The next generation of home networking hardware is officially here — and ASUS is pushing the boundaries of what a router can be. The company has rolled out a new flagship model that not only supports ultra-fast Wi-Fi 7, but also runs Docker containers and even Home Assistant. In other words, this is not just a router; it's practically a tiny server disguised with antennas and RGB lighting.

ASUS calls it the ROG Rapture GT-BE19000AI, which it proudly labels as the world's first "AI router." It's 2025, after all — everything needs a bit of AI branding.

A Powerful Wi-Fi 7 Workhorse

The GT-BE19000AI made its first appearance at CES 2025 and resurfaced again during an October announcement, but it has finally begun shipping. Newegg has it available now, with Best Buy and other retailers expected to follow soon.

The real attraction is its tri-band Wi-Fi 7 capability, offering:

Even if your devices aren't Wi-Fi 7-ready yet, the improvements in Wi-Fi 6 and 6E performance alone could be a noticeable upgrade for older homes or dense apartments.

Wired Connectivity That Feels Like a Small Data Centre

ASUS didn't stop at wireless performance. The router includes an unusually generous set of Ethernet ports:

Most households will run out of devices before running out of ports. For power users with multiple PCs, servers, consoles, media centres, and smart home hubs, this amount of wired bandwidth is a dream.

Part of ASUS' AiMesh Ecosystem

The GT-BE19000AI fully supports AiMesh, allowing users to link multiple ASUS routers into a seamless mesh network. You can pair it with other AiMesh-capable models or even mix it into an existing setup for wider coverage.

It can also function purely as an access point—but let's be honest, this machine is overkill if you're only using it to extend Wi-Fi.

Dual-System Architecture: Router on One Side, Mini AI Server on the Other

This router introduces a unique dual-system design.

Both systems come with:

The AI Core even includes its own neural processing unit (NPU), though ASUS hasn't disclosed the exact performance numbers.

This means you can offload automation, monitoring tools, and lightweight applications directly onto the router instead of running them on a Raspberry Pi or dedicated server.

Yes, It Can Run Home Assistant

ASUS has explicitly said that the router supports running Home Assistant through Docker on the AI Core. That means:

All from within your Wi-Fi router. With 4GB RAM on the AI Core, users should be able to run several additional containers too, depending on workload.

Familiar ASUS Features, Plus Some Extras

Beyond the headline features, the GT-BE19000AI still includes everything ASUS usually offers:

This makes the router a complete home network centre with advanced server-like capabilities.

Availability

The ROG Rapture GT-BE19000AI is currently available for purchase on Newegg. ASUS and Best Buy listings are not active yet, though ASUS' site allows users to sign up for stock notifications.

If you want bleeding-edge Wi-Fi 7 speeds combined with a built-in Docker host and smart home brain, this router is one of the most feature-packed options available today.