Thanks to this technology you can make cordless telephone calls, use your FRITZ!Fon to listen to music, view pictures, read e-mail, and control your Smart Home devices and media player. But what’s behind DECT and how does it work?

What is DECT?

DECT stands for Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications. It is based on a standard for cordless voice and data communications. The majority of our FRITZ!Boxes can function as DECT base stations. This means that cordless telephones like our FRITZ!Fon models can be registered with the FRITZ!Box. Other developments, known as substandards, also play a role for DECT.

What are the substandards?

Since it was introduced in 1993, DECT technology has undergone continuous further development, so that over the years a number of substandards have emerged. These provide for optimizations or innovations in convenience and quality. We list five of the most important substandards here:

Security is guaranteed

According to Germany’s Federal Office for Radiation Protection, transmitter power of 250 mW is categorized as minimal. By comparison, the transmitter power of cell phones in mobile communications networks is around four times higher. There is no scientific evidence for health risks due to the use of DECT devices, not even for persons sensitive to radiation.

DECT connections are securely encrypted ex works. With the update to FRITZ!OS 6.50, two new encryption mechanisms were introduced for DECT connections. The first is called “Early Encryption”, which describes that the encryption procedure is performed before transmission. The second is “Rekeying”, during which new keys are generated during ongoing communication. Only AVM products support this encryption during operation in repeater mode.