Planning a connection change properly
Fibre rollout has been announced, but the household still uses DSL. Perhaps a replacement router is needed anyway.
A device supporting both connection types sounds interesting in that situation. That is where the 5690 Pro comes into consideration.
I would not order solely on the words DSL and fibre, however. Fibre networks use different technologies, and even a capable router is not automatically ready for direct connection to every service.
The decisive question is whether the device fits the connection that will actually be supplied.
What distinguishes the 5690 Pro
The 5690 Pro combines a DSL modem with a slot for suitable fibre modules. The stated retail package includes AON and GPON modules. Wireless covers 2.4, 5 and 6 GHz, with Wi-Fi 7 on 5 and 6 GHz and Wi-Fi 6 on 2.4 GHz. Check the contents of the particular product variant being purchased. [1][2]
It therefore differs from the 7690 through both direct fibre support and the additional radio band.
Support for both connection types was described at the introduction on 3 June 2024. This is an established model currently offered for sale, not merely an announced future product. [2]
Price check: €320.99 at the time of research
The manufacturer shop displayed the 5690 Pro in stock at €320.99 including VAT and delivery. The price-comparison listing also displayed offers at that total. [1][3]
Compared with the 7690 offer at €249, that is a €71.99 premium. [4]
I would check whether the extra capabilities are needed. Someone planning direct fibre use with suitable devices for the extra wireless band will assess it differently from a household needing only straightforward DSL for the foreseeable future.
The largest feature set does not automatically give the best value. What matters is which parts serve a purpose in your own home.
AON, GPON and XGS-PON must not be confused
The 5690 Pro supports direct use on suitable AON and GPON fibre networks. It is not intended for a direct XGS-PON connection. The manufacturer instead describes connecting through WAN behind the provider's fibre modem where appropriate. [5]
This is not a minor detail. A fibre contract may still require a different modem or router for direct optical connection.
Before buying, I would ask the provider which network standard is used, how a customer-owned router is registered or activated, and which connection details are supplied.
The handover arrangement matters too: will the fibre terminate at the router, or will the provider's separate optical modem remain?
That helps determine which advantages the combined router actually offers.
The fastest network connection exists only once
The 5690 Pro has one combined 2.5-Gigabit WAN/LAN connection and four Gigabit LAN ports. [1]
With fibre connected directly through the appropriate module, the combined port can serve a fast local link. With an external modem connected to that port, the four Gigabit LAN ports remain for wired clients.
That does not automatically limit all internet use combined to one Gigabit. It means an individual device on one of those remaining LAN ports has a Gigabit connection.
For capable network storage and several fast computers, I would plan the wiring carefully. An additional fast switch may be needed instead of connecting every desired device directly to the router.
That follows from the port allocation, regardless of the large combined wireless figure on the product page.
An additional wireless band is an opportunity, not a coverage guarantee
The 6 GHz band is a significant difference from simpler routers, but client devices must support it.
Gross link rates are not guaranteed usable throughput everywhere in a home. The manufacturer separately explains the effects of client capability and actual radio conditions. [6]
My practical questions would be which devices can use the band, where they are located and whether an existing bottleneck is likely to improve.
For a distant study, I would also consider a deliberately positioned access point or a wired connection. A powerful central router need not be the only answer to every building layout.
Think about telephony and smart home in advance
The 5690 Pro provides a DECT base, Zigbee, one analogue telephone connection and one USB 3.1 port. [1]
Moving from an original 7590 with several telephone connections requires more thought than internet and wireless alone. Existing equipment must still have suitable connections in the new setup.
I would explicitly discuss telephony with the provider during a fibre change. Working internet does not prove that the previous number and every attached phone have been configured correctly.
Should you buy now because fibre has been announced?
Not necessarily.
If the existing FRITZ!Box works satisfactorily and there is no confirmed activation date, I would continue planning rather than spend in advance.
It is different if replacement is necessary anyway and the future connection is already known. Supporting DSL and suitable fibre together may then avoid another hardware change.
The manufacturer also lists a newer FRITZ!Box DSL/Fiber 7-90 at €429, but expects availability in its own shop only from early in the first quarter of 2027. It points to earlier ordering through 1&1. That is not the same as an immediately available standalone direct-shop offer. [7]
For a current need, I would assess available solutions. An announcement alone is not a reason to postpone a necessary decision.
My conclusion: Especially interesting for a specifically planned connection change
The 5690 Pro makes particular sense to consider when DSL and a compatible future fibre service are planned together.
Direct fibre use and the additional wireless band can explain a premium over the 7690, but that premium still needs to match your needs.
Before buying, I would not ask whether it sounds future-proof. I would check whether it fits the next connection, my devices and the planned home network.
About this assessment
Technical details come from manufacturer documentation and the prices were researched. This is not my own performance test or a promise of compatibility with every provider. Check the network standard, activation and package contents before buying. Prices, availability and announced dates can change. Prices concern the German market, include VAT and use the stated German delivery terms.
Sources and further reading
Research date: 20 October 2026. Manufacturer documentation and advertised prices are not independent performance tests. Prices and delivery terms refer to the specified German offers and may change.
[1] FRITZ!: 5690 Pro specifications and retail package
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[2] FRITZ!: product introduction on 3 June 2024
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[3] idealo: 5690 Pro price comparison
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[4] MediaMarkt: 7690 comparison price
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[5] FRITZ!: setting up a fibre connection
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[6] FRITZ!: wireless link rates and usable throughput
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[7] FRITZ!: DSL/Fiber 7-90 price and announced shop availability
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