What is a corporate router that can connect to fiber optic cables called

A corporate router that connects to fiber optic cables is typically called a fiber router or an enterprise edge router designed for fiber connectivity.

Fiber Routers

A fiber router is a networking device specifically designed to work with fiber-optic internet connections. It connects to an Optical Network Terminal (ONT), which converts the light signals from the fiber optic cable into electrical signals that the router can distribute to computers, servers, and other network devices within the organization. Fiber routers are engineered to handle gigabit-level speeds and often include advanced security features like firewalls, NAT services, and traffic management suitable for enterprise networks.

Enterprise Edge Routers

In larger corporate environments, enterprise routers or edge routers are used to manage high-speed fiber connections at the network boundary. These routers, such as Cisco's ISR or ASR series, provide WAN connectivity, security, and network management, and can support multiple fiber interfaces directly or via ONTs. They are capable of handling high-performance private WANs, cloud connectivity, and SD-WAN deployments, making them suitable for branch offices or data centers.

Key Components

Optical Network Terminal (ONT): Converts fiber light signals to electrical signals for the router. Fiber Router / Edge Router: Distributes internet access, manages local network traffic, and provides security. Some models integrate the ONT functionality.

Ethernet or Fiber Interfaces: High-performance routers may include SFP/SFP+ ports for direct fiber connections, supporting single-mode or multi-mode fiber depending on distance and bandwidth requirements. In summary, for corporate networks using fiber optic internet, the device connecting to the fiber is either a fiber router or an enterprise edge router with fiber interfaces, often working in conjunction with an ONT to ensure high-speed, secure, and reliable network connectivity.