Networking

Synology is one of the biggest names in NAS (Network Attached Storage) technology, and its latest offering is perfect for the home or a small office. The new and compact Synology FlashStation FS200T measures only 21 x 151 x 175mm, and delivers whisper-quiet performance with massive storage capacity on offer thanks to its six 2.5" drive bays for SSDs. It's a miniature flash-storage NAS built for the modern era.

The FlashStation FS200T features fast networking with a 2.5GbE port and an additional 1GbE port for redundancy or additional bandwidth. Although it's compatible with Synology's built-to-last Enterprise Series 2.5" SATA SSD lineup that includes SSDs with up to 7TB of capacity, like other Synology devices, it should be compatible with third-party enterprise-class drives.

Outside of the compact size and storage capacity, the other side of the Synology FlashStation FS200T is the fact that you've got access to the company's impressive DiskStation Manager (DSM) for data management and the ability to transform the NAS into a private cloud server that you can access from anywhere. The robust software support also includes comprehensive security, data protection, and backup options to help ensure their data remains intact.

When it comes to gaming routers, performance is king, whether you're connected wirelessly or via a high-speed 10G wired port. Sleek and minimal go out the window when you need multiple large antennas and powerful internal hardware to deliver this. And even with all of that in mind, even among the wide range of gaming routers on the market, there's the new ROG Rapture GT-BE98 Pro Edition 20 and everything else.

Aside from the striking gold-on-black aesthetic and the transparent panel, the first thing you notice about the ROG Rapture GT-BE98 Pro Edition 20 up close is its physical size. This is a router the size of a console, and that's due to it being ASUS's flagship quad-band WiFi 7 gaming router, a single device that can power a house full of gamers jumping online to play a few rounds of Counter-Strike 2, ARC Raiders, or even starting a convoy in Forza Horizon 6.

Even among WiFi 7 routers, this is different, as it supports 320 MHz bandwidth, 4096-QAM, and Multi-Link Operation (MLO), with low-latency speeds of up to 30 Gbps. There's also gaming-specific technologies built into the design, including a dedicated wired gaming port, and 'triple-level game acceleration' that basically means if you're gaming while connected to this space-age router, it automatically prioritizes gaming traffic over, say, someone firing up Netflix.

Computex 2026 kicks off next week. As has become tradition, the Computex Best Choice awards highlight some cool hardware to be shown off, and one of those new products is the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BN98 Pro WiFi 8 router. It won in the Gaming and Immersive Tech category.

The ROG Rapture GT-BN98 Pro appears to be based on the WiFi 7 ROG Rapture GT-BE98 Pro with a few tweaks. The headline feature is its support for WiFi 8, adding Multi-AP coordination architecture, integrating intelligent path optimization, dynamic bandwidth management, and a patented thermal design. It includes 10Gbps ports and support for ASUS AiMesh systems. If it's anything like the GT-BE98 Pro, the GT-BN98 Pro is sure to take up a lot of desk space!

It's not the first WiFi 8 router to be shown by ASUS. It revealed its futuristic NeoCore concept router back at CES, complete with a live demonstration.

MINISFORUM's N5 Max is not your everyday NAS; it's a beast. It's powered by the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor, aka 'Strix Halo,' which is paired with 64GB of LPDDR5X memory clocked at 8533 MT/s. With the integrated Radeon 8060S graphics, the AI performance is on the order of 126 TOPS, which is why the company is positioning this as a fully integrated AI NAS for local workloads.

The MINISFORUM N5 Max also ships with OpenClaw pre-installed on its 128GB system drive, the free and open-source AI agent and assistant that is becoming increasingly popular in the productivity space. And as modern large-language models and AI make dealing with large amounts of data easier, the NAS side of the MINISFORUM N5 Max supports up to 200 TB of total storage across 5 HDD and 5 SSD slots.

This is a device we've covered in the past; however, we've got news (via Tom's Hardware) that the MINISFORUM N5 Max will be available to order later this week, on April 23, with a sticker price of $2,899.

Synology is synonymous with offering data and networking solutions for businesses of all sizes, from network-attached storage (NAS) devices through to application suites and the AI-ready data infrastructure of today and tomorrow. But as AI scales and many look to cloud-based solutions to manage large-scale operations and workflows, the need to manage unprecedented data volumes while maintaining integrity and security remains a top priority.

