Mesh WLAN technology and FritzBox 7690 router features

Mesh WLAN technology utilizes multiple interconnected devices, known as nodes, to provide uniform wireless coverage across large homes or buildings. Unlike traditional single-router setups where signals weaken due to distance or physical obstructions like walls, Mesh systems allow devices to roam seamlessly between access points using a single SSID and password. The connection between these nodes, referred to as backhaul, can be wireless or wired via Ethernet for increased stability.

In the consumer hardware market, the FritzBox 7690 has emerged as a high-performance router supporting the Wi-Fi 7 standard. The device features eight antennas and includes a built-in smart home hub supporting DECT and ZigBee protocols. While it offers high-speed connectivity through 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands and includes 2.5-Gigabit LAN ports, it lacks support for the 6 GHz band. Additional features include integrated telephony, VPN services, and guest Wi-Fi, though its USB transfer speeds were noted as relatively slow in testing.