ASUS's first motherboards with wireless AD tech

Computex 2017 - ASUS's Rampage VI Extreme and X299-Deluxe do not only sport new digs, but also the latest in Wi-Fi technology, Wireless AD. While current standards such as Wireless N (802.11n) and Wireless AC (802.11ac) operate on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, Wireless AD (802.11ad) operates on the 60GHz band (or around it).

It will offer theoretical speeds up to 7Gbps, while Wireless AC maxes out around 3.2Gbps in its most impressive theoretical form. The Rampage VI Extreme will also feature 10Gbit wired networking, hopefully ushering in a new generation of multi-Gbit wired and wireless networking.

While features such as multi-Gbit networking tend to stay at the very top of the stack when it comes to integrated features, ASUS is also adding in Wireless AD into its X299-Deluxe, along with many features such as a built-in LCD located at the center of the motherboard and multiple USB 3.1 ports. Wireless AD capable networking equipment should become more common in the second half of this year into the next.

While the 60Ghz frequency is able to handle more information, it also has a shorter wavelength, so you shouldn't expect it to pass through walls any better than Wireless AC. Over open air, the transmission distance should be good for multi-Gbit data transmission, making it useful for future VR headsets and other high-bandwidth devices that could make use of the higher throughput.