Your PC Upgrade for High-Speed WiFi
Is your laptop's or PC's WiFi too slow for your new fiber optic connection? Does 4K streaming stutter or does the connection drop at the crucial moment? The AVM FRITZ!WLAN Stick AC 860 is the upgrade your computer has been waiting for. It easily upgrades older devices to the fast WiFi AC standard and ensures stable, high data rates. This means even large downloads, lag-free online gaming, and video conferences in the highest quality are no longer a problem. Give your computer the speed boost it deserves.
Maximum Compatibility: Works with Every Router
Even if the name FRITZ! suggests it – this stick is a real team player. It was developed to work perfectly with any commercially available WiFi Router, regardless of the manufacturer. The connection can be established easily via the WPS button (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) or traditionally by entering your WiFi password. So you are completely flexible and can use the full performance of the stick in any Network.
AVM Stick & Surf: The Ingeniously Simple Setup
For owners of an AVM FRITZ!Box, setup is incredibly simple. Thanks to the exclusive Stick & Surf technology, you only need to briefly plug the WiFi stick into the USB port of your FRITZ!Box. All necessary security settings are automatically transferred. Then you plug the stick into your computer and are immediately securely connected to the Network. It doesn't get any simpler or faster. For all other Windows users: Plug in, wait for automatic driver installation, connect – done.
Stable Connection and Long Range
The FRITZ!WLAN Stick AC 860 is more than just fast – it is also a WiFi Stick for long range. Thanks to 2x2 MIMO Antenna technology and configurable transmit power, it noticeably improves reception. With the included USB dock, you can optimally position the stick to remove it from potential sources of interference on the PC case. This ensures maximum signal strength and a consistently stable connection, even over longer distances or through walls.
Strengths & Notes at a Glance
- Pro: Excellent and stable performance in the fast 5 GHz WiFi AC band.
- Pro: Extremely simple Plug & Play installation under Windows, drivers are directly on the stick.
- Pro: Ingenious 'Stick & Surf' function for a lightning-fast, secure setup with a FRITZ!Box.
- Pro: Universally compatible with all common WiFi Routers and standards.
- Pro: Noticeably better range and connection stability compared to many internal adapters.
- Note: Officially no compatibility with macOS. Linux support is provided by the chipset but is not advertised by AVM.
- Note: According to AVM, operation on a USB 3.0 port can interfere with the 2.4 GHz connection. Use of the included dock is recommended to avoid this.
Specifications & Features
| Manufacturer: | AVM |
| Model: | FRITZ!WLAN Stick AC 860 |
| EAN: | 4023125026874 |
| AVM Model Number: | 20002687 / 20002724 |
| Device Type: | USB WiFi Adapter (Client/Receiver) |
| Connection: | 1x USB 3.0 (Type-A) |
| USB Compatibility: | Backward compatible with USB 2.0 (with reduced data rate) |
| WiFi Standards: | IEEE 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a |
| Frequency Bands: | Dual-band (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz, selectable) |
| Maximum Data Rate (5 GHz): | Up to 866 Mbps (Gross, 802.11ac) |
| Maximum Data Rate (2.4 GHz): | Up to 300 Mbps (Gross, 802.11n) |
| Antenna Technology: | 2x2 MIMO, integrated Antennas |
| Security/Encryption: | WPA2 (802.11i), WPA, WEP (64/128-bit) |
| Setup Aid: | Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) |
| Special Feature: | AVM Stick & Surf Technology |
| Chipset: | Ralink |
| Transmit Power (2.4 GHz): | Max. 100 mW (configurable) |
| Transmit Power (5 GHz): | Max. 200 mW / 1000 mW (depending on frequency range) |
| Supported OS (Windows): | Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7 (32/64-Bit), Vista (32-Bit) |
| Supported OS (Linux): | Yes, from Kernel 4.19+ (unofficial via chipset) |
| Supported OS (macOS): | Officially not compatible |
| Driver Installation: | Automatically from stick (Windows, without CD) |
| Status Indicator: | 2x Status LEDs (USB operation & WiFi activity) |
| Power Supply: | Via USB port |
| Dimensions (Packaging): | approx. 8 x 3 x 12 cm |
Scope of Delivery
| 1 x AVM FRITZ!WLAN Stick AC 860 |
| 1 x USB docking station with cable (stand) |
| 1 x Installation guide |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I install the FRITZ!WLAN Stick AC 860?
Simply plug the stick into a free USB port on your Windows computer. The necessary drivers are stored on the stick, and the installation starts automatically. If you own a FRITZ!Box, you can briefly plug the stick into its USB port ("Stick & Surf") to automatically adopt all WiFi settings.
Does the stick only work with a FRITZ!Box?
No, the FRITZ!WLAN Stick AC 860 is universally applicable and works with any standard WiFi Router, regardless of the manufacturer. The connection can be easily established via WPS or by manually entering the WiFi password.
What speed can I expect?
In a 5-GHz WiFi Network (AC standard), you can achieve theoretical gross speeds of up to 866 Mbps. In a 2.4-GHz network (N standard), it's up to 300 Mbps. The actual speed depends on your router, distance, and sources of interference.
Does the adapter support WPA3 encryption?
The primarily supported and advertised security standard is WPA2 (802.11i), which is very secure for most home networks. There is no official guarantee for WPA3 support by AVM for this model.
What can I do to improve reception or range?
Use the included USB dock to optimally align the stick and remove it from potential sources of interference on the PC case. In the FRITZ!WLAN software, ensure that the transmit power is set to 100% and connect the stick to a USB 3.0 port.
Is the stick better than my laptop's built-in WiFi adapter?
Often yes, especially with older laptops. The FRITZ!WLAN Stick AC 860 supports the faster AC standard and, due to its design and technology, often offers better signal strength and a more stable connection than many internally installed modules.
Homepage: https://avm.de/
