Update for ancient FritzBox delivers improvements for mesh networks

The router manufacturer AVM has started a new round of firmware updates, this time also for the FritzBox 7362 SL. This model was launched in 2013 – over ten years ago – and has not been officially supported since 2019.

Important update for the old FritzBox 7362 SL

The 1&1 home server based on this FritzBox is also no longer being provided with updates. The provider 1&1 stopped selling the model at the end of 2016. Nevertheless, AVM has now released a maintenance update. No new functions are being introduced, which is hardly surprising. While AVM had already released maintenance updates for other models, it is now the turn of the FritzBox 7362 SL. Users of this model can look forward to optimized support for mesh operation, which should in particular improve the stability and performance of the router in modern networks.

The new version is FritzOS 7.18. AVM last released an update in autumn 2023 – at the time to close a serious security gap that the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) had warned about.

Tips for the update

Owners of the FritzBox 7362 SL can now install the update using the online update function of their FritzBox. Users whose devices run through a provider may have to wait a little longer for the update to be released. Alternatively, the update is also available on the AVM website available for download.

Improvements at a glance

The release notes published by AVM mainly contain information on improving general stability. The company emphasizes that all users should install the new updates promptly, as they may also contain security-related changes. However, no details have been given. Regarding the mesh update, it says: “Interaction of the mesh functionality with a FritzBox from FritzOS 7.90 is ensured.” This update is an important step to ensure that older models such as the FritzBox 7362 SL continue to function reliably in modern networks.