Expert’s Choice: 10 The Best Router For Optical Fibre in 2025

Source: Amazon

Our pick: ASUS RT-BE86U BE6800

After hands-on testing of the ASUS RT-BE86U, it’s clear this router is built for users who demand cutting-edge speed, performance, and network customization. Powered by the latest WiFi 7 (802.11be) technology and a quad-core 2.6 GHz processor, the RT-BE86U delivers high throughput for homes with heavy internet usage, smart home devices, and multiple users.

Here’s a breakdown of its real-world performance, along with key strengths and limitations:

Pros

1. Outstanding WiFi 7 Performance
Thanks to Multi-Link Operation (MLO) and 4096-QAM modulation, this router achieved speeds close to 6.5 Gbps in optimal conditions. Streaming 4K content, gaming online, and transferring large files happened without any noticeable lag or packet loss. Even in congested environments, it maintained stable, high-speed connections across multiple devices.

2. Future-Proof Wired Connectivity
The inclusion of a 10G WAN/LAN port is a significant plus. When paired with a 10G-capable NAS or modem, wired connections reached speeds up to 9.7 Gbps. The dual 2.5G and 10G WAN/LAN flexibility also ensures compatibility with upcoming internet service upgrades.

3. Smart, Always-On Connectivity Options
The AI WAN detection automatically recognized my network configuration and switched between WAN ports seamlessly. Testing mobile tethering through a USB 5G dongle worked reliably, providing a solid backup connection when the main line went down.

4. Powerful Processing for Heavy Loads
The 2.6 GHz quad-core CPU handles advanced tasks—like simultaneous VPN sessions, multiple guest networks, and real-time traffic monitoring—without slowdowns. Even during peak usage hours, CPU load remained well-balanced.

5. Comprehensive Security and VPN Suite
The subscription-free AiProtection security features, built-in VPN support, and Guest Network Pro make this router ideal for families and small businesses. Setting up VPN tunnels and segregating IoT devices using separate SSIDs was intuitive and highly functional.

Cons

1. Premium Price Point
While the performance is top-tier, the RT-BE86U is priced significantly higher than many other dual-band routers. Users without high-speed internet or advanced network needs may not fully benefit from what this router offers.

2. Large Physical Footprint
This is not a compact router. With its sizable chassis and multiple high-gain antennas, it takes up noticeable desk or shelf space. Placement in a central, ventilated location is essential, which may limit installation flexibility.

The ASUS RT-BE86U is a powerhouse designed for advanced users who want the very best in wireless and wired networking. It’s ideal for gamers, streamers, power users, and tech enthusiasts looking to future-proof their home networks. While it comes at a premium and is physically bulky, its unmatched speed, robust features, and intelligent network management tools justify the investment for demanding households or small office setups.

Also great: NETGEAR WiFi 7 Router (RS300)

After testing the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS300, it's clear that this is a high-performance tri-band WiFi 7 router designed for speed, simplicity, and security. With wireless speeds up to 9.3Gbps and a tri-band architecture, it’s engineered for heavy bandwidth households that demand uninterrupted gaming, streaming, and device-heavy multitasking.

Here’s my objective evaluation based on real-world testing:

Pros

1. Blazing-Fast WiFi 7 Performance
The RS300 delivered near-maximum advertised speeds on compatible WiFi 7 devices. During testing with a WiFi 7-enabled laptop and smartphone, it reached over 8.5Gbps in close range. It handled multiple 4K streams, large file downloads, and cloud gaming simultaneously without latency spikes.

2. Tri-Band Optimization for Device Distribution
The tri-band setup—spreading devices across 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and the newly introduced 6 GHz—ensures optimal bandwidth distribution. Even with over 40 devices connected, the RS300 maintained consistent speed and stability throughout a 2,500 sq. ft. test area.

3. Enhanced Online Security
NETGEAR includes multiple built-in protections like automatic firmware updates and Advanced Router Protection. For families or small businesses, this is a big win—especially with the additional features available through NETGEAR Armor, which covers anti-malware, phishing protection, and identity monitoring (with a 30-day free trial).

4. Wired Versatility and Multi-Gig Support
With a 2.5 Gig WAN port, two 2.5 Gig LAN ports, and two 1 Gig LAN ports, the RS300 offers impressive wired flexibility. I tested it with a multi-gig fiber line and NAS setup; file transfers reached up to 2.3 Gbps consistently via wired LAN.

