ASUS announced two ProArt networking products on April 7, 2026: the dual-band Wi-Fi 7 ProArt Router PRT-BE5000 and the ProArt Switch PQG-U1080, which combines eight 2.5-gigabit Ethernet ports with two 10-gigabit SFP+ ports. ASUS positions them as a way to connect studio devices and prioritize creative traffic, but its published specifications are not independent proof of real-world speeds or workflow gains.
What are the ASUS ProArt Router PRT-BE5000 and ProArt Switch PQG-U1080?
They are separate networking products intended to extend ASUS’s creator-focused ProArt line into studio networking. In its April 7, 2026 announcement, ASUS describes the router as the wireless connection and traffic-management component, and the switch as a way to add wired multi-gigabit connections for workstations, storage, and other equipment.
The router and switch can be considered as a pair, but the announcement does not establish that they must be used together. Whether either fits a particular studio depends on its internet connection, the network interfaces on connected devices, existing cabling, and any SFP+ equipment required.
What does the PRT-BE5000 router offer?
ASUS specifies a dual-band Wi-Fi 7 router with rated aggregate throughput of up to 5000Mbps and support for Multi-Link Operation (MLO). Its announced band rates are 688Mbps on 2.4GHz and 4320Mbps on 5GHz. Those are manufacturer ratings, not a promise that one device or a studio workflow will achieve those speeds; ASUS says actual performance can vary with applications, usage, environment, and other factors.
#1 Best Overall
- Beyond-fast WiFi 7 (802.11be) with new 320MHz channels in the 6 GHz band and 4096-QAM significantly increases network capacity and throughput, with speeds of up to 30 Gbps
- Multi-link Operation links to multiple bands at the same time to ensure stable internet connections and efficient data transfers
- Cutting-edge external dual-feeding antennas boost coverage by providing high efficiency and significantly enhanced signal strength
- Maximized wired connectivity and flexibility with dual 10G ports and quad 2.5G ports
- Triple-Level Game Acceleration - The GT-BE98 Pro boosts your PC gaming traffic every step of the way, from your PC gaming port all the way to the game server.
For wired connections, ASUS lists one 2.5G WAN port, one 2.5G LAN port, and three 1G LAN ports. The ASUS Global ProArt router overview also lists AiMesh and ProArt Router Control Center support.
How ASUS describes its software features
ASUS says Creator-First adaptive QoE can prioritize creative traffic in real time. It also describes Smart Home Master as a way to simplify network segmentation, including dedicated SSIDs for IoT devices and VPN connections. These are vendor descriptions; the official material cited here does not provide independent tests demonstrating how much those features improve performance in a particular studio.
Rank #2
- Beyond-fast WiFi 7 (802.11be) - 320MHz channels in the 6 GHz band and 4096-QAM significantly increase network capacity and throughput, with speeds of up to 9700 Mbps
- Multi-link Operation - Link to multiple bands at the same time to ensure stable internet connections and efficient data transfers
- Versatile WAN configuration options - Establish always-on internet through AI WAN detection and a convenient USB port ready for 4G LTE and 5G Mobile tethering.
- Subscription-free Triple-Level Protection - ASUS Network Security deploys a triple-level protection design and commercial-grade cloud database, safeguarding your network from end-to-end and 24/7.
- Comprehensive VPN features - Including advanced site-to-site VPN and the Instant Guard mobile app for secure connection over public WiFi
How many ports does the ProArt Switch PQG-U1080 have?
The PQG-U1080 has ten physical ports: eight 2.5G RJ45 Ethernet ports and two 10G SFP+ ports. ASUS’s announcement also lists an 80Gbps switching capacity and a 59.5Mpps forwarding rate. These are published switch specifications, not independently measured file-transfer results.
ASUS describes the switch as plug-and-play and names workstations, PCs, NAS systems, and Wi-Fi access points as example devices to connect. The ASUS Malaysia product page lists desktop, table-leg, and magnetic mounting options and says the switch supports existing CAT5e cabling. That page describes product features for Malaysia; it does not establish availability or identical terms in every market.
Rank #3
- Blazing-fast WiFi 7 tech boosts throughput up to 7200Mbps with Multi-Link Operation and 4096-QAM.
