e& UAE, the telecommunications arm of e&, today announced the launch of its Managed Wi-Fi 7 services. Designed to meet the growing demands of businesses, this next-generation wireless solution offers up to four times faster speeds and twice the capacity of previous Wi-Fi generations, delivering enhanced operational efficiency and scalability.

Hamad Mohamed Almarzooqi, Senior Vice President of Pre-Sales and Business Operations, e& UAE, said: “Wi-Fi 7 marks a transformative leap in wireless networking with faster speeds, greater capacity, and enhanced adaptability. This technology is integral for those looking to optimise virtual conferencing, cloud applications, AR/VR experiences, and other data-intensive applications. The launch of our Managed Wi-Fi 7 services underscores e&’s commitment to providing cutting-edge connectivity solutions, designed to meet the evolving demands of diverse industries.”

Backed by e& UAE’s managed services expertise, the newly launched Managed Wi-Fi 7 services are set to introduce a new era of high-bandwidth, low-latency connectivity and improved network stability. These services enable organisations to handle higher device density and increasing digital demands with ease. As a result, businesses can boost productivity, enhance collaboration, and drive innovation.

With a team of dedicated professionals overseeing deployment and management, e& UAE ensures that customers fully leverage the capabilities of the Managed Wi-Fi 7 services. By investing in a robust WiFi and cloud infrastructure, organisations can fully harness the potential of modern workplace applications while strategically positioning themselves for future advancements. This technology sets a new benchmark in connectivity, supporting businesses with tangible advantages as they adapt to an ever-evolving digital landscape.

Acer has announced the expansion of its wireless router portfolio with two new options designed for gamers and a wide range of individuals, including families and remote workers. The Acer Wave 7 leverages the latest Wi-Fi 7 technology to deliver broad, reliable coverage for large homes with many devices, while the Predator Connect W6x utilises Wi-Fi 6 to prioritise speed and performance for smooth online gaming experiences.

The W6x boasts dual-band connectivity, utilising both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies to ensure strong and consistent signals throughout the home, while the Wave 7 elevates further with the additional support of up to 6 GHz of Wi-Fi 7. Additionally, they come equipped with Hybrid Quality of Service (QoS) software and the Intel Killer Prioritization Engine, working together to identify and prioritise critical network traffic for maximised speed and minimal lag. User-friendly interfaces make setup and management a breeze, while built-in Trend Micro Home Network Security safeguards network and connected devices from potential threats.

“We are excited to expand our wireless router offerings with new options that cater to a wide range of gamers, families, and home-based professionals,” said Wayne Ma, General Manager, Connectivity, Acer Inc. “These routers leverage the latest Wi-Fi technologies to deliver seamless connectivity and come with practical features that ensure ease of use while prioritising network privacy and security.”

The sleek Acer Wave 7 takes advantage of the cutting-edge Wi-Fi 7 standard, offering blazing-fast speeds up to 6400 Mbps with exceptional reliability and low latency. Available in two configurations, users can choose between a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz combination or a 2.4 GHz and 6 GHz combination for optimal performance based on their needs.

The Wave 7 utilises 320 MHz channel support and Multi-Link Operations (MLO) technology, allowing devices to transmit and receive data simultaneously across different frequencies, significantly boosting throughput, minimising latency, and reducing interference. This innovative mesh system allows for further expansion by adding additional access points, creating a seamless blanket of Wi-Fi coverage throughout the entire home or large space. The Wave 7 also features three Gigabit Ethernet ports with switchable WAN/LAN capability for flexible network configuration, and built-in Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) security for added peace of mind.

Designed with gamers in mind, the Predator Connect W6x boasts Wi-Fi 6 support, delivering speeds up to 6000 Mbps. Armed with a powerful quad-core processor, 1 GB of DDR4 RAM, and 256 MB of ROM, this router prioritises near-zero packet loss for smooth, uninterrupted gameplay. Plus, an LED light indicator on the cover shows the network connection status to offer a convenient visual cue.

Gamers can take control of their network remotely with the Predator Connect utility app downloadable on smartphones or tablets starting in July. The Predator Connect W6x also features a generous selection of ports, including four Gigabit Ethernet ports for LAN connectivity and a single 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port for WAN connectivity.

