Best Router For Fiber Internet (2024)

Having the best router for fiber internet has become essential with the emergence of new internet technologies as well as ultra-fast internet speeds.

High-quality fiber-optic routers allow you to stream, download, and game without any issues, while also providing strong internet security for your home.

Typically, fiber-optic routers are the best choice for business or home settings as they provide fast, reliable, and secure internet connection.

These routers have the potential of delivering high-speed bandwidth and allow you to access download speeds that are very fast compared to routers which use traditional copper wires.

Before getting a router that provides your internet through fiber-optic technology, you need to consider a few factors such as the coverage, range, wireless protocols, whether you want a mesh system or traditional router, and the number of bands.

If you want to upgrade your home network to the next level, then continue reading to learn more about the best routers that offer you fiber optic internet connection.

Best Router For Fiber Internet (2024)

Top 7 Fiber Optic Routers

Each router reviewed in this section comes with different specifications, designs, and performance features.

These are some of the top choices when it comes to the best router for fiber internet in the market for your office and home WiFi.

1. Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 (Editor’s Choice)

Design

The NETGEAR RAXE500 features WiFi 6 technology which enables you to have smooth and fast internet on several devices connected to your home network without any delays.

The WiFi 6 technology has about a 50% boost in performance compared to WiFi 5 technology which enables this router to have better battery, security, data management, and faster speeds.

The RAXE500 provides coverage of about 3500 sq. ft, allows you to connect 60 devices, and has an internet speed of up to 10.8 Gbps.

Performance

The Nighthawk RAXE500 comes with 5 ethernet ports that allow you to connect your devices to the router using ethernet cables.

Netgear Armor is a security feature that comes with the router and it protects your home network and devices from internet attacks and threats.

Smart parental controls restrict access to harmful internet content for your children hence preventing them from downloading and watching bad content online.

The Nighthawk app is easy to download and install and you can use it to set up your RAXE500.

Additionally, the app enables you to manage your WiFi settings, test the speed of your internet plan, and control how your data is being used by your family.

The OFDMA and MU-MIMO technologies work together to reduce the time this router connects to the devices and improves the internet speed.

OFDMA achieves this by assigning subcarriers to each device on the network while MU-MIMO combines beams from the router that searches the devices.

The RAXE500 also features Beamforming technology which extends the speed and range of your router as well as the QoS that directs network attention to specific devices in your network.

You can use Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa to control this router. The Guest WiFi Access feature allows you to share your WiFi with your visitors.

Who It’s For

The Nighthawk RAXE500 is suitable for individuals with large homes and over 60 devices that need to have a smooth internet connection simultaneously.

Specs

• Speed: 8 Gbps
• Range: 3500 sq. ft. and up to 60 devices
• Bands: Tri-Band
• Wireless Protocols: 11ax
• Ports: 2 USB ports and 5 Ethernet ports

Pros

• It has more bandwidth for your devices.
• You get faster internet speeds.
• Reliable and maximized range and coverage.
• There is less congestion.
• The internet connection is reliable.

Cons       

• The app does not have advanced features.

2. Netgear Orbi RBK853 (Mesh WiFi System)

Design

The NETGEAR Orbi RBK853 is a mesh system that comes with the fastest and latest WiFi 6 technology that offers you the ultimate smart home experience with unbelievable connection capacity and internet coverage.

The RBK853 ensures that you have strong WiFi connections throughout your home and enough bandwidth for your connected devices such as WiFi-connected speakers, multiple streaming, smart lights, online gaming, and security devices.

Performance

The RBK853 Mesh WiFi system comes with a coverage of up to 7,500 sq. ft and you can connect up to 100 devices and achieve smooth and stable internet connections.

You can purchase an extra satellite which is sold separately if you want to extend your coverage to up to 2500 sq. ft.

The Orbi App enables you to set up the NETGEAR RBK853 router in minutes and you can use it for other purposes such as testing your internet speeds, managing the setting of your WiFi network and monitoring how you and your family are using data.

The Ethernet ports on each satellite and the router allows you to plug in your streaming players, game consoles, computers, and more.

The NETGEAR Armor comes with a 30-day free trial and it provides your home network and devices with protection against internet attacks.

The smart parental controls also have a 30-day free trial. This feature is designed to prevent your kids from accessing harmful content online, while also building trust with your kids to help them develop responsibility and healthy habits for their internet usage.

Who It’s For

The NETGEAR Orbi RBK853 is designed to have extensive coverage, therefore, if you have more than 100 devices and live in a house that is about 7500 sq. ft. you should get this router.

