A fibre optic router is especially designed for operation directly on a fibre optic connection. In contrast to a router that is operated behind an ONT (fibre optic modem), a fibre optic router connects directly with the fibre optic connection. Both variants work reliably – the difference is primarily the handling.

An especially practical feature of a direct connection is that no additional device is required. This saves you energy costs, avoids unnecessary cable spaghetti and reduces potential error sources, since one device is less susceptible to disruptions. What is more, a fibre optic router combines the functions of the modem and the router in a single device to provide for an especially simple and space-saving solution in the home network.

Yes, a specialized fibre optic wireless router is needed if you would like to use the fibre optic connection directly. In contrast to older routers or devices without a fibre optic modem, it does not need an additional ONT, but is connected directly to the fibre optic socket. This ensures that the complete speed of the fibre optic connection arrives in your home network without any diversions.

Current routers for fibre optics offer many advantages over older routers. They support the latest Wi-Fi standards like Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7, through which multiple concurrently connected devices can enjoy high speeds. Our fibre optic routers also feature Mesh functionality, so that you can add FRITZ!Repeaters or FRITZ!Powerline as needed to make fast Wi-Fi available everywhere, even in larger flats or homes. This makes a router for fibre optics the best selection for the highest speeds, stability and future security.

A fibre optic router should always match your connection and your needs. This is the only way to ensure that the high speed of the fibre optic line actually arrives in your home network. In addition to the technology, the conditions at your home and use play an important role.

These criteria are decisive for purchasing a fibre optic router:

• Type of connection: Check whether your router can be operated directly on the fibre optic connection or whether an upstream fibre optic modem (ONT) is required. Current fibre optic modems support common standards such as AON, GPON and XGS-PON.
• Size of home and number of devices: In smaller flats a compact fibre optic router is often sufficient, while a more powerful model with Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7 makes sense to guarantee stable Wi-Fi everywhere in larger homes or when many devices are connected concurrently.
• Integrated functions: Think about the additional features you need, such as phone system (VoIP/DECT), smart home support or USB ports for storage media and printers.
• Future security: A fibre optic router should offer up-to-date Wi-Fi technology and sufficient speed so that even future demands and applications work smoothly. Pay attention to fast WAN and LAN sockets so that your home network remains stable and powerful even in the long term.
• Use scenarios: If you use the internet mostly for streaming, a compact model like the FRITZ!Box 5530 Fiber will do the job. For working from home, gaming or the entire family, more powerful models like the FRITZ!Box 5590 Fiber or the FRITZ!Box 5690 Pro would be the better choice.

If you are uncertain which router matches your needs best, our sales consultants would be happy to help.

Connecting a fibre optic router is quite simple. The first thing to do is check whether you have an ONT (fibre optic modem) installed. This determines whether the fibre optic router is connected directly with the fibre optic line or switched downstream from the ONT. In both cases configuration is fast, so your fibre optic wireless router instantly provides full internet speed.

Connecting to the ONT
If your provider supplied an ONT, proceed as follows:

1. Connect the WAN port of your fibre optic router to the ONT with a network cable.
2. Connect the router with the mains supply and wait until the router has started.
3. Start configuration using the wizard in the user interface of the router, which guides you step by step through configuration of the internet connection.

Connecting direcly without an ONT
If you do not have an ONT, you can connet the router directly with the fibre optic connection:

1. Insert the appropriate fibre optic SFP module (GPON, AON or XGS-PON) into the router if it has a module slot. Skip this step for devices with an integrated module.
2. Insert one end of the fibre optic cable into the fibre termination unit and the other end directly into the SFP module or the fibre connector on the router.
3. Connect the router with the mains supply and wait until the router has started.
4. Start configuration using the wizard in the user interface of the router, which guides you step by step through configuration of the internet connection.

Your fibre optic router is ready for operation in minutes and provides for fast, stable internet throughout the home network.