At CES 2026, ASUS has pulled back the curtain on the future of home networking with the ROG NeoCore, its first concept router based on the upcoming Wi-Fi 8 standard. While the final specifications remain under wraps, the company is making a bold claim: the next generation of wireless technology will prioritize consistent, reliable performance over simply chasing higher peak speeds. This shift in focus aims to solve the real-world frustrations of gamers, smart home enthusiasts, and anyone living in densely populated areas.
The ROG NeoCore: A Glimpse into Wi-Fi 8's Future
The ASUS ROG NeoCore router concept was showcased at CES, sporting a distinctive industrial design reminiscent of a twenty-sided die from tabletop gaming. More than just its looks, the device represents ASUS's early foray into Wi-Fi 8 hardware. It is confirmed to be built on the company's AiMesh platform, allowing it to form part of a whole-home mesh network with other compatible ASUS routers. The concept will also feature the Asus Ai Network Engine, software designed to dynamically monitor network traffic and intelligently allocate bandwidth to optimize throughput and reduce latency for critical tasks.
ASUS ROG NeoCore Wi-Fi 8 Concept Router
- Standard: Early Wi-Fi 8 implementation
- Platform: ASUS AiMesh compatible
- Key Software: ASUS Ai Network Engine for dynamic traffic optimization
- Design: Industrial design, ROG gaming aesthetic
Performance Claims: Doubling Down on Reliability
Alongside the hardware reveal, ASUS presented what it calls the world's first real-world Wi-Fi 8 throughput test results. The key takeaway is not a leap in maximum data rates but significant improvements in consistency and efficiency. According to ASUS's internal testing against comparable Wi-Fi 7 setups, Wi-Fi 8 promises up to 2x higher mid-range throughput, meaning more stable speeds as you move further from the router. It also claims a drastic 6x reduction in P99 latency—the worst 1% of latency spikes that often cause lag—and 2x wider coverage for low-power Internet of Things (IoT) devices like smart lights and sensors.
Claimed Wi-Fi 8 Performance vs. Wi-Fi 7 (Per ASUS Testing)
| Metric | Claimed Improvement |
|---|---|
| Mid-Range Throughput | Up to 2x higher |
| P99 Latency | Up to 6x lower |
| IoT Device Coverage | Up to 2x wider |
| Note: ASUS has not published full testing environment or configuration details. |
Solving Core Connectivity Challenges
ASUS is positioning Wi-Fi 8 as a solution to four persistent networking problems. First, it aims to combat signal degradation over distance, ensuring more consistent performance whether a device is in the next room or at the far end of the garden. Second, it enhances two-way communication for battery-powered smart home gadgets, making them more responsive and reliable. Third, in crowded environments like apartment complexes, Wi-Fi 8 is designed to use smarter spectrum coordination to reduce interference from neighboring networks. Finally, through more efficient spectrum use and intelligent data scheduling, the standard seeks to minimize congestion, lower overall latency, and improve bandwidth management for multiple simultaneous users and devices.
Targeted Connectivity Problems for Wi-Fi 8
- Signal degradation over distance.
- Weak uplink for low-power IoT devices.
- Interference in dense network environments (e.g., apartments).
- Bandwidth inefficiency and congestion with multiple devices.
The Road Ahead for Wi-Fi 8
It's important to note that the official Wi-Fi 8 standard is not expected to be finalized until late 2028. However, ASUS has signaled its intent to be an early mover, with a roadmap confirming its first lineup of consumer Wi-Fi 8 home routers and mesh systems is scheduled for release later in 2026. The ROG NeoCore concept gives us a tangible preview of the design philosophy and potential benefits driving this next wave of networking technology, shifting the narrative from pure speed to intelligent, dependable connectivity for an increasingly connected world.