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Knowledge document #106

Setting up the FRITZ!Box for use with another router

You want to use the FRITZ!Box with another router and use the existing internet connection? ✓ Here's how to set up the FRITZ!Box for this.

The FRITZ!Box can use the existing internet connection of another router. This allows you to do the following with the FRITZ!Box:

  • use it with an internet connection where the internet service provider requires the use of a special router they provide that contains preconfigured account information that cannot be changed (Integrated Access Device, IAD).
  • easily integrate it into an existing network infrastructure.
  • use it as a telephone system and use all of the telephones connected to the FRITZ!Box to conduct calls over the router.

The FRITZ!Box can be set up as an IP client or a cascaded router. Which operating mode is best depends on your requirements.

If the other router is a FRITZ!Box, proceed as described in the guide Setting up the FRITZ!Box as a Mesh Repeater.

1 Setting up the FRITZ!Box as an IP client (recommended)

  1. Set up the FRITZ!Box as an IP client if you want to easily integrate the FRITZ!Box into an existing network. When used as an IP client,
    • the firewall of the FRITZ!Box is disabled.
    • computers, smartphones, and other devices connected to the FRITZ!Box still obtain their IP settings from the existing router.
    • all devices have unrestricted access to the internet and all other devices, regardless of whether they are connected to the FRITZ!Box or the other router.
    • the functions parental controls and guest access are not available.

2 Setting up the FRITZ!Box as a cascaded router

  1. Set up the FRITZ!Box as a cascaded router if the FRITZ!Box should make its own network available that is separate from the other router. When used as a cascaded router,
    • the firewall of the FRITZ!Box is enabled.
    • computers, smartphones, and other devices connected to the FRITZ!Box no longer obtain their IP settings from the other router. Instead, they obtain them from the FRITZ!Box.
    • it is not possible to access devices connected to the FRITZ!Box from the internet or the other router's network.
    • the parental controls and guest access functions are available.
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