Synology called this reality "data gravity," which includes economic concerns related to cloud storage fees, latency, data mobility, and regulatory constraints. However, it also includes security and compliance considerations, and why it's often more sensible to store critical datasets locally, where businesses and users can have direct control. This isn't an 'hey, let's go off the grid' rejection of cloud computing and services, but a rebalancing that opens the door to cost-effective scale and digital sovereignty for businesses of all shapes and sizes.

During a recent Synology Ignite 2026 event with the team, we got a closer look at how the company's on-site or on-premises data management solutions span the full stack of infrastructure, data layers, management, private cloud architecture, and practical local AI use cases. Best of all, instead of simply going through each layer in technical detail, we got to hear about real-world implementations from two Australian businesses that are achieving digital sovereignty in the AI era.

ASUS showcased its first Wi-Fi 8 concept router, the stylish ROG NeoCore, at CES 2026 a couple of weeks ago. And even though Wi-Fi 7 routers are still fresh on the scene, the company plans to launch its first Wi-Fi 8 router sometime later this year.

So then, you might be wondering what Wi-Fi 8 brings to the table compared to Wi-Fi 7. Well, unlike a speed upgrade, the latest wireless technology is all about connection stability and responsiveness. This means speeds won't degrade as quickly as they do on current Wi-Fi networks, and it improves the connection for low-power IoT devices like, say, smart lights and switches.

There are also efficiency and scheduling improvements, so the overall latency and throughput on a network with multiple devices will feel faster and more responsive. "WiFi 8 is not just about chasing peak speed - it's about making every connection smarter and more reliable," said Tenlong Deng, Corporate VP & General Manager of Wireless and Networking for ASUS.

In 2025, the cloud has become an essential and invaluable tool for productivity and entertainment, from Apple's iCloud through to Google Drive and streaming platforms like Netflix. Cloud-based storage and services have transformed everything from how we store and edit documents and photos to how we consume 4K media and even play games. However, with rising monthly fees, limited storage, and other concerns, the at-home NAS is now a viable alternative and perfect all-in-one solution.

And with the new UGREEN NASync DH2300, you've got a NAS built for everyone - it's easy to use, affordable, and ships with robust security. And best of all, you can sync it with cloud services like Google Drive and Dropbox via simple account linking.

The NAS, or Network Attached Storage device, has been around for several years and, in the age of cloud-based storage and services, has grown in popularity among home users seeking a subscription-free, personalized, and secure solution for storing and accessing their data. Although a personal NAS was once considered a pricey LAN-based or strictly local solution, the new DH2300 is affordable and accessible from any PC, laptop, tablet, smartphone, or even a smart TV with internet access. That means quick, instant access to your data wherever you are and whenever you need it.

Wi-Fi 7 is the latest standard for at-home wireless networking, offering a significant improvement over Wi-Fi 6E while maintaining backward compatibility with all existing Wi-Fi technologies. ASUS's new TUF Gaming BE9400 Tri-Band WiFi 7 Router has been designed to tap into the next-gen wireless speed of Wi-Fi 7, while also providing gaming-friendly features like a dedicated wired 2.5G LAN port that is "optimized for smooth online gaming."

Which is great to see; however, the TUF Gaming BE9400 is the sort of router you'd want to pair with the latest motherboards that support the new wireless standard. With Wi-Fi 7's 320 MHz wide channels, that's triple the bandwidth compared to Wi-Fi 6E's 120 MHz. With 4K-QAM and Multi-Link Operation (MLO) technologies, you also gain increased traffic speed and efficiency, covering a large area.

For the TUF Gaming BE9400 Tri-Band WiFi 7 Router, that's 9400 Mbps of tri-band throughput across 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands, with a coverage area of 2,500 square feet. The router also includes three 2.5G LAN ports (with one specifically optimized for gaming) and one 2.5G WAN port. As an ASUS wireless router, it also features AiProtection-powered security features alongside pre-installed VPNs.

Intel is currently undergoing a significant transformation as it seeks to improve its financial performance under the guidance of CEO Lip-Bu Tan. With a $2.9 billion quarterly loss and 15,000 jobs set to be cut so the company can focus on core products and AI, we now have confirmation that Intel is planning to spin off its Network and Edge Group (NEX) into a standalone business.

This new information arrives via CRN, which obtained a memo addressed to its partners stating that it's looking for outside investment for its networking group. "We plan to establish key elements of our Networking and Communications business as a stand-alone company, and we have begun the process of identifying strategic investors," Intel said in a follow-up statement confirming the plan.

