The FRITZ!Box Fon is a multi-purpose device targeted primarily to home and home-office users. The device combines multiple functions, including a built-in ADSL modem for DSL-based Internet connectivity, a four port switch, a USB port, and most notably, dual analog telephone ports allowing for the connection of standard telephones.

The telephone ports on the unit, in particular, enable the user to make both landline and Internet-based (VoIP) phone calls. The device enables the connection of either a POTS or ISDN based line, and supports calling features including bandwidth management (via the vendor's Traffic Shaping technology), call waiting, call brokering, call forwarding, and 3-way conference calling. No direct-to-PC connection is required to use the telephone with the box; it supports multiple Internet phone numbers (can be from differing providers), and dialing rules (dialing codes) for both Internet and landline calls.

As a network device, the FRITZ!Box includes a four port 10/100 switch for connections to local PCs and a built-in DSL modem and port facilitating connectivity to the Internet itself. A WLAN version of the device also supports usage as a wireless router; enabling connectivity from 802.11b/g clients and 802.11g++ for potential connections of up to 125 Mb/sec with compatible gear. Encryption is supported through WPA-2, WPA, WEP-64 or WEP-128, with each device having a unique key on the underside of the box. The WLAN module of the device can be deactivated from an extension phone.

The USB host feature of the boxes enable the connection of an external hard drive or printer (neither included, of course) for the implementation of network storage or printing. When the device is used in conjunction with the vendor's FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick (separately priced) it (the stick) can be connected to the FRITZ!Box, and all necessary configuration information can be transfered to the stick prior to its use as a WLAN client in a computer.

Other device features include support for ADSL2, browser-based management, built-in DHCP server/NAT, SPI firewall and port forwarding capabilities.

In addition to the FRITZ!Box 5124 (no WLAN) and FRITZ!Box 7140 (w/WLAN) described above, the vendor also offers the FRITZ!Box 7170, with 3 analog lines and a single ISDN port.

New features of the boxes are made possible via firmware upgrades, and include individual usage controls (i.e., child protection), remote access to configurations via HTTPS (7140/7170), and improved DSL performance. The firmware upgrade is free to existing customers.

Contact the vendor for further information.

product submission by EITPlanet Staff

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