Specs

• Speed: Up to 6 Gbps
• Range: Up to 7500 sq. ft and up to 100 devices
• Bands: Tri-Band
• Wireless Protocols: 11ax, 802.11ac
• Ports: 13

Pros

• Protects your kids from internet attacks.
• Protects your network from internet attacks.
• Easy to set up using the Orbi app.
• Features the WiFi 6 technology.
• Has extensive coverage.

Cons

3. TP-Link Archer AX73 (Budget Friendly)

Design

The TP-Link Archer AX73 allows you to connect all of your devices to your home network and achieve faster and more reliable internet connections as it comes with advanced technologies such as beamforming, OFDMA, MU-MIMO, QoS, and parental controls.

The internet speed of this router is up to 5400 Mbps which is fast enough for you and your family members to stream, download, and game at the same time without buffering.

Performance

The MU-MIMO and OFDMA technologies increase the average throughput by allowing you to connect multiple devices to the network.

The MU-MIMO uses a single stream while OFDMA uses several streams to increase the efficiency of your internet.

Since your network and devices are exposed to internet security issues when you are online, there is no need to worry as this router comes with a network scanner that will protect you if there are any attacks.

If you want some of your devices to perform better and achieve fast connections because you are using them for data-intensive tasks, you can use the Quality-of-Service feature to concentrate enough bandwidth on them.

You can relax knowing the content that your children are consuming is appropriate as the parental controls allow you to monitor what they are watching or downloading.

You can also restrict the time they are spending online, and this helps them develop healthy internet habits.

The USB ports allow you to share media across your devices and store files in private cloud storage. Your router is protected from overheating because it has vented areas.

Who It’s For

The Archer AX73 is recommended for individuals who have large homes, multiple devices, and require faster internet speeds for using the internet.

Specs

• Speed: Up to 5400 Mbps
• Range: Extensive coverage
• Bands: Dual-Band
• Wireless Protocols: 11n, 802.11ax, 802.11b, 802.11ac, 802.11g
• Ports: 5 Ethernet ports

Pros

• Connects lots of devices at the same time.
• Great coverage and wider range.
• Comes with parental controls.
• The roaming services are smart and fast.
• Easy to set up.

Cons

• The 2.4 GHz has issues.
• If you want to achieve faster speeds, you need to update the firmware.

4. ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 (For Gaming)

Design

The ASUS GT-AX11000 is a great router if you are into gaming as it features three-level acceleration that ensures your gaming experience is improved by reducing the ping rate and game latency.

It comes with AiMesh technology which ensures that your entire home has network coverage by using multiple ASUS routers placed throughout your house.

This technology serves as a central control system for your network and it offers great roaming capabilities with its flexibility.

Performance

The ASUS GT-AX11000 enables you to use both VPN and ordinary internet connection on your devices to improve game performance.

You can assign one 5GHz band for your gaming needs to avoid bandwidth competition between your devices. This band also unlocks any channel that is congested for a smooth internet connection.

For gamers to join a team with their friends, they can do port forwarding by following three simple steps which include choosing a game, finding a device to play the game, and finally activating the game.

Before playing a game, you can check the ping times of multiple servers using the Game Radar while the Gaming Center Interface enables you to easily click and point on each feature.

Who It’s For

The ASUS GT-AX11000 is recommended for households that require fast and consistent internet speeds for their security, gaming, and monitoring needs.

Specs

• Speed: 11000 Mbps
• Range: Very large homes
• Bands: Tri-Band
• Wireless Protocols: 11ax, 802.11ac
• Ports: 4 Ethernet ports

Pros

• Offers whole-home coverage.
• You get ultimate gaming performance.
• Advanced monitoring and control.
• Great internet security.

Cons

• It comes with a slow throughput.

5. TP-Link Archer BE550 (Best WiFi 7 Router)

Design

The TP-Link Archer BE550 features a brand-new design, lightning-fast wired connections, and powerful WiFi 7 performance.

The WiFi 7 technology is equipped with 320 MHz channels, Multi-Rus, Multi-Link Operation, and 4K-QAM.

The Archer BE550 can achieve speeds of up to 2880 Mbps on the 5GHz band, 5760 Mbps on the 6 GHz band, and 574 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band hence delivering blazing-fast downloads, immersive AR/VR gaming, and 4K/8K streaming.

Performance

The TP-Link Archer BE550 is equipped with four 2.5G LAN ports and a 2.5G WAN port which delivers peak performance to your devices and is an ideal solution for future-proofing your home network.

The Proprietary WiFi optimization, Beamforming technology, and 6 antennas that are optimally positioned help to deliver stronger and more reliable connections, more capacity, and less interference.  

