The FRITZ!Box 5690 Pro was initially scheduled for launch in 2023 but faced delays. However, it has finally been launched, and I have been using it for the past few weeks. My testing has been limited as I am based in the UK and use Virgin Media for my broadband connection. The FRITZ!Box 5690 Pro is designed to be used with AON or GPON fibre optic connections connected directly into the SFP port rather than via an ONT.
### FRITZ!Box Routers Available in the UK
Although the FRITZ!Box 5690 Pro isn’t being launched in the UK, AVM has launched a new website listing AVM FRITZ!box routers available in the UK.
### Features and Specifications
– **Connectivity**
– Broadband Support:
– Compatible with DSL (including VDSL with Supervectoring up to 300Mbit/s)
– Supports both active AON and GPON fibre optic connections via an SFP slot
– Ports:
– 1 x SFP slot for fibre SFP modules
– 1 x RJ-45 port (2.5 Gigabit, WAN/LAN)
– 4 x Gigabit LAN ports
– 1 x DSL port (RJ-45)
– 1 x USB 3.1 port
– 1 x analogue telephone port
– **Wireless Features**
– Tri-band Wi-Fi:
– Operates simultaneously on 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz frequency bands
– Wi-Fi 7 Support:
– Delivers theoretical speeds up to:
– 11,530Mbit/s (6GHz band)
– 5,760Mbit/s (5GHz band)
– 1,200Mbit/s (2.4GHz band)
– Wi-Fi Technologies:
– OFDMA, MU-MIMO, and 320MHz channel bandwidth support
– Mesh Wi-Fi capability for extended range and seamless handover
– **Network and Performance**
– Maximum Backhaul Bandwidth:
– Up to 18,490Mbit/s across all wireless bands
– LAN/WAN Connectivity:
– 2.5 Gigabit WAN/LAN for high-speed wired connections
– Four additional Gigabit LAN ports for local networking
– USB Storage:
– USB 3.1 port for network sharing of storage devices or printers
– VPN Support:
– Supports high-speed VPN connections
### Unboxing / Design
The FRITZ!Box 5690 Pro features an upright chassis finished in glossy plastic, prioritizing ventilation and space-efficiency. The lack of built-in wall mounting may be a drawback for some users. All ports are located on the rear, keeping the front seam uncluttered except for a status LED panel. The info LED’s brightness is adjustable.
### Ports
The flagship model disappointingly only features multi-gig on the SFP and WAN port. The 2.5GbE WAN port can be used as a LAN port, which is less of a concern for European users with AON or GPON fibre connections.
### Set Up
Setting up the FRITZ!Box 5690 Pro is straightforward, leveraging AVM’s mature web UI. The initial configuration wizard is easy to follow, with clear separation between DSL, fibre, or WAN setup modes and specific options for some major ISPs.
### Web UI / Settings
AVM’s FRITZ!OS is user-friendly, providing quick access to various settings. Advanced users will find plenty of options for static routing, QoS, port forwarding, VPN, firewall customization, and more.
### Connectivity / Speed Tests
The FRITZ!Box 5690 Pro achieves good speeds at close range, with the 6GHz band offering the highest throughput. Performance degrades predictably with increased distance and physical barriers, but coverage remains adequate for most homes.
### VOIP / Telephone Functions
The integrated phone is a standout feature, accommodating most service providers and supporting up to six cordless phones with full feature integration.
### Smart Home Integration
The smart home platform supports both proprietary DECT ULE devices and industry-standard Zigbee products, allowing for comprehensive home automation capabilities.
### VPN Options / Performance
The FRITZ!Box 5690 Pro offers impressive VPN performance with support for both WireGuard and IPSec protocols. The implementation supports multiple simultaneous connections, enabling secure access to home resources while traveling.
### Price and Alternative Options
The FRITZ!Box 5690 Pro is not officially available in the UK but can be found on various online platforms for around £340. Alternative FRITZ!Box models with similar features are available at a lower price point.
### Overall
The FRITZ!Box 5690 Pro is a powerful and versatile router tailored primarily for EU users with AON or GPON fibre connections. Its strong balance of performance, telephony features, and smart home integration make it a unique all-in-one solution. However, its limited UK compatibility and lack of Matter support may be drawbacks for some users. Overall, it’s best suited for tech-savvy users or small businesses looking to consolidate their network, telephony, and automation into one device.
