Previously, only a handful of vendors embraced the new Wifi 6E technology for their routers. Today, however, both Asus and Linksys have joined the league, releasing mesh wifi products that integrate this advanced Wifi 6E technology. Asus introduces the Asus ZenWiFi ET8, while Linksys presents the Velop Atlas AXE8400, both of which are mesh wifi 6E products.
The question arises: which of these two mesh wifi 6E offerings delivers the most value for your home wifi network?
In this article:
- Asus Mesh wifi 6e routers
- Asus ET8 vs Asus XT8
- Unveiling the Linksys Atlas Series
- Asus ET8 vs Linksys Atlas Max 6e
- Comparison table Asus et8 vs Atlas Max 6e
Asus Mesh wifi 6e routers
Contrary to wifi 6E routers like the Asus GT-AXE11000 and Netgear RAXE500, which I previously discussed, where a single router is sufficient to cover your entire household with solid connectivity across three distinct radio bands, there are instances where dead zones may persist. While you could add a wireless range extender, there is currently no available wifi 6E-based extender supporting the 6GHz band. Although you could opt for a wifi 6 extender like the Netgear EAX80, it won’t extend the 6GHz signal.
This is precisely why a mesh wifi system is essential – it blankets your entire home, from basement to attic, with a mesh router and one or more satellite nodes. This approach ensures that the signal strength and all the advantages of mesh wifi are uniformly distributed throughout your living spaces.
Both Asus and Linksys have now introduced their mesh wifi 6E products to the market. The question remains: how do these two mesh wifi 6E products fare against each other in the competitive landscape?
Asus ET8 vs Asus XT8
Following the notable success of the Asus XT8 AX6600 mesh wifi 6 product, Asus has now unveiled another addition to its ZenWiFi series: the Asus ET8, featuring the cutting-edge wifi 6E technology. Beyond the inclusion of the 6GHz radio band, are there any other differentiating factors?
Uniform Specifications
A thorough analysis of datasheet specifications for these two series prompts a closer look at the spec comparison table provided in Figure 1 below. Upon review, it becomes evident that no differences in specs exist, with the sole exception being the integration of the 6GHz radio band into the new wifi 6E model of the Asus ZenWiFi ET8.
Probable Shared Foundation It’s plausible that Asus utilized the same underlying prototype as the Asus XT8, incorporating minor hardware design adjustments to accommodate the introduction of the 6GHz radio band. Naturally, firmware modifications are a requisite to enable support for the wifi 6E technology.
Table 2 Asus zenwifi xt8 vs Asus zenwifi et8
| Model | Asus ET8 | Asus XT8 Zenwifi (2pk) |
| Wifi technology | Simultaneous tri-band axe6600 with 8 streams with AiMesh technology | Tri-band mesh wifi 6 ax6600 Mbps with 8 streams and supports aimesh technology |
| Wifi speeds | 574Mbps @2.4GHz 2×2 1201Mbps @5GHz 2×2 4804Mbps @6GHz 4×4 | 574 Mbps @2.4GHz 2×2 1201 Mbps @ 5GHZ-1 2×2 4804 Mbps @ 5GHZ-2 4×4 |
| Backhaul link | Auto backhaul selection or you may select which band to use either @5GHz or 6GHz | You can configure which 5GHz band is used as backhaul link, or wired Ethernet backhaul |
| Antennas | 6x internal antennas | 6x internal antennas |
| Ethernet Ports | 1x 2.5Gbps WAN port; 3x 1.0Gbps LAN ports; | 1x RJ45 2.5G BaseT for WAN x 1, 3x RJ45 Gigabits BaseT for LAN x 3 |
| USB Port | 1x USB 3.1 Gen 1 | 1x USB 3.1 gen 1 |
| Processor | 1.5GHz quad core processor with 256MB Flash and 512 MB RAM | 1.5GHz quad core processor with 256MB Flash And 512 MB RAM |
| Price In Amazon | $379.99 (2-pack) | $349.99 (2-pack) |
There is not much price different between the two series; asus et8 should be preference with three distinct radio bands instead of two. Now, let see what Linksys introduces in its new Atlas axe8400 mesh wifi 6e system.
