)dlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/RT-BE88U/E23287_RT-BE88U_one-page_QSG_v2_WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026The regulatory notice gives the Industry Canada certificate number 3568A-RTBE7000 for the BE7200 Dual Band Wi-Fi Router. ASUS FCC IDs are the grantee code MSQ plus the same product code, which gives MSQ-RTBE7000. WikiDevi lists the same FCC ID. The FCC database and its mirror sites could not be opened by the agent, so the FCC grant itself was not read.14Spec databasewikidevi.wi-cat.ru/ASUS_RT-BE88URead 15 October 2026FCC ID MSQ-RTBE7000, approved 28 February 2024.

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Other certifications

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FCC, CE, RoHS1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6Read 16 October 2026Certifications: FCC, CE. The datasheet adds RoHS.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.tp-link.com/upload/product-overview/2026/202601/20260116/Archer%20A6(EU&US)6.0_Datasheet.pdfRead 16 October 2026Certification: CE, FCC, RoHS.

In the box

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

RT-BE88U 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-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026Package Content: RT-BE88U WiFi router, RJ-45 cable, power adapter, Quick Start Guide, warranty card.3Owner's manualdlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/RT-BE88U/E27212_RT-BE88U_UM_v2_EAA_WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026Package contents: RT-BE88U Wireless Router, network cable (RJ-45), power adapter, Quick Start Guide, warranty card.

Wi-Fi Router Archer A6, Power Adapter, RJ45 Ethernet Cable, Quick Installation Guide1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6Read 16 October 2026Package content: Wi-Fi Router Archer A6, Power Adapter, RJ45 Ethernet Cable, Quick Installation Guide.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.tp-link.com/upload/product-overview/2026/202601/20260116/Archer%20A6(EU&US)6.0_Datasheet.pdfRead 16 October 2026Package contents: Wireless Router Archer A6, Power Adapter, RJ45 Ethernet Cable, Quick Installation Guide.

Links

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Product page

www.asus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88u2Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88uRead 15 October 2026

www.tp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a61Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-a6Read 16 October 2026

Spec sheet

www.asus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88u/techspec1Maker product pageasus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be88u/techspecRead 15 October 2026

static.tp-link.com/upload/product-overview/2026/202601/20260116/Archer%20A6(EU&US)6.0_Datasheet.pdf2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.tp-link.com/upload/product-overview/2026/202601/20260116/Archer%20A6(EU&US)6.0_Datasheet.pdfRead 16 October 2026Archer A6 (EU and US) hardware version 6.0 datasheet, copyright 2026.

Manual

dlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/RT-BE88U/E27212_RT-BE88U_UM_v2_EAA_WEB.pdf3Owner's manualdlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/RT-BE88U/E27212_RT-BE88U_UM_v2_EAA_WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026

www.tp-link.com/us/document/1118583Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/111858Read 16 October 2026Wi-Fi Router User Guide (For Web), the only manual on the US V6.80 download page. The guide covers many TP-Link routers.

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.

3years6Maker product pageasus.com/support/api/product.asmx/GetPDWarrantyRead 15 October 2026ASUS US support warranty text for the RT-BE88U Wireless Warranty Policy: the general warranty is 3 years, but it may vary depending on the place of purchase. US site, updated June 2026.

2years4Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/support/replacement-warrantyRead 16 October 2026US warranty page: products purchased on or after 9/1/2023, Wi-Fi Router, 2 years.

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