In addition to the news that Intel's next-gen 14A process node is currently on the chopping block if it can't find major customers, this is the latest move to streamline Intel, signed off by CEO Lip-Bu Tan.

ASUS has announced its latest gaming-focused router, the ROG STRIX GS-BE18000 WiFi 7 Tri-band Gaming Router. It is designed to deliver fast wired and wireless speeds using the latest tri-band WiFi 7 technology. One of the most interesting aspects of the physical design is its clean mini PC-like look with no visible antennas.

Instead, it features eight internal antennas with "cutting-edge copper tubes" that can support a massive 3,300-square-foot area without any dead zones. For those looking for a wireless router that prioritizes gaming traffic, the ROG Strix GS-BE18000 has got you covered, as it includes dual dedicated 2.5G gaming ports that automatically prioritize gaming traffic without any configuration required.

The ROG Strix GS-BE18000 is an impressive unit in terms of overall speed. It has up to 20G of wired capacity (over seven 2.5G LAN ports) and 18G of WiFi 7, including high-speed 320MHz channels, Multi-Link Operation (MLO), and 4K-QAM support.

You've probably seen it before, but if you haven't, ASUS had its ROG Rapture GT-BE19000AI router on display at Computex 2025... and my fear of spiders (as an Aussie) was at full alert. Check it out:

The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE19000AI Tri-Band Wi-Fi 7 AI router has it all: 1 x 10GbE WAN/LAN, 3 x 2.5GbE WAN/LAN, 1 x 1GbE LAN, and 1 x USB 3.2 Gen1 x 1 USB 2.0 port. Inside, we've got the 32GB of flash and 4GB DDR4 RAM, with 8 x external antennas (which is why it looks like a spider).

ASUS has its iconic ROG eye front and center, lit up with RGB lighting (and even with the lights blaring in the halls of Nangang, it still looked gorgeous in the flesh). If you're after a monster router to handle multiple gaming PCs, gaming laptops, consoles, smartphones, and everything in between... the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE19000AI router has your back (and it looks incredible to boot).

ASUS is infusing its premium ROG Rapture gaming router line-up with AI, with the new ROG Rapture GT-BE19000AI Tri-band Gaming Router announced and showcased at Computex 2025. One of the advanced AI features includes the new ROG AI Game Booster for real-time optimization to reduce ping times, jitter, and packet loss.

This also extends to being able to prioritize traffic for gaming, streaming video, downloading, or file sharing, which means you can still play competitive games while also downloading new titles or updates to other games without skipping a beat. The AI features here are broad and impressive, covering everything from improving WiFi stability through noise detection to intelligent ad and tracker blockers.

At Computex 2025, we even saw the ROG Rapture GT-BE19000AI's AI capabilities used in a Smart Home environment, where security cameras can identify people and automatically turn on lights when they approach a door or move from room to room. Spec-wise and physically, the ROG Rapture GT-BE19000AI is an absolute beast with WiFi 7, throughput up to 19 Gbps, and a coverage area of up to 3,500 square feet.

With PCs, laptops, smartphones, TVs, consoles, tablets, and a whole slew of smart home devices connecting to a home network, the quality or speed of the connection is often determined by how far you or the device is from the router. Most modern routers can handle small or medium-sized homes. However, it's not uncommon for apartments and houses to have that one area where the Wi-Fi is a little spotty.

This is where a Mesh System enters the picture. With two routers connected over a backhaul channel, you've got the power of two routers, creating a single seamless high-speed network. Having no Wi-Fi dead zones is fantastic for homes with multiple stories and rooms or backyards with smart speakers connected to a music streaming service like Spotify for that perfect summer barbeque.

An excellent mesh system is the key to unlocking a home network's full potential.

Intel has just deployed a new Wi-Fi driver for Windows 11 users (and those on Windows 10) which alleviates a few issues, including a problem whereby the wireless module can cause Blue Screen of Death crashes.

The new driver is version 23.40.0 and it provides the cure for Wi-Fi-related BSoDs with a "low occurrence" - although any blue-screening isn't welcome, of course. So, if you have been experiencing crashes with the wireless adapters that this driver is for, it's going to be well worth installing the update.

This covers a range of adapters include Intel's Wi-Fi 7 BE202 and BE 200, as well as the following Wi-Fi 6 products:

A NAS or Network Attached Storage device is a portable and robust solution that lets you keep all of your files in a single location (with redundancy and security), with the option to access your collection from anywhere in the world.

