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). Do I Need a Special Router for Fiber Optic Internet? Fiber internet transmits data using light signals through fiber-optic cables, which differs from traditional. Some ISPs market their equipment as a “fiber-optic router. However, there's nothing else special about these, so don't feel like you're missing out on anything by going with your own equipment.