An update in the Telekom network means that Fritz boxes with old firmware no longer work properly. Customers must therefore take action.
Many Telekom customers use a Fritzbox as a router. However, you should definitely check the installed firmware now. Because if it is an old version, the Fritzbox can soon no longer be used properly. Among other things, telephony via the fixed network will no longer be possible from tomorrow. But why is that and what can Telekom customers do? TECHBOOK explains.
Update in the Telekom network affects the function of older Fritz boxes
Deutsche Telekom will update its network on March 15 to improve security standards, among other things. In Fritz!OS 7.25, however, AVM still uses the Real-Time Transport Protocol (RTP) for IP-based telephony. Here, the media stream is transmitted unencrypted, which according to Telekom’s security standards is not permitted. The result: Customers whose Fritzboxes are running Fritz!OS 7.25 will no longer be able to make calls in Telekom’s fixed network from March 15th. However, the use of the Internet is not affected and is still possible without restrictions.
According to the network operator, the problem only affects the firmware mentioned. Owners of a Fritzbox thus have two options for reacting to the update on the network. You can either update your Fritzbox to version 7.29 or – if the current software is not available – downgrade to a previous version of Fritz!OS 7.25. A list of previous Fritz!OS versions for different Fritzboxes you’ll find here. However, this step is not really recommended, as it means that many innovations and system optimizations will disappear from the Fritz boxes that AVM has rolled out for better operation.
Also read: Fix the most common WLAN problems with the Fritzbox
Which Fritz boxes are affected?
AVM released Fritz!OS 7.29 in November 2021. Since then, many Fritz boxes have received the update. However, there are still a few models for which the Fritz!OS is not available. These are primarily older Fritz boxes such as the 7390, the 7360 or the Fritz box 7272. However, these routers usually run a much older firmware version anyway, which makes a downgrade unnecessary.
Restrictions caused by Telekom’s network update will therefore be noticed primarily by those customers who have not activated the automatic updates on their router and therefore may not have installed the current Fritz!OS version. It is therefore advisable to check the firmware version on the Fritzbox interface. Go to it http://fritz.box and log in with your data. The firmware currently installed on the Fritzbox is displayed on the start page at the top right. You can also search for a newer version under “System” and “Update” and download and install it there.