The exciting new UGREEN NASync Series offers a variety of solutions for personal and home use, businesses, and content creators. It focuses on easy access, sharing, streaming, and storage, backed by powerful hardware underneath the hood. With up to 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processing, 8GB of expandable DDR5 memory, dual M.2 NVMe slots for fast caching, dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, and 2-Bay, 4-Bay, 6-Bay, 8-Bay, and All-Flash models - the NASync Series boasts some seriously impressive specs for all users.

The Kickstarter campaign for the UGREEN NASync Series will commence on March 26. Early adopters will get access to Super Early Bird Prices - up to 40% off for those who put down a $5 deposit.

As we're all getting used to Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E popping up in motherboards and high-end routers, later this year, we can expect to start seeing the next generation of wireless - Wi-Fi 7.

So what exactly will this new standard bring to the table? Well, it will build off Wi-Fi 6E, supporting the usual 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands but focusing on increasing transfer speeds. By an impressive amount, too, with the technology able to handle 8K video streaming.

This comes from a max data rate of 46 Gbps versus Wi-Fi 6E's 9.6 Gbps. As with all new Wi-Fi standards, backward compatibility will ensure a smooth transition and some future proofing for those that choose to be early adopters. On that note, to benefit from the best that Wi-Fi 7 has to offer, you'll need to connect with a Wi-Fi 7-based client. That means a network card or motherboard with Wi-Fi 7 capabilities in the PC space.

ASUS has launched what it is calling the "world's first quad-band Wi-Fi 6E gaming router" with the introduction of their new flagship ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000 router.

ASUS is aiming its new ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000 at gamers, with the quad-band router inside handling 4 wireless bands. We have the high-end 6GHz band, 2 x 5GHz bands, and a single 2.4GHz band. Between the 6GHz and 2 x 5GHz bands, the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000 router is capable of blasting 4804Mbps, dropping down into 1148Mbps on the 2.4GHz band -- but up to an insane 16Gbps aggregate throughput -- but don't expect that speed at home, but you'll get close-ish.

If you're serious about your Wi-Fi networking at home and want to set up the new ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000 with your ASUS AiMesh router, then you can do that -- and have an entire house filled with mesh networking. If not, the legacy 5GHz and 6GHz bands can be used as a backhaul if used with a compatible ASUS AiMesh router... a great feature right there.

Netgear has unveiled its next-gen Nighthawk RAXE300 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E router, ready to blast the 6GHz band to Wi-Fi 6E devices.

The new Nighthawk RAXE300 will offer up 8 x Wi-Fi streams and support Gigabit+ Wi-Fi speeds with a blistering 7.8Gbps blasted through homes that are up to 2500 square feet. Netgear is doing this with 6 antennas inside of the Nighthawk RAXE300 that improve signal strength and coverage, while wired connectivity includes enthusiast-grade 2.5GbE and 5 x 1GbE ports.

You'll need the latest smartphones and devices to be compatible with Wi-Fi 6E, but if it does then you will enjoy some super-speed wireless networking with the Nighthawk RAXE300. Netgear is going with a unique style, which looks like wicked -- and hides all of those antennas in something that doesn't look like a router.

NVIDIA has just announced its next-gen InfiniBand networking platform, NVIDIA Quantum-2, which offers next-generation performance, security, accessibility, and more for cloud computing companies and supercomputing centers.

The new NVIDIA Quantum-2 features a huge 400Gbps InfiniBand networking system that packs the new NVIDIA Quantum-2 switch, ConnectX-7 network adapter, BlueField-3 data processing unit (DPU) and all of the software required for the new architecture -- in total, the NVIDIA Quantum-2 has a huge 57 billion transistors.

NVIDIA is leaping ahead in the networking and supercomputing markets, with the new Quantum-2 including key features for "demanding workloads running in either arena. Supercharged by cloud-native technologies, it provides high performance with 400 gigabits per second of throughput and advanced multi-tenancy to accommodate many users".

If you've been finding it hard to buy a new AMD Radeon RX 6000 series graphics card of one of NVIDIA's new GeForce RTX 30 series graphics cards, or one of the next-gen consoles then you're not going to be happy about this news.

We're now hearing that the global chip shortage is having an affect on the router market, with Bloomberg reporting that their sources have said that carriers are being told there is a 60-week wait on new router orders. That's over an entire year, double the normal waiting time of around 30 weeks (just over 6 months).

Taiwan-based router maker Zyxel Communications has chimed in, with head of European regional business Karsten Gewecke saying that they haven't run out of routers just yet but "it could still happen".