A gigabit router for a 100m fiber optic connection

For a 100 Mbps fiber optic connection, a gigabit router is not necessary for wired devices, but it can improve wireless network performance.Wired Network ConsiderationsFor devices connected via Ethernet, a standard 100 Mbps router is sufficient because the maximum speed of your fiber connection is 100 Mbps. Upgrading to a gigabit router will not increase the wired network speed beyond the 100 Mbps limit imposed by your ISP and the optical modem itself. The main bottlenecks in a wired setup include the WAN port of the optical modem, the LAN ports of the router, and the network card of your computer, all of which typically cap at around 90–100 Mbps for a 100 Mbps plan .Wireless Network ConsiderationsA gigabit router can significantly improve wireless performance, especially if your devices support modern Wi-Fi standards like 802.11ac or Wi-Fi 6. Older routers with 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi 4/5 may limit wireless speeds to below the full 100 Mbps, whereas a gigabit router can provide faster and more stable wireless connections, particularly for multiple devices or high-bandwidth activities like streaming and video calls .Fiber-Ready Router FeaturesEven for a 100 Mbps plan, it is important that your router is compatible with fiber connections. Key features include:A WAN port that supports at least 100 Mbps (Gigabit WAN is optional but not required for 100 Mbps service)LAN ports that match your wired device needsSupport for modern Wi-Fi standards (Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6) for better wireless performanceAdequate processor and RAM to handle multiple devices and low latency ConclusionFor a 100 Mbps fiber optic connection:Wired devices: A standard 100 Mbps router is sufficient; a gigabit router will not increase speed.Wireless devices: A gigabit router can improve Wi-Fi performance and provide better coverage and stability.Future-proofing: If you plan to upgrade to higher-speed fiber in the future, a gigabit router is a good investment, but it is not strictly necessary for your current 100 Mbps plan .