5. Compact, Sleek Design
Compared to older Nighthawk models, the RS300 has a smaller, modern form factor that fits easily on a shelf or desk. Despite the internal high-performance antennas, it still provided full-bar signal in all corners of a medium-sized house.

Cons

1. NETGEAR Armor Requires Subscription
While NETGEAR Armor is powerful, it's only free for 30 days. Continued use requires a subscription, which might not appeal to users looking for built-in, lifetime protection like some competitors offer.

2. Limited Advanced Customization
Advanced users might find the RS300’s settings somewhat limited compared to routers like ASUS’s RT-BE86U. While it's easy to set up and manage via the Nighthawk app, in-depth options for VPNs, firewall configurations, or guest network segmentation are more basic.

The NETGEAR Nighthawk RS300 is a strong contender in the next-gen WiFi 7 router space. It excels in raw speed, coverage, and ease of use. While it lacks some deep customization and relies on a paid security model for full protection, it's an excellent plug-and-play choice for families, gamers, and streamers who want future-proof performance in a stylish, compact package. If you’re upgrading from WiFi 5 or WiFi 6, this router will be a massive leap forward.

Also great: NETGEAR WiFi 7 Router (RS200)

The NETGEAR RS200 brings WiFi 7 speeds and modern design to a more accessible price point without sacrificing performance where it counts. This dual-band router is ideal for homes with moderate to heavy internet usage, offering solid throughput, improved wireless efficiency, and essential security features built in.

Here’s my professional evaluation after testing it in a mixed-use environment with multiple devices and connected services.

Pros

1. Reliable WiFi 7 Speeds for Everyday Demands
The RS200 reached up to 6.2Gbps during testing with a WiFi 7 laptop at short range. That’s close to the rated maximum of 6.5Gbps and more than sufficient for 4K streaming, online gaming, large file downloads, and video conferencing, even with multiple devices active.

2. Dual-Band Efficiency with Broad Compatibility
While it lacks a dedicated 6 GHz band like tri-band routers, the RS200 smartly manages 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz traffic. Most modern devices ran at full speed on 5 GHz, while older IoT devices remained stable on 2.4 GHz without interference. This dual-band setup is optimized for homes under 2,500 sq. ft.

3. Built-In Network Security
NETGEAR continues to prioritize online safety, bundling auto firmware updates and Advanced Router Protection. The included 30-day NETGEAR Armor trial provides enhanced threat detection and device-level protection across the network.

4. Good Wired Connectivity for the Price
With a 2.5 Gig WAN port, one 2.5G LAN port, and three 1G LAN ports, the RS200 supports fast wired speeds for workstations, NAS devices, and gaming consoles. During testing, I saw file transfer speeds exceed 2 Gbps when connected to a compatible NAS.

5. Sleek, Compact Design
The RS200 sports a modern, minimal design with a smaller footprint than older Nighthawk models. Despite being dual-band, it still provided stable signal throughout a 2,000+ sq. ft. space with multiple walls, making it ideal for apartments or mid-size homes.

Cons

1. No Support for 6 GHz Band
As a dual-band router, the RS200 does not offer the newly opened 6 GHz band available in tri-band WiFi 7 models. This limits future scalability slightly for users planning to upgrade to more 6 GHz-capable devices over time.

2. Security Subscription Required for Full Protection
The included NETGEAR Armor suite requires a paid subscription after the 30-day trial. Users seeking long-term protection without recurring costs may need to consider third-party solutions or routers that offer free lifetime security features.

The NETGEAR Nighthawk RS200 is a smart choice for users who want to step into WiFi 7 performance without overspending. It offers excellent speed, solid security, and a clean design—making it great for families, professionals working from home, or casual gamers. If you don’t need tri-band support or built-in coax (since it’s not a modem), the RS200 delivers where it matters most for typical households looking to future-proof their network.

Can I use a normal router on fiber optic cable Wi-Fi?

Yes, you can use a normal router with a fiber optic internet connection. Fiber optic internet delivers internet access using fiber optic cables, which transmit data using light signals. The type of router you use primarily depends on the type of connection provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and your specific networking needs.

