Fritzbox 5690 Review: A Solid Wi-Fi 7 Router for Fiber Optics, But With Caveats
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The Fritzbox 5690 is positioned as the latest top-tier model for fiber optic internet connections, now available at a competitive price point. This new router boasts Wi-Fi 7 capabilities, aiming to deliver blazing-fast speeds and a streamlined connection experience. However, a closer look reveals some trade-offs, particularly regarding range and certain advanced features.
Simplifying Fiber Connections
One of the most significant advantages of the Fritzbox 5690 is its simplified setup for fiber optic connections. Unlike previous models, it eliminates the need for SFP plug-in modules. According to a company release, the router directly connects to the fiber optic connection box using a standard fiber optic cable, automatically recognizing and adapting to either AON or GPON connection technologies. This streamlined process reduces potential confusion and simplifies installation for users.
Wi-Fi 7 Performance: Fast, But Not Without Limits
The Fritzbox 5690 embraces the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard, offering theoretical speeds up to 5760 Mbit/s over the 5 GHz band with its 4×4 MIMO configuration. In close proximity – within three meters – the router nearly achieves this potential, delivering data rates of just under 2.3 Gbit/s, effectively utilizing the bandwidth of high-speed fiber connections. However, the 5690 notably lacks support for the 6 GHz frequency band, a key component of Wi-Fi 7 that offers wider channels and reduced interference.
As one analyst noted, the absence of 6 GHz functionality means the 5690 doesn’t fully capitalize on the speed advantages of Wi-Fi 7. While still delivering impressive speeds, it falls behind other Wi-Fi 7 routers in longer-range performance. Testing at 25 meters revealed an average data rate of 160 Mbit/s, comparable to many other routers but not class-leading. Performance over 2.4 GHz was also merely good, reaching almost 200 Mbit/s, on par with Wi-Fi 6 performance.
Beyond Wi-Fi: A Feature-Rich All-in-One Solution
The Fritzbox 5690 isn’t just a router; it’s a comprehensive home networking hub. It includes a DECT base station for up to six cordless phones, a USB 3.0 port for network-attached storage (NAS) with transfer rates exceeding 120 MB/s, and support for smart home devices utilizing the DECT-ULE standard. The inclusion of four Ethernet ports – two supporting 2.5 Gbit speeds – provides ample connectivity options.
Power consumption is also remarkably efficient, using less than 8 watts in sleep mode and peaking at 12 watts during active transmission, comparable to dual-band modemless Wi-Fi 7 routers.
VPN Performance and Software Updates
VPN performance, however, is a weak point. Testing with the Wireguard protocol yielded a throughput of only 326 Mbit/s, significantly lagging behind other routers, including other Fritz models. A senior official stated that future firmware updates, such as the current Fritz OS 8.20 (compared to the 8.04 version used during testing), may address this limitation.
Should You Upgrade?
The Fritzbox 5690 presents a compelling option for new fiber optic internet subscribers. It’s cheaper than the more fully-featured Fritzbox 5690 Pro, which supports VDSL and fiber connections and includes 6 GHz Wi-Fi. Owners of the previous Fritzbox 5590 with Wi-Fi 6 may not find a compelling reason to upgrade, as the 5590 remains well-equipped, aside from the Wi-Fi standard.
Ultimately, the Fritzbox 5690 delivers strong performance in close range and offers a wealth of features, making it a solid choice for those prioritizing simplicity and a comprehensive home networking solution. However, potential buyers should be aware of its limitations in range and VPN throughput, and consider whether those factors are critical to their needs.