The Archer BE550 can be paired with EasyMesh range extenders and routers to create a seamless network throughout your home and prevent lag and drop when moving around your home and changing signals.

Your home network is kept safe through the TP-Link HomeShield security service that has features like Basic Parental Controls, Basic Network Security, Basic Monthly/Weekly Reports, and Quality of Service.

Additionally, you can provide extra protection to your network and devices using the advanced WPA3 encryption and setting up a separate WiFi for IoT devices.

Since the Archer BE550 supports both ordinary and VPN internet connections simultaneously to deliver security and flexibility, your devices do not need VPN software to access remote VPN servers.

Setting up the BE550 is easy and fast using the Tether app. You can use a Google Assistant-enables device or Alexa to manage the BE550 using your voice.

Who It’s For

The TP-Link Archer BE550 is ideal for users who are looking for a high-performing router as it is equipped with WiFi 7 technology that delivers faster internet speeds and broader coverage.

Specs

• Speed: Up to 3 Gbps
• Range: Broader coverage
• Bands: Tri-Band
• Wireless Protocol: 11n, 802.11ax, 802.11g, 802.11ac, 802.11.be
• Ports: 5 Ethernet, 1 USB 3.0

Pros

• Backward compatible with all WiFi generations.
• Easy to set up and manage.
• Better security features.
• Future-proof.
• Better performance and faster speeds.

Cons

6. Synology RT6600ax (Best Security Features)

Design

The Synology RT6600ax is equipped with WiFi 6 technology which delivers secure and ultrafast connection speeds of up to 6600 Mbps to your office, home, and everything in between.

Powered by the Quad-core 1.8 GHz processor, the RT6600ax allows for easy management and faster connections, even when several devices are connected to the network at the same time.

The Tri-band WiFi optimizes performance and range while avoiding bottlenecks by distributing your devices between radios.

Performance

Powered by the intuitive Synology Router Manager, the Synology RT6600ax is built for performance and security, and is fully equipped to handle the challenges of modern network environments.

This Operating System has features like Bridge mode, Threat Prevention, and Web Filtering which provide access to advanced network management and security to everyday users.

To have maximum control over what happens on your network, you can enable default profiles quickly or tailor them to your devices.

The quota-based system or schedules enable you to limit internet access and keep offensive content out of reach.

You get notified when users try to access blocked websites or when quotas are reached. Also, you get additional insights into how your network is being used through the automatically generated reports.

The traffic control enables you to allocate maximum bandwidth where it is needed most and configure the bandwidth limits of each device to prioritize applications across your devices.

The RT6600ax has a 2.5GbE port for LAN or WAN with comprehensive tools for managing, monitoring, and auditing bandwidth consumption.

The RT6600ax supports 5.9 GHz bands which creates a high-speed and more dependable network using 160 and 80 MHz channels.

Who It’s For

If you are looking for a router that delivers the best security features and faster connections, the Synology RT6600ax is the option for you.

Specs

• Speed: 6600 Mbps
• Range: Good range
• Bands: Tri-Band
• Wireless Protocol: 11n, 802.11ax, 802.11a, 802.11ac
• Ports: 1 USB, 5 Ethernet

Pros

• Advanced security features.
• Mesh WiFi support.
• Ultra-fast USB port.
• Fast WiFi on all the three bands.
• Excellent hardware.

Cons

• There’s only a few Synology-compatible USB flash drives

 

7. ASUS ZenWiFi AX6600 (Extended Coverage & Range)

Design

The ZenWiFi XT8 2PK provides wider coverage to approximately 6 rooms or an area of up to 5500 sq. ft as it comes with two ASUS WiFi 6 routers.

In addition to the extensive coverage, this router also comes with a tri-band design and advanced technologies to deliver reliable, super-fast, and secure internet connection throughout your home.

With a total internet speed of 6600 Mbps, the ASUS XT8 2PK is 2.2 times faster than the tri-band WiFi 5 (AC3000) routers and provides faster wireless connections as it comes with 160MHz bandwidth.

Performance

The ASUS XT8 2PK works well with any WiFi device no matter if it uses 802.11n, 802.11ac, or any previous WiFi standards.

The XT8 2PK comes with flexible network naming which allows you to choose the names of your WiFi networks.

The ASUS Router app allows you to easily set up your router in three steps which include turning on the device, creating an admin account and a WiFi network name, and then waiting for three minutes and it should be ready for use.

Your home network is kept secure and everyone using it is safe from online threats as the XT8 2PK comes with advanced parental controls as well as AiProtection Pro which is free for life.

