routers

AVM has announced a major software update for its FRITZ!Box routers, introducing FRITZ!OS 8.50. The German networking company says the new firmware makes its routers smarter, more secure and faster. Users in Germany are discussing what the update includes and when their devices will receive it.

AVM has released FRITZ!OS 8.50, a major software update for its FRITZ!Box routers, promising smarter, more secure and faster performance. German tech media are covering the rollout, alongside news that 1&1 launched its HomeServer Pro, a new Wi-Fi 7 router for DSL and fibre connections, keeping home networking gear in the German spotlight.

German tech site t3n reports that many AVM Fritzbox routers are currently cheaper on Amazon during the Prime Deal Days sales event. The article reviews which of the discounts are actually worthwhile, pointing readers toward the genuinely good router deals amid the flood of promotions. The Fritzbox is Germany's most popular home router brand, so price cuts attract wide attention.

A new analysis examines the gap between advertised gigabit broadband and what home Wi-Fi networks actually deliver, arguing that wireless technology, not the internet connection, is usually the bottleneck. The piece looks at real-world throughput limits, router placement, interference and device capabilities, concluding that many households cannot fully use the 1 Gbps speeds they pay for. Readers are debating whether internet providers should be more upfront about Wi-Fi as the true constraint.

German tech site connect has published a review of the 1&1 Homeserver Pro, a DSL and fiber router based on the Fritz!Box 7-90 series, putting it through testing. The article examines how the device performs for 1&1 customers compared with standard AVM routers, covering connection options and features.

Engadget is weighing the pros and cons of buying your own router versus renting one from your internet service provider. The piece argues that while ISP rentals add a monthly fee to every bill, owning your own equipment can pay for itself over time and often delivers better performance. The discussion touches on setup effort, compatibility, and when renting still makes sense.

A new open-source project called Brut is drawing attention among Unix and CLI enthusiasts. Described as 'the brutal router for Unix tools', it aims to route tasks between command-line utilities, and is being shared and discussed on developer communities this week.

Consumers are being reminded that internet service providers typically charge a monthly rental fee for routers, often adding up to far more than the cost of buying a device outright. Owning your own compatible router can lower bills and improve performance, though renters avoid responsibility for maintenance and upgrades. The question resurfaces as households look for ways to trim recurring costs.

A broadband customer ran a speed test that repeatedly capped out below 100Mbps, then fixed the problem by resetting the fibre unit with a paper clip. The observation, shared online, has struck a chord because many households never notice degraded speeds unless uploading or backing up large files. It is a reminder that a basic router reboot can restore advertised speeds without calling an internet provider.

Elon Musk's Grok bot on X has been converted into a router that directs user questions to different AI models rather than answering them itself, according to Gizmodo. The change is being read as another sign that Musk's SpaceX is shifting resources toward AI infrastructure, blurring the lines between his space, social media and artificial intelligence ventures.

The US Federal Communications Commission is set to vote on a rule that would ban all Chinese laboratories from testing electronics sold in the United States. The move would remove Chinese facilities from the certification process for devices such as phones and routers, reflecting ongoing US concerns over national security risks tied to Chinese technology and supply chains.

Developers are discussing a new tool called OpenCode Model Router, which manages long AI-assisted coding sessions by setting up per-agent model fallback chains, controlled through a local web interface. The idea addresses a familiar frustration: extended sessions often stall when the primary model starts returning rate-limit errors. When that happens, the router switches to backup models instead, keeping the workflow running without manual intervention.

Engadget takes a closer look at whether dedicated gaming routers actually improve performance or whether standard routers deliver the same experience. The piece examines what gaming-specific hardware offers in terms of latency, prioritisation and stability for online play.

The US Federal Communications Commission has issued a waiver under its Covered List rules for internet routers that have been modified by internet service providers. The Covered List identifies communications equipment deemed a national security risk, and waivers determine whether specific devices or configurations remain subject to its restrictions. The ruling affects how ISPs can deploy and modify routing equipment on their networks.

A tech guide explains that removing certain USB devices can noticeably improve weak Wi-Fi. USB 3.0 gadgets and their cables can generate radio interference in the 2.4GHz band, disrupting nearby wireless connections. The advice is simple decluttering: unplug or move the offending devices away from the router, and connection quality may recover without buying new equipment.

