Free has released a major update for its Freebox Server and Wi-Fi repeaters, significantly improving performance on the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band. The update includes version 4.13.0 for the Freebox Server and version 2.9.0 for the Wi-Fi repeaters. These updates unlock DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) channels, which were previously unused when a repeater was installed in a home. These channels are wider and less congested, offering better bandwidth and signal range for standalone Freebox units, but were disabled when a repeater was present. Now, with the update, the theoretical bandwidth is doubled, and the signal range has improved significantly. Channel changes will no longer interrupt the connection, offering a more stable and efficient Wi-Fi experience. DFS channels are part of the 5 GHz Wi-Fi spectrum that must be shared with priority equipment, such as weather radars. Before transmitting on these frequencies, the Freebox checks for nearby radar activity. If a radar is detected, the Freebox automatically switches channels to avoid interference. This constraint allows for much wider bandwidths, as DFS channels are less crowded than other parts of the spectrum. The Freebox can now use a data transfer lane twice as wide (160 MHz instead of 80 MHz) and sometimes transmit with more power. Version 4.13.0 also introduces the CSA (Channel Switch Announcement) mechanism, which notifies connected devices of an upcoming channel change, minimizing brief disconnections. Previously, DFS channels were excluded whenever a Wi-Fi repeater was used to extend the signal. Once a repeater was installed, the Freebox automatically disabled access to these better bandwidth channels. Worse, if radar activity was detected, the Freebox would switch to a regular channel and remain there, never returning to the DFS channels. This meant that homes with multiple Wi-Fi repeaters were unable to benefit from these improved channels, despite their need for more bandwidth. The latest update changes this, allowing DFS channels to be used even with repeaters connected. The Freebox no longer needs manual intervention to return to these channels after a radar has passed, as it automatically switches back once the interference is gone. The update also ensures that all channel changes—whether automatic or manually triggered—happen almost invisibly, without causing a drop in the connection. However, the anti-radar check does take time. The startup of the 5 GHz Wi-Fi may be delayed by about 60 seconds, as the Freebox checks that the frequency range is clear before transmitting. This is a small trade-off for the significant bandwidth improvements. The updates are interdependent: repeaters can only benefit from DFS channels if the Freebox Server is running version 4.13.0 or newer. A simple restart of the Freebox Server activates the update, and the repeaters will automatically update shortly after. If a repeater remains on an old version, restarting it usually resolves the issue. Users can check the update status through the Free app or directly on the Freebox, where the version number is displayed in the System menu or Advanced Information.