This commercial-grade security also blocks access to malicious websites and acts as an infection detection and blocking tool.

This router works well with smart-home services such as Alexa. You can easily set up the AiMesh technology and start enjoying the advanced and comprehensive networking features it comes with.

Who It’s For

The ASUS XT8 2PK offers an extensive range and coverage hence suitable for very large homes with 6 plus rooms as it covers up to 5500 sq. ft.  

Specs

• Speed: 6600 Mbps
• Range: 5500 sq. ft.
• Bands: Tri-Band
• Wireless Protocols: 11n, 802.11ax, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g
• Ports: 4

Pros

• Eliminates dead zones.
• Easy to set up and control using the app.
• Comes with the latest protection and security features.
• Creates a flexible and powerful whole-home WiFi system.

Cons

• You may need to disable some of the smart features for it to function properly.

Factors To Consider When Looking For A Fiber Optic Router

WiFi Speed & Wireless Protocol 

Network speed is a crucial factor as it determines the rate of data transfer between a source and its destination. Faster speeds in fiber internet result in quicker downloading and uploading of data.

Fiber optic internet can be available in different wireless protocols, namely WiFi 5 and WiFi 6, depending on the situation.

WiFi 5, the previous standard protocol, was succeeded by WiFi 6 in 2019. WiFi 6 offers significant improvements, including up to 250% faster speeds and a slightly better range.

However, it’s important to note that not all devices currently support WiFi 6. As a result, WiFi 5 remains a budget-friendly option and may be suitable if your devices are not compatible with the newer WiFi 6 standard.

When considering whether to choose WiFi 5 or WiFi 6 for your home fiber connection, there are several factors to consider such as device compatibility, the need for WiFi 6 features, and budget.

For those seeking even greater speed, tri-band routers with WiFi 6e can provide an immense amount of speed, particularly when paired with Gigabit plans.

Looking ahead, WiFi 7 is the next significant advancement in wireless technology. It promises faster connections, lower latency, and improved management of a larger number of connections, building upon the successes of its predecessors.

WiFi Range & Coverage

When choosing a router, it’s important to consider the size and layout of your environment. However, keep in mind that the placement of the router might be limited by phone sockets or other factors.

For optimal WiFi coverage, it is recommended to position your fiber optic router centrally in your home to ensure 360-degree coverage, especially in larger residences.

Standard routers typically provide coverage within a range of 150 feet. However, certain router models offer extended coverage to reach larger areas.

To eliminate dead zones and extend the WiFi signal in broader spaces, you can consider using WiFi extenders. These small devices can be strategically placed to boost the signal and enhance coverage.

Investing in a fiber optic router with a generous WiFi range is highly recommended to minimize unexpected connectivity issues.

While these routers may have a higher price tag initially, they provide long-term benefits by preventing the need for additional spending on extenders.

Dual vs Tri-Band Routers

Tri-band routers have gained popularity recently, but their benefits are mainly realized when connecting multiple devices to the network.

These routers feature an additional band, typically a second 5 GHz band, in addition to the standard combination of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.

The inclusion of this extra band helps alleviate congestion on the 5 GHz band, enabling more devices to enjoy faster connections.

It’s important to consider that both 5 GHz bands on a tri-band router are generally faster than the 2.4 GHz band. However, they do have a shorter range compared to the 2.4 GHz band.

If you have numerous devices scattered far away from the router, the benefits of a tri-band router may not be as significant for you.

Ultimately, the decision to invest in a tri-band router depends on your specific needs. If you have a high number of devices and require faster connections, particularly near the router, a tri-band router can be a worthwhile investment.

However, if you have fewer devices or need to connect devices from a distance, the advantages of a tri-band router may not be as pronounced for your situation.

WiFi Routers vs Traditional Routers

As the cost of whole-mesh routers continues to decrease, homeowners with larger residences should seriously consider investing in this technology to ensure reliable WiFi coverage.

Even in compact spaces, factors such as the layout and construction materials of the home can lead to signal drops, dead zones, and slower speeds.

Mesh networks offer an effective solution to address these issues by extending WiFi coverage using additional nodes strategically placed throughout the house.

They can even expand coverage to areas such as garages or work sheds, providing a seamless experience throughout the entire property.

On the other hand, traditional routers are placed in one room and all the devices can connect to it.

This setup often leads to weaker coverage as the signals find it hard to penetrate the walls and connect to devices in other rooms.

With the mesh network, the nodes placed throughout your home strengthen and extends the coverage to ensure you have a reliable and consistent connection.

