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How to choose between 100Mbps fiber optic internet and a router

For fiber optic internet speeds of 100 Mbps or higher, a router supporting at least 1 Gbps is required. Look for routers with AX or AC designations (Wi-Fi 5 or 6) that support faster speeds than older N standards (Wi-Fi 4). Many major ISPs, such as Verizon and Xfinity, offer fiber connections directly to your door, known as FttP or Fiber. Instead, fiber relies on an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) to decode the signal from the fiber lines into something usable by your devices. In this way, an ONT serves the same basic function as a cable modem. However, ONTs tend to be much larger, so they are typically installed in closets, garages. The decision between a modem router combo and separate modem and router devices significantly impacts your internet speed, coverage, and long-term cost. Users today are not just comparing devices, they are evaluating network architecture.

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