Fritz!OS 8.20 brings a major upgrade to the AVM Fritz!Box 5690 Pro and 5690 XGS, adding Wi‑Fi 6E, stronger WPA3‑Enterprise, smarter QoS, smoother mesh handoffs, and critical security patches. The update rolls out automatically, giving you faster, more reliable home or small‑business networking while hardening the gateway against recent threats. It also future‑proofs the devices with new 6 GHz band support for low‑latency applications.
Why Fritz!OS 8.20 Matters for Home and Small‑Business Networks
The Fritz!Box is often the central hub for internet, phone, and smart‑home traffic. An OS bump of this size isn’t just a polish; it reshapes how the router handles bandwidth, security, and device coordination. For anyone relying on stable video calls, 4K streaming, or gaming, the new features translate into noticeable performance gains.
Key Enhancements in Fritz!OS 8.20
Wi‑Fi 6E Activation on the XGS Model
The 5690 XGS now unlocks the 6 GHz band, giving you access to a less‑crowded spectrum. This means lower latency for VR, AR, and high‑speed streaming, especially in dense apartment buildings where the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands are saturated.
Improved WPA3‑Enterprise Support
Security gets a boost with refined WPA3‑Enterprise handling. You’ll enjoy stronger encryption without the compatibility headaches that sometimes plague older devices, keeping both personal and business data safer.
Dynamic QoS Refinements
The QoS engine now learns traffic patterns more intelligently. Whether you’re juggling a cloud‑gaming session and a 4K movie, the router prioritizes the flow that matters most, reducing buffering and lag.
Enhanced Mesh Integration
Mesh handoffs between the main Fritz!Box and any AVM repeaters are smoother than before. Devices moving around your home experience fewer latency spikes, which is a relief if you work from different rooms throughout the day.
Security Patches and Vulnerability Fixes
AVM addressed several vulnerabilities that could be exploited via malformed DHCP packets. The patches close remote‑code‑execution vectors, making the router a sturdier barrier against attacks targeting IoT devices.
Practical Impact for Network Administrators
Admins who manage multiple Fritz!Box units report that the new QoS engine cuts congestion on busy links, and the refined mesh logic trims latency during device roaming. These real‑world improvements line up with the changelog’s promises, giving you confidence that the update delivers tangible benefits.
What Users Should Do Now
If you already own a 5690 Pro or 5690 XGS, the firmware will download the next time the router checks for updates—just keep the device online for a few minutes. No manual steps are required, but it never hurts to verify the version in the admin interface after the reboot.
Future Outlook: Fritz!OS 9 Preview
AVM has hinted at a forthcoming Fritz!OS 9 that will bring a refreshed UI and deeper AI‑driven traffic analysis. By solidifying the platform with 8.20, the company ensures that current hardware stays secure and performant while the next major version is in development.
