FRITZ!Box 4690 WiFi 7 Speed Test Review
The world of home networking often seems determined to complicate itself. But sometimes, the best technological leaps come from thoughtful simplification. That’s exactly what the recent evolution in home router technology is delivering, marked by a streamlined rebranding that puts performance, not complexity, front and center.
A notable shift has occurred in the landscape of high-performance networking, as the familiar AVM name gracefully recedes, replaced by the sleek and recognizable FRITZ! brand. This change isn’t just cosmetic; it signals a focus on delivering powerful, intuitive technology without the unnecessary baggage. At the heart of this evolution is the FRITZ!Box 4690, a device designed specifically for users who already possess a robust fibre or cable connection, aiming to deliver the fastest possible home networking experience with minimal fuss.
The 4690 operates on a clear philosophy: maximizing speed for those who are already fast. It cleverly bypasses the need for users to deal with the complexities of an integrated modem, focusing instead on pure, blazing-fast distribution of data. This approach allows the router to focus entirely on optimizing the flow of your internet connection, ensuring that your existing broadband infrastructure is utilized to its absolute maximum potential.
Visually, the router embraces a modern, wave-like design, echoing the aesthetic of previous successful models. While it shares many design similarities with other high-end units, the 4690 carves out a unique space defined by its connectivity and capability.
Under the hood, the FRITZ!Box 4690 is engineered for serious bandwidth. It offers a staggering 10Gigabit Ethernet for the Wide Area Network (WAN) connection, ensuring that if your service supports it, you won’t be bottlenecked. Locally, the network is equally robust, featuring three 2.5Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports and a dedicated 10Gigabit Ethernet LAN port, giving power users the flexibility they demand.
For wireless connectivity, this router steps firmly into the future. It supports WiFi 7 technology, delivering a phenomenal BE7000 performance rating. This translates into speeds of up to 5,760 Mbits/sec on the 5GHz band and 1,200 Mbits/sec on the 2.4GHz band, ensuring seamless and lightning-fast data transfer across your entire home.
Beyond raw speed, the 4690 integrates useful features that cater to both internet use and traditional home systems. It provides comprehensive connectivity options, including two RJ11 phone ports and a German TAE phone connector, making traditional telephony simple to manage. Furthermore, there is a convenient USB 3.0 connection, offering versatile options for connecting media servers, NAS devices, or mobile data backups.
While some cutting-edge devices explore new protocols like Zigbee for smart home control, the 4690 focuses its energy on core networking performance. It provides a powerful, high-speed foundation, proving that powerful networking doesn’t have to mean complicated setup. Available for around £330.31 inc VAT, the FRITZ!Box 4690 positions itself as a smart, high-performance solution for anyone ready to step into the next generation of home connectivity.