AVM released FritzOS 8.10 for the Fritz!Box 7690, a lab‑only firmware that resolves the long‑standing 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi instability many users faced. The update overhauls radio management, improves interference avoidance, and tightens WPA3‑Enterprise handling, restoring reliable connectivity for IoT, smart‑home, and legacy devices without requiring new hardware. The patch is delivered via AVM’s Lab portal and can be applied within minutes through the router’s web interface.
What the FritzOS 8.10 Update Fixes
The 7690, launched in 2022 as a high‑end Wi‑Fi 6E router, suffered intermittent drops on the 2.4 GHz band, especially in dense network environments. AVM identified a firmware‑level error in channel selection and power control that caused latency spikes and full disconnects.
Radio‑management overhaul
FritzOS 8.10 replaces the previous algorithm with a more aggressive interference‑avoidance routine and a refined airtime‑fairness scheduler. This directly eliminates the “WLAN‑Bug” that triggered the 2.4 GHz instability.
Enhanced WPA3‑Enterprise handling
While the primary focus is stability, the update also tightens the WPA3‑Enterprise handshake, adding an extra layer of security for business‑grade deployments.
How to Install the FritzOS 8.10 Lab Firmware
1. Visit AVM’s Lab page and download the .image file from the “Labor‑Update” section.
2. Open the router’s web interface and navigate to System → Firmware → Update.
3. Select the downloaded file and start the flash process (approximately three minutes).
4. After the router reboots, the new WLAN settings are applied automatically.
AVM recommends backing up the current configuration before flashing, as the update resets several advanced Wi‑Fi parameters to their default values.
Other Fritz!Box Models Receiving the Same Fix
- Fritz!Box 4040 (entry‑level)
- Fritz!Box 4040 LTE
- Fritz!Box 4040 Fiber
- Fritz!Box 4040 DSL
- Fritz!Box 4340
- Fritz!Box 4360
- Fritz!Box 4490
- Fritz!Box 5490
- Fritz!Box 6490
- Fritz!Box 7490
- Fritz!Box 7690
All eleven devices receive the same radio‑management and security improvements, extending AVM’s support lifecycle for legacy hardware.
Implications for Users and the Market
Stabilizing the 2.4 GHz band is crucial for low‑power IoT gadgets, smart‑home hubs, and older smartphones that cannot yet use the 5 GHz or 6 GHz spectra. By fixing this issue, AVM reduces the incentive for users to switch to competing mesh systems that promise “seamless” dual‑band performance.
Impact on IoT and legacy devices
Reliable 2.4 GHz connectivity ensures that smart‑home sensors, Bluetooth bridges, and other low‑energy devices remain functional without hardware upgrades.
Security enhancements
The refined WPA3‑Enterprise handshake adds hardening for business users still operating older Fritz!Box models, demonstrating AVM’s practice of bundling security fixes with performance patches.
What to Expect from FritzOS 8.20
AVM has teased FritzOS 8.20 as the next generation of smart‑home integration and AI‑assisted network management. Anticipated features include a unified mesh‑network health dashboard, deeper integration with AVM’s Smart‑Home‑Box, and a beta AI‑driven bandwidth allocator that learns household usage patterns. As with 8.10, a lab rollout is expected before a public release.
Bottom Line
FritzOS 8.10 resolves the critical 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi bug on the Fritz!Box 7690 and ten other models, reinforcing AVM’s reputation for long‑term firmware support. The update restores confidence for users relying on legacy devices and positions the brand well for the upcoming FritzOS 8.20, where incremental improvements will continue to outweigh the need for frequent hardware refreshes.
