While some commercial router manufacturers try to make their products look attractive, for most it's a case of function over form. The same can't be said for South Korea's KT (Korea Telecom), as their Vibrant WiFi has won design awards from both Red Dot and iF Design.
The KT WiFi 6D core router itself isn't all that exciting – it's a fairly standard shape and size, but the antennas are contained within the device and the LEDs are hidden. It offers wireless speeds of up to 1.2 Gbps, wired speeds of 1 Gbps and up to 100 simultaneous connections.
What makes the router an award-winner is its support for removable covers, known as skins, that slide over the base unit, so it fits perfectly (or not, depending on your preference) with its surroundings. A router power adapter called “Simply Connect” transfers power and data over a single USB-C cable, so it looks neat.
designer skins
There are many router skins available, including those covered in walnut, acrylic fiber, vegetable leather, ceramic, lighted glass, and even rattan.
If none of the original designs convince you, KT has collaborated with a wide range of well-known Korean artists to create more extravagant looks. While most designs cover the skins with eye-catching artwork, others change the shape and add additional elements. The Clock One and The Clock Two, for example, add an analog clock to the skin dial.
Many of the designs won't be to everyone's taste, but there is a huge variety to choose from and more are added regularly, so you're sure to find something you like from the range.
This design approach makes a lot of sense in South Korea, as users typically rent routers on two- or three-year contracts, rather than purchasing them outright. Masks allow the temporary custodian to stamp their preference on the product without changing it, so that it can be easily renewed and passed on at the end of the contract period.