Linksys Atlas Series
Linksys has introduced a duo of models under the Atlas series umbrella – the Atlas Pro 6 and the Atlas Max 6E. This follows the previous launch of Linksys’s Velop series, which included notable entries like the Velop MX10 and Velop AX4200. But what sets these two series apart? In both hardware and firmware, they stand as distinct entities. Let’s take a closer look at the hardware specifications between the two branches of the Linksys Atlas series, and later, we’ll draw a comparison with the Asus ZenWiFi ET8.
Wifi and Hardware differences
At a technical level, the wifi design between these two series diverges. The Atlas Pro operates on the foundation of wifi 6 dual-band architecture, whereas the Atlas Max 6E capitalizes on tri-band wifi 6E, bolstered by the addition of the 6GHz band, rendering all three radio bands unique. Naturally, this distinction extends to the hardware design of these two products, a fact evident in the comparison table below – from embedded processors to the intricacies of the motherboard and the array of interface ports.
Table 3 Linksys Atlas Max 6e vs Pro 6
| Atlas series | Linksys Atlas Pro 6 | Linksys Atlas Max 6e |
| Wifi technology | Simultaneous dual band ax5400 | Simultaneous tri-band axe8400 |
| Signal rates | 600Mbps @2.4GHz 2×2 4800Mbps @5GHz 4×4 | 1147Mbps @2.4GHz 4×4; 2402Mbps @5GHz 4×4; 4804Mbps @6GH 4×4 |
| Ethernet Ports | 1x Gigabit WAN port; 3x Gigabit LAN ports | 1x 5.0Gbps WAN port; 4x 1.0Gbps LAN ports |
| USB port | N/A | 1x USB 3.0 |
| Processor | 1.0GHz dual core processor with 256MB Flash and 512MB RAM | 2.2GHz Quad core processor with 512MB Flash and 1GB RAM |
| Wifi chipset | Qualcomm Immersive Home 216 | Qualcomm networking pro 1210 |
Empowering the Linksys Atlas Max 6E is a formidable array of specifications, ranging from robust internet capabilities boasting high bandwidth of up to 5Gbps, to an intricately embedded onboard processor designed to maximize the performance of this mesh wifi 6E marvel.
Now, let’s embark on a comparison between the Asus ET8 and the Linksys Atlas Max 6E
Asus ET8 vs Linksys Atlas Max 6e
At first glance, it might seem that the Asus ZenWiFi ET8 is not a directly balanced contender against the Linksys Atlas Max 6E series. The price of a 3-pack Atlas Max 6E is nearly double that of the Asus ET8 3-pack. However, a higher price tag does not guarantee proportional performance, despite the investment.
Diverse Wifi Architectures
Each series boasts distinct wifi technologies and designs. Notably, the Asus ET8 arrives with a tri-band AXE6600 setup, offering 8 streams. Conversely, the Linksys Atlas Max 6E flaunts a tri-band AXE8400 setup, armed with an impressive 12 streams. With 12 streams dedicated to each band, a remarkable 4×4 MU-MIMO capability is delivered – the pinnacle of data streams a wifi band can simultaneously serve to numerous connected devices.
At present, only a handful of wifi 6E technology adapters are available, but their usage is confined to desktop computers equipped with PCI-e slots. One such example is the wifi 6E PCI-e adapter from OKN and Fency, both of which support 2×2 MU-MIMO. If you install these wifi 6E adapters onto two desktop computers, your mesh wifi 6E routers can concurrently send two data streams to these desktops, effectively minimizing network latency and ensuring optimal network performance. Discover an array of wifi 6E adapter models here.
Backhaul
The majority of connected devices in a home predominantly utilize the @2.4GHz or @5GHz radio band connections. In this context, the @6GHz band can be utilized as a dedicated backhaul, if the option is available. The Asus ZenWiFi ET8 offers the flexibility of auto backhaul selection (@5GHz and @6GHz) or manual backhaul configuration. In contrast, the Linksys Atlas Max 6E exclusively provides a dedicated @6GHz backhaul option, which is also shared with other wifi 6E clients.
Both models also extend support for wired Ethernet backhaul using UTP network cables, connecting the Ethernet port of each router and satellite node. You have the choice of deploying either a daisy chain or star topology for Ethernet backhaul connection. In a star topology, you can directly link each satellite node to the router.
