Best Alternatives To Fritzbox 7530

I have a Fritzbox 7530 which was supplied by Zen as part of my FTTP 900 package with them. Initial impressions is that its Wi-Fi signal is quite feeble (live in a house with little obvious interference, apart from building materials possibly?).

One router which has been recommended by a couple of forum members is the Asus RT AX88U. However this is sold out everywhere. Any other suggestions?

General suggestion (not for everyone): separate the router from the WiFi - then get best of breed (and/or budget) for each. Upgrade or change at will. Better WiFi coverage. Get a better router too.

Unless you specifically want an 'all-in-one'

Hi Pheasant - good to hear from
Would prefer an “all in one” if possible. However, I recognise that might be a tall order - especially where Wi-Fi expectations are high.

Zen advised sticking with the Fritzbox and using a Wi-Fi AVM FRITZ! Repeater. Is this the kind of solution you are taking about?

Yes, but you can go farther than that and get your WiFi access points/mesh or repeater nodes from Vendor X and router from Vendor Y. Saying that it's been my experience you are best keeping WiFi with a single vendor (whichever you choose) for more seamless stability and handover between the access points. Mix and match works too, but it's not as good.

I tend to 'bin' virtually every ISP-supplied device I've been issued, as there's far better out there. Especially when it comes to extracting peak (reasonable!) performance from your WiFi.

I'm also in the habit of changing my ISP quite regularly (or using multiple actually) but keeping my kit consistent - only the connection changes, not the kit every time.

Its unrealistic to expect good performance unless you're in the same room as the WiFi access point (whether that's part of the router or separate).

Edited by Pheasant (Tue 20-Dec-22 18:48:57)

So which routers and access points would you recommend to someone on a Zen FTTP connection in a 4 bedroom, 2 storey house?

If wifi coverage is the only issue, then I'd be inclined to stick with your existing router and add one or more wifi access points. Using the ISP-supplied router is helpful if you ever have an issue with your line and need to call in ISP support.

If you are able to run Cat5e wired connections back to the router, this is a more robust solution than any sort of wifi range extender. Plus you can power the remote APs over the same cable.

I have two Unifi AC Lite access points, which are ceiling mounted, and I'm very happy with them. (This has been replaced with a newer model: U6 Lite, which has wifi 6)

Unifi provide free management software, for Windows, Mac or Linux, which can be used to configure and monitor all your APs from a single web interface.

You *should* be able to roam between your Fritzbox wifi and your additional APs on the same SSID. But you can also choose to turn off the Fritzbox wifi - or use a different SSID - so that you can see all your client devices in one place.

If you've got a spare router lying around, you can usually it as a wifi access point. To do so, you need to turn off its built-in DHCP server, and change its LAN IP address to a one which doesn't clash with your main router or its DHCP pool. Then you just connect a LAN port to a LAN port on your main router.

You can use some of the older Fritz!Box routers e.g. FB4040,FB3490 as Mesh WiFi repeater points. These older FritzBoxes pop up on the usual auction sites and are a low cost way to check out AVM Fritz!Box Mesh. Works best via LAN and repeater needs to be running AVM ver7 OS, settings on repeater are automatically copied from main Fritz!Box.
Setting up FBox as Mesh repeater

Is it the 7530 or the 7530AX? The AX version has WiFi 6 and so, with appropriate PC adapter, will give much better speeds. If its a matter of coverage at slower speeds then either get a mesh access point or use a second Fritzbox from ebay that can be configured as a mesh repeater. Stich with Fritzbox kit so you get the benefit of the mesh topology.

In reply to a post by DrBob:

Is it the 7530 or the 7530AX? The AX version has WiFi 6 and so, with appropriate PC adapter, will give much better speeds. If its a matter of coverage at slower speeds then either get a mesh access point or use a second Fritzbox from ebay that can be configured as a mesh repeater. Stich with Fritzbox kit so you get the benefit of the mesh topology.

Good question - will need to check if it’s the AX version next time I’m in property (won’t be fully moved in for a while). Although sadly I suspect it’s the non AX version.

P.S. is it worth upgrading to the AX version - or better to go with a totally different Wifi6/6E router?

Edited by kam67 (Wed 21-Dec-22 11:30:44)

In reply to a post by candlerb:

If wifi coverage is the only issue, then I'd be inclined to stick with your existing router and add one or more wifi access points. Using the ISP-supplied router is helpful if you ever have an issue with your line and need to call in ISP support.

If you are able to run Cat5e wired connections back to the router, this is a more robust solution than any sort of wifi range extender. Plus you can power the remote APs over the same cable.

I have two Unifi AC Lite access points, which are ceiling mounted, and I'm very happy with them. (This has been replaced with a newer model: U6 Lite, which has wifi 6)

Unifi provide free management software, for Windows, Mac or Linux, which can be used to configure and monitor all your APs from a single web interface.

You *should* be able to roam between your Fritzbox wifi and your additional APs on the same SSID. But you can also choose to turn off the Fritzbox wifi - or use a different SSID - so that you can see all your client devices in one place.

If you've got a spare router lying around, you can usually it as a wifi access point. To do so, you need to turn off its built-in DHCP server, and change its LAN IP address to a one which doesn't clash with your main router or its DHCP pool. Then you just connect a LAN port to a LAN port on your main router.

Thanks for the detailed advice, candlerb. I’m intrigued by the thought of using a second router as an access point. I do have a couple lying around: an old Fritzbox 7530 (non-AX version) and a Technicolor one (DGA0122)