Encrypted Data Transmission in a Public Wi-Fi Hotspot (OWE)

The FRITZ!Box's Wi-Fi guest access (public Wi-Fi hotspot) supports OWE (Opportunistic Wireless Encryption). OWE is an encryption method for secure connections in open Wi-Fi networks.

Using OWE

OWE offers the following advantages:

  • Wireless devices that support OWE can transmit data in encrypted form in the public Wi-Fi hotspot of the FRITZ!Box. "WPA2/CCMP" encryption is used.
  • Users can still register with the Wi-Fi hotspot without a password.

Wireless devices without OWE continue to transmit their data without encryption, even if OWE is enabled in the FRITZ!Box.

Prerequisites

The following prerequisites should be met for an encrypted connection:

  • OWE is enabled in the FRITZ!Box (OWE has been available since FRITZ!OS 7.19).
  • The wireless device supports OWE.

Wireless Devices with OWE

The following wireless devices can already use OWE:

  • Google Pixel 2, 3 and 4 (with Android 10)
  • possibly other devices with Android 10
  • Samsung Galaxy S10 (since Android 9)
  • Windows 10 Build Version 2004 or later in combination with
    • wireless adapter with OWE support (for instance, the latest generation INTEL AX200)
    • the latest driver software for the wireless adapter

Apple devices do not currently support OWE. The FRITZ!App WLAN also does not currently support OWE-secured connections.

Enabling OWE in the FRITZ!Box

OWE is enabled automatically when a public Wi-Fi hotspot is configured (the "Allow encrypted data transmission in a public hotspot (OWE)" setting under "Additional Settings").

Detecting Encrypted Connections

Under "Wi-Fi / Wi-Fi Network" and "Home Network / Network", connections encrypted with OWE are designated with the following symbol (suitcase and lock):