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Knowledge Base document #1040

Using an existing Wi-Fi network in the FRITZ!Box for the internet connection

The FRITZ!Box can use an existing Wi-Fi network for internet access, for example a Wi-Fi hotspot from the internet service provider or from the wireless router from a neighbor.

In this case, the FRITZ!Box functions as a router itself and and provides its own network with its own IP address range. In addition to the existing Wi-Fi network, you can use the FRITZ!Box's Wi-Fi network with its separate security settings.

Requirements / Restrictions

  • The wireless router must use the 2.4 GHz frequency band.
  • The FRITZ!Box must use a different IP network than the wireless router.

    Note:If the FRITZ!Box's IP settings are the factory settings, they are automatically adjusted when you set up the connection via Wi-Fi (IP network: 192.168.188.0, subnet mask: 255.255.255.0).

  • Devices connected to the wireless router cannot access devices in the FRITZ! home network.
  • Wi-Fi connections to the FRITZ!Box are only possible in the 2.4 GHz frequency band if the FRITZ!Box is connected to the wireless router.
  • The Wi-Fi guest access is not available and Wi-Fi connections can no longer be set up via WPS (push button method).

Note:All instructions on configuration and settings given in this guide refer to the latest FRITZ!OS for the FRITZ!Box.

1 Configuring the operating mode

  1. Click "Internet" in the FRITZ!Box user interface.
  2. Click "Account Information" in the "Internet" menu.
  3. Select "existing connection over Wi-Fi" from the drop-down list "Internet connection via".
  4. In the "Wireless Devices" section, use the name of the Wi-Fi network (SSID) to select the Wi-Fi network you want to connect the FRITZ!Box to. If the Wi-Fi network is not listed, click the "Refresh List" button first.
  5. If the wireless router's Wi-Fi network is protected with a password, enter it in the "Network key" field.
  6. Click "Apply" to save the settings.

Now the FRITZ!Box is connected to the existing Wi-Fi network and all of the devices in the FRITZ! home network use the existing Wi-Fi network for internet access.

2 Setting up telephony

If you want to connect phones to the FRITZ!Box and then use them to make telephone calls over the other router's internet connection:

  1. Set up the FRITZ!Box to make phone calls over the other router.
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