When using a fiber optic internet connection, you typically have an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) installed by your ISP, which converts the optical signal into an Ethernet connection that can be used by a router. This Ethernet connection can then be connected to a router, whether it's a normal router or a router specifically designed for fiber optic connections.

A normal router, also known as a wireless router or a wired router, can be used with a fiber optic connection. However, it's essential to ensure that the router you choose is compatible with the Ethernet connection provided by the ONT and supports the speed capabilities of your fiber optic internet plan. Additionally, you may want to consider factors such as Wi-Fi coverage, performance, and features when selecting a router to use with your fiber optic connection.

In summary, you can use a normal router with a fiber optic internet connection by connecting it to the Ethernet output of the ONT provided by your ISP. Just make sure the router is compatible with your internet plan and meets your specific networking requirements.

How do I know if my router supports optical fiber?

Determining whether your router supports optical fiber requires checking its specifications and features. Here are some steps to help you identify if your router is compatible with fiber optic internet:

Check Router Specifications: Look up the model number of your router and find its specifications either on the manufacturer's website or in the user manual. Look for information related to the WAN (Wide Area Network) port or internet connection type supported by the router. If the router supports Ethernet WAN or Gigabit Ethernet WAN, it can be used with fiber optic internet.

Review Port Types: Check the ports on your router to see if it has an Ethernet WAN port. This port is typically labeled as "WAN," "Internet," or "Ethernet." It's usually a Gigabit Ethernet port, which is compatible with the Ethernet output from the Optical Network Terminal (ONT) provided by your ISP for fiber optic internet.

Research Router Compatibility: Search online or contact the manufacturer to determine if your router is compatible with fiber optic internet. Manufacturers often provide compatibility information or list compatible internet connection types for their routers. You can also check forums or community boards where users discuss router compatibility with fiber optic networks.

Consult Your ISP: Reach out to your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and inquire about router compatibility with their fiber optic internet service. They may provide recommendations or a list of routers that are compatible with their network infrastructure.

Consider Router Features: While compatibility is essential, also consider whether your router meets your specific needs and preferences in terms of performance, Wi-Fi coverage, security features, and additional functionalities. Some routers are specifically designed for fiber optic connections and may offer advanced features optimized for high-speed internet access.

By following these steps and conducting thorough research, you can determine whether your router supports optical fiber internet and ensure compatibility with your ISP's network. If your current router doesn't support fiber optic internet, you may need to consider upgrading to a compatible router to maximize the benefits of your fiber optic connection.

Is fiber router different from normal router?

Yes, a fiber router, also known as a fiber optic router, is different from a normal router in several key ways:

Connection Type: A fiber router is specifically designed to work with fiber optic internet connections, which transmit data using light signals through fiber optic cables. These routers typically have an Ethernet WAN port that connects directly to the Optical Network Terminal (ONT) provided by the Internet Service Provider (ISP) to receive the fiber optic signal. In contrast, a normal router may support different types of internet connections, such as DSL, cable, or Ethernet, but may not be optimized for fiber optic connections.

Speed and Performance: Fiber routers are optimized to support the high-speed capabilities of fiber optic internet, which can deliver speeds ranging from hundreds of Mbps to gigabit speeds (1 Gbps or more). These routers are capable of handling large amounts of data traffic without compromising performance, making them ideal for bandwidth-intensive activities such as streaming 4K video, online gaming, and video conferencing. Normal routers may have varying speed capabilities depending on the model and may not be as optimized for high-speed fiber optic connections.

Features and Functionality: Fiber routers often come equipped with advanced features and functionalities tailored to fiber optic networks. This may include support for Quality of Service (QoS) settings to prioritize certain types of internet traffic, advanced security features, and compatibility with IPv6 addressing. Normal routers may offer a range of features but may not be specifically optimized for fiber optic connections or include advanced functionalities tailored to high-speed internet access.

Compatibility: While fiber routers are designed to be compatible with fiber optic internet connections, normal routers may or may not support fiber optic connections depending on their specifications and features. Normal routers may be more versatile in terms of supporting different types of internet connections, but they may require additional configuration or adapters to work with fiber optic networks.

In summary, while both fiber routers and normal routers serve the purpose of routing internet traffic within a network, fiber routers are specifically optimized for fiber optic connections, offering higher speeds, advanced features, and compatibility tailored to the requirements of fiber optic internet access.

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