AVM FritzBox 4020 WiFi router: Pros and Cons
The AVM FritzBox 4020 (FB-4020) router released in 2016. It is powered by Qualcomm Atheros QCA9561 @ 750 MHz chipset, 128 MB of RAM and 16 MB of flash. The N450 router is compatible with IEEE 802.11b/g/n standards, and the maximum speed that you can get with FritzBox 4020 is 450 Mbps. The router has 1 x 10/100 Mbps WAN and 4 x 10/100 Mbps LAN ports.
Table of Contents
Our personal experiences and opinions form the basis of this article. We aimed to share insights on a topic, and we hoped others would find it useful and inspirational. The specs below rely on official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you noticed any mistakes or missing details about the AVM FritzBox 4020, please let us know. Furthermore, we strive to deliver a thorough and precise overview.
The FritzBox 4020 is a basic Wi-Fi router. It provides reliable wireless connectivity for small homes or apartments. The USB connectors on the router add versatility to your network. They enable file sharing, printer sharing, and other USB functions. AVM is a well-respected manufacturer in the networking industry. They have a reputation for providing a variety of networking devices.
AVM FritzBox 4020 specifications
| Brand | AVM |
|---|---|
| Name | FritzBox 4020 |
| Type | FB-4020 |
| Rating | |
| Launch | 2016 |
Body
| Dimensions | 166 x 120 x 48 mm |
|---|
If you have limited space, like in a small apartment or office, the dimensions can determine if it can fit there.
System
| Chipset | Qualcomm Atheros QCA9561 @ 750 MHz |
|---|---|
| RAM | 128 MB |
| Flash | 16 MB |
| OS | Fritz |
| Power supply | 12 V / 2.5 A |
The Qualcomm Atheros QCA9561 @ 750 MHz CPU is key. It, along with factors like RAM and firmware, decides how well the router works. The 128 MB of RAM enables the router to handle multiple tasks and processes concurrently. Flash memory retains its data even when the router is off. This allows the router to keep its firmware and settings across reboots. Upgrading router firmware has become simple and user-friendly. The AVM provides the right power supply. It is 12 V / 2.5 A, this matches the router's voltage needs.
Network
| Protocols | IPv4 IPv6 |
|---|---|
| LAN ports | 4 x 10/100 Mbps |
| WAN ports | 1 x 10/100 Mbps |
| Mobile network | yes, with USB dongle |
| VPN support | no |
Like many modern routers, the AVM FritzBox 4020 supports many features and tech. They improve your network's connectivity and security. Most networking equipment, like routers and switches, supports IPv4. The FritzBox 4020 router is also compatible with IPv6. IPv6 has a much bigger address space. It also offers many enhancements and improvements over IPv4. Wired connections may bottleneck due to the limits of Fast Ethernet ports. Connect the 3G/4G USB dongle to the FritzBox 4020 router. Then, you can share the internet connection. You can share it with many devices on your local network.
Wireless
| Antennas | 2 x 3 dBi internal |
|---|---|
| 2.4 GHz | yes |
| 5 GHz | no |
| 60 GHz | no |
| Standards | IEEE 802.11b/g/n |
| Class | N450 |
| Speed | 450 Mbps |
| Transmit power | 20 dBm |
| Security | WPA WPA2 |
| Guest network | yes |
The 2 x 3 dBi, internal antennas allow sending and getting many data streams at once. This boosts overall throughput and improves Wi-Fi performance. This router is 2.4 GHz capable. The 2.4GHz band refers to the portion of the radio spectrum between 2.400 and 2.4835 gigahertz. Older routers have a more limited range than newer Wi-Fi standards. So, they are less suitable for larger homes or offices. The top speed, 450 Mbps, is the highest data rate the router can reach. It's the theoretical limit in perfect conditions. The introduction of WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2) improved upon WEP. It provides stronger security.
Connectivity
| USB ports | 1 x USB 2.0 |
|---|---|
| Print server | yes |
| File server | yes |
The USB 2 port has a maximum theoretical data transfer rate of 480 megabits per second (Mbps). A USB print server adds print functionality. You can manage settings, watch queues, and control access from one place. The FritzBox 4020 router lets you schedule backups. You can back up to the connected USB storage device.
Administration
| Default IP | 192.168.178.1 |
|---|---|
| Default username | [blank] |
| Default password | [on the label] |
Changing the password often is a good security practice. It protects your network and devices from unauthorized access. Changing the default password improves your router's security. It reduces the risk of unauthorized individuals controlling your network.
Pros and Cons
Every router, including this AVM one, has its good sides and not-so-good sides. Let's take a closer look at both to get a full understanding of what this router can do. We'll talk about what it does well and also where it could use some improvements. Just remember, this is just what I think, and you might see things differently.
Pros
- sufficient memory
- IPv6 capable
- 3/4G USB modem capable
- USB 2 compatible
- printserver functionality
- fileserver operation
Cons
- insufficient flash
- lack of Gigabit LAN
- Non-gigabit WAN port
- missing Wi-Fi 6 support
- lacks Wi-Fi 5 compatibility
- reduced Wi-Fi bandwidth
- incompatible with WPA3
- missing WPS support
AVM FritzBox 4020 photos
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