- Bolster your wired network capacity up to 34G with one cutting-edge 10G SFP+ port and one standard 10G WAN/LAN port.
- Establish always-on internet through AI WAN detection, versatile WAN configuration options, and a convenient USB port ready for 4G LTE and 5G Mobile tethering.
- Unleash demanding WiFi 7 and 10G network applications with a powerhouse quad-core 2.6GHz 64-bit CPU.
- Easily establish up to five SSIDs with Guest Network Pro for easy IoT device setup and management, instant VPN connections, and convenient parental controls.
Check the whole connection, not just the switch port
A faster switch port only helps when the connected device and the intervening link can use it. Before choosing the PQG-U1080, check the network speed supported by each workstation or NAS, the cable run and its condition, and the compatibility of any SFP+ modules or connected fiber equipment. CAT5e support does not by itself guarantee a particular speed over every cable run or installation.
What studio workflow is ASUS targeting?
ASUS presents the router and switch as tools for studios with multiple devices moving files, using cloud collaboration, streaming, and connecting to shared storage. Its stated idea is to prioritize selected wireless traffic while adding multi-gigabit wired links for devices such as workstations and NAS systems. That describes the intended use, not a verified improvement in transfer times, streaming reliability, or productivity.
Rank #4
- Ultrafast WiFi 7 – WiFi 7 (802.11be) dual-band extendable router boosts speed up to 6500 Mbps, with 4096-QAM increasing a single frequency band’s transmission speed by 1.2 times
- Five 2.5GbE Ports – 2.5GbE ports prioritize traffic, optimizing wired internet connectivity for maximum performance
- Hassle-free AiMesh Extendable Network – AiMesh extendable routers enable whole home seamless roaming with rich, advanced features
- Multi-link Operation – Link to multiple bands at the same time to ensure stable internet connections and efficient data transfers
- Commercial-Grade Network Security – AiProtection Pro powered by Trend Micro, plus a one-tap security scan and Safe Browsing
For a studio evaluating the setup, the practical question is whether the bottleneck is wireless coverage, the speed of wired connections, or the devices and internet service themselves. The PRT-BE5000’s single 2.5G WAN and LAN ports may matter differently from its three 1G LAN ports; the switch’s faster ports are useful only where connected devices and cabling support the corresponding links.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What remains unverified, and what should buyers compare?
The official ASUS sources cited here do not provide independent benchmarks, real-world file-transfer tests, or comparative performance results for these products. They also do not establish local prices, stock, warranty terms, or launch dates. ASUS cautions in its announcement that “Specifications, content and product availability are all subject to change without notice and may differ from country to country.” Check the relevant local ASUS listing or retailer for current market details.
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Best Value
- Ultrafast WiFi 7 – WiFi 7 (802.11be) tri-band extendable router boosts speeds up to 9400 Mbps, with 320MHz and 4096-QAM increasing a single frequency band’s transmission speed by 2.4 times
- Unleashing Multi-link operation (MLO) for Ultra-Smooth Connectivity – Link to multiple bands at the same time to ensure stable internet connections and efficient data transfers
- Quad 2.5G Ports – Traffic via 2.5G ports has top priority, supported by flexible WAN/LAN port configurations to maximize wired connectivity
- Smart Home Master – Easily establish up to three SSIDs with Smart Home Master for easy IoT device setup and management, instant VPN connections, and convenient parental controls
- Hassle-free AiMesh Extendable Network – AiMesh extendable routers enable whole-home seamless roaming with rich, advanced features
When comparing this pair with another studio network, assess the complete setup rather than a headline speed:
Quick Recap
- Wireless needs: Wi-Fi standard, rated band speeds, coverage requirements, and whether mesh support such as AiMesh is relevant.
- Wired connections: Number and speed of RJ45 ports, number and type of SFP+ ports, and the interfaces available on the devices you plan to connect.
- Infrastructure: Cable category and run, compatible SFP+ equipment, actual internet speed, and the network capability of your NAS and workstations.
- Network management: Whether traffic prioritization, segmentation, VPN-related SSIDs, or mesh networking match your needs—and whether the feature behavior is documented for your region and firmware.
- Deployment and buying terms: Physical placement and mounting, local price, availability, and warranty.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
