REVIEW / PRESENTATION / TIPS
Update: 09/08/2024
After discussing again with AVM, I suggested they incorporate schedule internet time per device, meaning you would set what time the internet opens and what time it closes for each device. It's good if you want to set limits for your children, etc. I received a very positive response, although it will require a lot of work for them........
***Three stars only because of its poor WiFi, since it is AVM***
I think the "app" user in the reviews said almost everything...
I have the same problem and many of you may have the same issue with the WiFi.
The technicians from Cosmote are facing the same problem.
With an ethernet cable, I am at 1048/104mbps max, with -13.2dbm max line noise. Extremely good, due to the good installation by the contractor since I was overseeing them during the work.
With WiFi at 998/102mbps in the area where the router is (5Ghz) at a distance of 2 meters. Every meter you go back drops dramatically. At 4-5 meters without obstacles, it reaches 750mbps max and so on.
In the 2 farthest rooms where I have another 2 computers (about 15-18 meters), with obstacles of 2-3 walls and closed doors, having the router on the other side of the house in a corner and not in a central location, and with Fritz! Repeater 1200AX, I reach 350mbps/100 and 400mpbs/101 in 89 square meters with proper channel selection (manual).
As a router, it has incredibly many and useful features, but its WiFi is poor for a Fritz! router. It should ideally be combined with Fritz Repeater 1200AX Mesh.
Aside from the WiFi issue, the router is excellent with Ethernet connection, good materials, settings, and amazing capabilities. Temperature-wise, it is OK due to the frame construction.
Basic mistakes.
Never use powerlines with fiber optics.
The noise should not exceed -23dbm.
An excellent fiber optic connection ranges from -12 to -18dbm
(this is influenced by the work done as well as the cabinet).
The latest router upgrade is version 7.81, make sure to do it. If you also have the Repeater 1200AX, upgrade that as well.
If the router does not automatically upgrade, download the manual files from AVM's FTP address.
The positive fact is that there will be future upgrades - although the WiFi issue will not be resolved and the reason is the 2 internal WiFi cables - I believe they take a wrong path over the board (version 2 - like the one provided by Cosmote). There is a solution, and if you search on YouTube, you can change the path of the 2 cables or even better, connect 2 external antennas to the board - it's not difficult.
If you want the absolute, buy a decent 2 or 3 pack MESH, but personally, I don't want to lead you to a new purchase where you will spend an additional up to 200€ on something decent.
I am trying to solve the problem as cost-effectively as possible and share it with you.
I also conducted a pilot test to check speeds at 2000mbps with this router on Cosmote. It performed excellently (photo) with an ethernet cat6 cable.
There is still no commercial availability of 2000mbps, but we might expect it in the second quarter of 2025. I can't mention anything else!
6 useful TIPS to improve your connection with this specific router.
1) Make sure the router is located in a central point......"as much as possible" if feasible and not in a corner. If it is not in a central location or the square footage is large, you will need a Mesh Repeater "yesterday."
2) Same SSID name for 2.4GHz and 5GHz SOS!
3) "Automatic" WiFi channel finding as suggested by AVM. Find the channels yourself from the router settings and with the right apps for the ideal channels at 2.4 and 5GHz. I have photos here in the review for finding better channels as well as some main settings for WiFi.
4) Purchase "definitely" a Mesh Repeater - the Fritz! 1200AX from AVM is quite good (there are better ones, of course). The connection of the repeater must be made at a very close distance to the router, that is, in the same room SOS! Once connected, we remove it and place it in the dead zone we want.
5) For better performance and to avoid disconnections due to temperatures since the SFP Module reaches 75-77°C without air conditioning - buy a Cooling Pad for laptops and place the router on it. It lowers the temperature by up to 22 degrees. You will easily get it down to 43°C, having over 25 active connected devices at a cost of 10-12€.
This is a perfect and honest cooling pad from Powertech. I have also uploaded a video.
https://www.skroutz.gr/s/18464348/Powertech-Cooling-Pad-gia-Laptop-eos-15-6-me-2-Anemistires-kai-Fotismo-PT-738.html?product_id=45038908&sponsored=listing
6) Upgrade it yourself or with the help of a specialist with 2 very reinforced external antennas. Cost 38-40€ with shipping from an independent German store that specializes only in Fritz....google it and you will find it.
Harris K.
Tech PC/Network Specialist
Writer: TechPowerUP (Global)
Analytics: Ookla Europe.