Users of the latest FritzBox routers, specifically the FritzBox 5690 Pro and FritzBox 7690, are experiencing significant performance issues following the recent update to FritzOS 8.2x. Instead of achieving the anticipated high-speed capabilities associated with Wi-Fi 7, many users report drastic reductions in speed after installing the update.
While FritzBox routers are known for their cutting-edge technology, these updates have led to unexpected slowdowns, particularly for those using external modems connected through the WAN or LAN ports. Reports indicate that data transfer rates can plummet from a maximum of 1 gigabit per second to below 100 megabits per second, severely impacting user experience, especially for online gaming where stable ping times are crucial.
Technical Issues Behind the Slowdown
The root cause of these performance issues appears to be related to a conflict between FritzOS 8.2x and the new chipsets designed for Wi-Fi 7. The operating system includes a feature called hardware acceleration, which is intended to enhance performance by offloading data packet processing from the main processor. However, in this instance, the feature is causing a bottleneck in data flow, leading to the observed slow speeds.
According to the technology website Deskmodder, there is a temporary fix for users affected by this issue. By accessing a hidden support menu within the FritzBox interface, users can manually disable the hardware acceleration feature. This can be done by entering the URL http://fritz.box/support.lua in a web browser, allowing the router’s CPU to take over data processing. While this method can restore full speed, it is important to note that the fix is not permanent; the hardware acceleration feature reactivates automatically upon rebooting the router, requiring users to repeat the process.
Impact on Users and Future Solutions
The FritzBox 5690 Pro, often priced above €300, is marketed towards users who demand high performance and reliability. The current firmware issues have led to dissatisfaction among customers who expected seamless operation from premium devices. Despite the current predicament, there is no official statement from the manufacturer regarding a long-term solution or an upcoming update to resolve these issues.
As users await a resolution, those with affected devices must resort to utilizing the temporary fix until a more permanent solution is released. It is hoped that Fritz will address these concerns in future laboratory versions of the operating system. For now, the community of FritzBox users continues to share insights and solutions as they navigate these performance challenges.