The Acer Wave 7 will be available in EMEA in July starting at $119. The Predator Connect W6x will be available in EMEA in July starting at $129.

The ROG Rapture GT-BE98 throws its hat into the ring of premium Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) quad-band routers, promising top-tier performance, extensive features, and a design that screams “gamer.” But is the GT-BE98 all flash and no frags, or does it deliver the lag-free, feature-rich experience that competitive gamers crave? Let’s find out!

Design
ROG doesn’t shy away from bold aesthetics with the GT-BE98. The router boasts a futuristic, angular design dominated by a large, aggressive vent system. Illuminated ROG logos and customisable Aura Sync RGB lighting further enhance the “gamer cave” vibe.

Functionality is woven into the form. The eight high-gain antennas are strategically positioned for optimal signal distribution. The abundance of ports caters to even the most demanding setups: one 10Gbps for WAN/LAN, one 2.5Gbps for WAN/LAN, one 10Gbps for LAN, three 2.5Gbps for LAN, one RJ45 10/100/1000Mbps for LAN, one USB 3.2 Gen1, and one USB 2.0.

Other physical buttons on the device include WPS, Reset, Power, and LED Control. Inside the box, you get the GT-BE98 quad-band gaming router, an RJ-45 cable, a power adapter, a Quick Start Guide, and a warranty card.

WiFi 7
Wi-Fi 7 takes everything you love about Wi-Fi 6/6E and cranks it up a notch. Imagine wider channels (320 MHz bandwidth) for smoother data flow and a more efficient way to transmit information (4K-QAM). Plus, Wi-Fi 7 introduces a game-changer called Multi-Link Operation. This lets your devices use multiple channels and frequencies simultaneously, boosting speed, and reliability, and reducing that dreaded lag. The result? An unmatched network experience, especially for online gaming. This means lightning-fast connections, near-instantaneous responses, and rock-solid stability.

Security
The GT-BE98 comes equipped with AiProtection Pro, a suite of security features powered by Trend Micro. This includes protection against malware, intrusion prevention, and infected device blocking. Additionally, Lifetime Free AiProtection keeps the router’s security definitions up-to-date, ensuring ongoing protection against evolving threats. Parents will appreciate the built-in parental controls that allow for filtering content and scheduling internet access for connected devices.

Performance
The heart of the GT-BE98 lies in its powerful hardware. A quad-core processor paired with ample RAM ensures smooth operation, even under heavy loads. Supporting the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard, the GT-BE98 unlocks access to the coveted 6 GHz band, offering wider channels and less congestion, compared with the crowded 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. This translates to potentially faster speeds, lower latency, and a more stable connection – crucial factors for online gaming.

The GT-BE9 also comes equipped with ASUS’s AiMesh technology, allowing you to create a mesh network by connecting multiple ROG routers for seamless Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home. Gamers with sprawling residences or those struggling with dead zones will appreciate this functionality.

Furthermore, features such as Game Acceleration prioritise gaming traffic, ensuring that latency-sensitive online games receive the bandwidth they deserve. Similarly, the built-in VPN Fusion allows you to simultaneously run a VPN for specific traffic while maintaining a normal internet connection for other devices. This caters to gamers who might want to use a VPN for privacy while still enjoying lag-free online gameplay.

While raw specifications are impressive, the true test lies in real-world performance. During our tests, we found that the ROG Rapture GT-BE98 is built to deliver on its promises, offering a significant upgrade for gamers seeking a lag-free and ultra-responsive online experience.

Software Suite
The ASUSWRT interface provides a comprehensive suite of controls for managing the GT-BE98. Users can toggle granular settings such as network traffic prioritisation, parental controls, and guest network management. The interface is well-organised and offers helpful information for even novice users.

The Armoury Crate app acts as a central hub for managing all ROG devices. Here, you can customise RGB lighting effects across compatible ROG components, monitor system performance, and access ROG Game First V for further network traffic prioritisation.

Verdict
The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 is a formidable contender in the premium Wi-Fi 7 router market. It delivers top-tier performance with blazing-fast speeds, ultra-low latency, and extensive features specifically designed to cater to the needs of serious gamers. The powerful hardware, support for Wi-Fi 7, and ASUS’s AiMesh technology create a potent combination for ensuring smooth online gameplay and a strong, reliable connection throughout your home.

Price: AED 3889