MakeUseOf explains why a fast broadband connection can still deliver sluggish Wi-Fi, listing five common culprits. Typical causes in such guides include router placement, outdated hardware, interference from other devices, network congestion and settings that limit wireless speeds, each of which can throttle performance before the internet connection itself becomes the bottleneck.

Economist Jahangir Aziz says major cloud providers, or hyperscalers, are consuming most of the available semiconductors, leaving security hardware manufacturers struggling with limited supply and rising costs. Companies building firewalls, intrusion detection systems and secure routers face growing difficulties sourcing chips as cloud firms absorb the bulk of global semiconductor output, raising concerns about the availability and price of critical security infrastructure.

Engadget explores why mesh Wi-Fi systems ship without the external antennas common on traditional routers. The piece explains the design reasoning behind antenna-free mesh units, which prioritize discreet, whole-home coverage through multiple nodes rather than the adjustable antennas consumers see on conventional routers, prompting discussion among home networking enthusiasts.

PCMag reports that internet service providers track users' home browsing activity and has published guidance on how to limit it. The article explains what data providers can collect and outlines steps users can take, such as adjusting router settings or using encryption tools, to protect their privacy at home.

A cybersecurity researcher has flagged IP address 125.41.211.84, registered to China Unicom, as a suspected source of Mozi malware distribution. The attribution is low confidence, but admins are advised to check their logs for contact with the address. Mozi is a botnet malware that primarily targets IoT devices such as routers and DVRs, often recruiting them for further attacks.

A homeowner is upgrading their home internet connection using cellular broadband rather than fiber, and is asking for advice on equipment. They plan to buy an LTE/5G modem with a SIM slot and an ethernet port to connect to a new router, and are seeking recommendations from others who have built similar setups.

ASUS has released firmware updates fixing two critical vulnerabilities in its routers, tracked as CVE-2026-14157 and CVE-2026-13313. The flaws allow authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary commands and gain root privileges by exploiting malicious VPN files. Users are urged to update their routers promptly.

A homeowner has blocked every television in their house from internet access, using firewall rules on their OpnSense router to cut off LG, Sony, Roku and TCL sets. The move targets smart TV telemetry and tracking, and has resonated with others concerned about how much data connected TVs collect.

Huawei's openJiuwen team has open-sourced X-Router, a routing tool designed to direct each AI agent request to the most suitable model. The system is aimed at helping developers balance cost and capability by automatically choosing between different models rather than defaulting to one. Details on adoption and performance remain limited so far.

Security researchers report active exploit attempts against vulnerabilities in the Realtek Jungle SDK, used widely in networking and IoT devices. Attackers are delivering the Cling botnet, which uses STUN-based command-and-control to evade detection. The findings are part of a broader digest of 19 cybersecurity updates from seven sources, alongside reporting on threats targeting the credential layer.

Lifehacker has published a roundup of the best Wi-Fi and networking deals for Amazon's October Prime Day, covering discounted routers and mesh network systems. The guide aims to help shoppers upgrade their home internet hardware during the sale event, highlighting which networking products are worth buying at reduced prices this month.

Digital Trends has published a roundup of five router deals, arguing that upgrading equipment is a smarter first step than paying a broadband provider for a faster plan. The piece suggests many households can improve slow or inconsistent Wi-Fi by replacing an aging router rather than increasing subscription speeds. It is aimed at consumers weighing home internet upgrades.

The Federal Communications Commission has banned certain robotic vacuums, routers and other devices from the US market, according to an NBC 5 Chicago report. The devices covered by the ban fall under equipment the agency no longer authorizes, affecting consumer electronics categories including smart home hardware.

A discussion in the Chinese open-source community is clarifying the names behind so-called 'jev/tev' filtering systems. The consensus: 'TEV' is likely a typo for Jev, a System One decision model from TypeSafe AI, and no mainstream open-source project called TEV exists. Instead, developers point to a batch of lightweight, embeddable Jev-like decision-model components that act as filtering, classification and guardrail layers in data pipelines, such as Telegram channel routers.