AVM Fritzbox 7330 router review

AVM's Fritzbox routers have lots of clever features, but they are also expensive. The new Fritzbox 7330 is one of the company's cheaper models, although at £125 it is still more expensive than most routers.

It uses the 802.11n Wifi standard for theoretical speeds of 300Mbits/sec, but it only has a single 2.4GHz wireless radio whereas the 7390 has an additional 5GHz radio.

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That extra radio gives users of the 7390 the option of less wireless interference at the expense of range. For most users this should not matter too much, but it is a limitation nonetheless. In our tests, the 7330's wireless performance was nothing special. Close up it managed 33Mbits/sec, but at 25m range it struggled to reach 6Mbits/sec.

It has a built-in ADSL2+ modem for broadband services up to 24Mbits/sec, and can also use a 3G USB broadband dongle (not supplied) in either of the two USB2 ports. Oddly, it has just two Ethernet connectors, one operating at 100Mbits/sec and one at 1,000Mbits/sec. The faster one can be used to connect a cable broadband or BT Infinity modem.

A setup wizard automatically detects the internet connection and asks for security details if needed. Once done, other settings can be modified in the commendably simple and intuitive web browser-based interface.

What sets it apart from most routers are the telephony features. A special Y-cable connects the router to both the broadband socket and the fixed telephone line. Any ordinary telephone can then be plugged into the special socket at the rear, turning the router into a powerful miniature phone exchange, complete with a fax machine and five answering machines.

Up to six cordless DECT phones can also be connected. As well as standard phone calls, it can use up to ten separate internet telephone (VoIP) services.

The 7330's other features include sharing wireless access to a plugged-in USB hard disk and printer. The Wifi can be set to turn off on a schedule, and there is a Child Protection feature that can limit the hours allowed for internet access, as well as blocking prohibited websites and services.

The 7330 is an attractive router for those interested mainly in internet telephony, but otherwise it is too pricey for everyone else.