The Asus ET8, equipped with 3x LAN ports, can accommodate up to 3 satellite nodes. Meanwhile, Linksys, boasting 4x LAN ports, allows you to connect up to four satellite nodes in a star topology configuration, eliminating the need for an additional unmanaged switch.
Port interfaces
Both mesh wifi 6E routers are primed to support high-speed internet up to 2Gbps, and notably, the Linksys model comes equipped with a 5Gbps WAN port, perfect for supercharged internet plans. Worth noting is the availability of DOCSIS 3.1 cable modems, featuring a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port. For more insight, explore the realm of high-speed DOCSIS 3.1 cable modems with a comparison between Motorola and Arris cable modems.
Security protection
The Asus ET8 goes a step further in safeguarding your network, providing network protection through the inclusive AiProtection Pro software. This security suite combats a range of networking threats, encompassing intrusion prevention systems (IPS), as well as malicious site blocking. Adding to its security arsenal, the Asus ZenWiFi ET8 also extends VPN protection through instant guard features, guaranteeing the safety of your VPN connection from internet-based threats.
In contrast, the Linksys Atlas Max 6E lacks the provision of such comprehensive, built-in security protection available in the Asus offering.
Hardware gear
Given the Atlas’s impressive 12 streams, it necessitates robust hardware to efficiently manage processing tasks. This is aptly reflected in the presence of a quad-core 2.2GHz processor and ample memory in the Linksys Atlas router. In comparison, Asus incorporates a quad-core processor, albeit with a lower clock rate, alongside memory capacity half that of the Atlas model.
Comparison table Asus et8 vs Atlas Max 6e
Take a look at the following table 3 below that shows you spec comparison between Asus et8 and Linksys Atlas max 6e.
Table 3 Asus et8 vs Atlas max 6e
| Mesh Wifi 6e Model | Asus ET8 (3-pack) | Linksys Atlas Axe8400 (3-pack) |
| Wifi technology | Simultaneous tri-band axe6600 with 8 streams with AiMesh technology | Simultaneous tri-band axe8400 with 12 streams 4×4 MU-MIMO |
| Signal rates | 574Mbps @2.4GHz 2×2 1201Mbps @5GHz 2×2 4804Mbps @6GHz 4×4 | 1147Mbps @2.4GHz 4×4 2402Mbps @5GHz 4×4 4 804Mbps @6GHz 4×4 (dedicated backhaul and wifi 6e compliant devices connection) |
| Backhaul | Auto backhaul selection or you can select manually @5GHz, @6GHz or wired backhaul | 4,800Mbps @6GHz |
| Coverage | Up to 8,000 sq ft (3-pack) | 9,000 sq ft (3-pack) |
| Network name | Single name or separate name each band | Single network name |
| Antennas | 6x internal antennas | 12 internal antennas |
| Ethernet Ports | 1x 2.5Gbps WAN port; 3x 1.0Gbps LAN ports; | 1x 5Gbps WAN port; 4x Gigabit LAN ports |
| USB Ports | 1x USB 3.1 Gen 1 | 1x USB 3.0 |
| Security | WPA2-PSK, WPA-PSK, WPA-Enterprise , WPA2-Enterprise; | WPA2/WPA3 Mixed Personal (2.4GHz & 5GHz) WPA2 Personal (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz only) WPA3 Personal (all bands) |
| Others | Free life Asus AiProtection Pro; Instant Guard free VPN | Auto firmware update; guest network; |
| Processor | 1.5GHz quad core processor with 256MB Flash and 512 MB RAM | 2.2 Quad core processor with 512 MB flash and 1GB RAM |
| Dimension | 160 mm x 75 mm x 161.5 mm (6,3 in x 2,9 in x 6.4 in) | 113.0 mm x 113.0 mm x 243.0 mm (4.45 in x 4.45 in x 9.57 in) |
| Price | $625.00 | $999.99 (3-pack) |
If you have a large number of connected devices with high demand bandwidth applications, super-fast Internet requirement, you may consider Linksys atlas max 6e. However, Atlas with a fairly expensive price, you may consider asus et8 with free aiprotection network protection and easy guard secure vpn. Click the product’s link below to see current price and read more details in Amazon (#ads).
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