You don't need a special router, per se, but you do need one that can handle the speed fiber provides. If you're paying for gigabit fiber service, make sure your router supports at least gigabit Ethernet ports and dual-band or tri-band WiFi (like WiFi 5 or WiFi 6). Instead of a traditional modem, fiber internet requires an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) that converts light signals into electrical signals your devices can understand. A pair of fiber to Ethernet media converters can create a beneficial electrical barrier when running Ethernet between buildings or to outdoor Power over Ethernet (PoE) devices such as. To connect your fiber optic cable to a router, ensure you have the following: Fiber optic modem (ONT): Most fiber connections require an Optical Network Terminal (ONT), provided by your ISP.