Whether you have a larger home or face connectivity challenges due to your home’s layout, investing in a mesh network can greatly improve WiFi coverage, eliminate dead zones, and mitigate issues such as slower speeds and latency.

By embracing this technology, homeowners can enjoy a more robust and reliable wireless network throughout their entire living space.

Fiber Technology Explained

Fiber optic technology differs from traditional cable internet technology. While cable technology transfers electrical signals, fiber optic transports information via super-fast light technology where light particles travel down the cable by bouncing off the walls.

A fiber optic cable is comprised of tiny glass strands which are thinner than human hair. Given the vast number of glass strands in one fiber optic cable, one cable alone can carry one million calls.

Unlike a traditional coax cable connection which requires a modem to translate the analog ISP network into a digital network, fiber optic technology requires an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) to convert the light signals into digestible electrical signals for your router and other internet devices to understand.

To install the ONT, you’ll need an existing AC power outlet at your home or office. If your ISP provides fiber optic connection, you cannot use a coax cable modem or router to access the network, as the devices won’t be able to interpret the light signals.

How To Install Fiber Optic Internet?

These steps are very similar to self-installing other types of the Internet but with a few important differences. Let’s take a closer look at each one:

1. Locate your fiber network terminal.

Unlike coax jacks or phone jacks which are commonly flat plates installed against walls, fiber terminals have a different appearance. These terminals are typically larger and blockier in size.

They can vary in dimensions, ranging from slightly larger than a juice box to as big as a briefcase.

During installation, fiber terminals are often placed in inconspicuous locations where a power outler is accessible, such as the corner of a room, inside a closet, or even in the garage.

2. Connect the fiber terminal to the network box.

The subsequent procedure involves connecting your network box or gateway to the fiber terminal. Generally, this is accomplished using an Ethernet cable, which should have been supplied along with the network box.

Start by inserting one end of the Ethernet cable into the port on the fiber terminal, and then connect the other end to the corresponding port on the network box.

The port on the network box is typically labeled as “ONT” or “Fiber Jack,” indicating its purpose in the setup.

3. Plug in your network box.

After successfully connecting your network box or gateway to the fiber terminal, proceed to connect the power cord to the network box and plug it into a power outlet.

Similar to a router, the device’s indicator lights will illuminate and begin to flash, eventually transitioning to a steady, solid color.

It’s important to note that the activation process for fiber service may take longer compared to other types of internet connections, often requiring up to 15 minutes or more for the lights to stabilize and indicate a fully operational state.

4. Connect your device to the network box.

To establish your WiFi network, you need to connect a device to your network box or gateway. This can be accomplished using a laptop, desktop computer, or even a mobile phone.

In most cases, network boxes will automatically generate a default WiFi network. Instructions on how to connect to this network are typically provided either on a sticker affixed to the network box (often found on the bottom) or within the accompanying manual.

If your network box does not generate a default WiFi network during the setup process, you can establish a direct connection by using an Ethernet cable.

5. Set up your home WiFi network.

The last step in configuring your fiber internet is customizing your home WiFi network name and password. This allows you to personalize and secure your wireless network.

Fiber Routers FAQs

What Kind of Router Do I Need for Fiber Internet?

To optimize your fiber internet connection, it is crucial to have a high-speed WiFi router.

When selecting a wireless router for fiber internet, consider several factors including the WiFi standard, throughput, device compatibility, and coverage capacity.

Assessing these aspects will help ensure you choose a router that can fully support and maximize the capabilities of your fiber internet connection.

Does Fiber Technology Use Modems?

Fiber internet, specifically designed for data connections, does not require a traditional modem.

Instead, it utilizes an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) at each endpoint to establish the connection.

What Is The Difference Between Fiber and Cable Internet?

Fibre technology uses glass strands that are flexible to transmit data using light signals, enabling faster, clearer, and long-distance transmission.

The strands are protected and bundled together by layers of plastic for durability and insulation.

On the other hand, cable internet transmits data using coaxial cables in the form of electrical signals.

Coaxial cables are made up of a copper core that is shielded and insulated with layers of copper, aluminum, and plastic on the outer layer.

Final Words

All the routers reviewed in this article have the capability of providing you with a smooth internet connection using fiber-optic technology.

If you cannot make a decision, the NETGEAR RAXE500 is our Editor’s Choice for the best router for Fiber Internet as it features WiFi 6 technology which enables you to have smooth and fast internet on several devices connected to your home network without any delays.

Also, it has about a 50% boost in performance compared to WiFi 5 technology which enables this router to have better battery, security, data management, and faster speeds.

For further guidance, refer to the buying guide to ensure that you get the best fiber optic router for your internet needs.