Yes, fiber internet requires specific equipment including an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) and a compatible router. The ONT converts fiber-optic light signals into electrical signals your devices can use. Can you use a modem without a router? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about modems, routers, and gateways, including how they work, the benefits and. Do I Need a Special Router for Fiber Optic Internet? You don't need a special router, per se, but you do need one that can handle the speed fiber provides. Look for routers supporting your plan's maximum speeds. 11ax) and. The good news is that once you're set up with an ONT, you're good to go for the future—you can simply plug any wireless router you like into its Ethernet port to set up a wireless fiber home network. Routers designed for DSL (which uses phone line.