A wireless router like no other: Millions of devices are hidden from view because they’re ugly, but South Korea’s largest telecom company wants to change that with an award-winning design
While some business router manufacturers try to make their products look attractive, for most it’s a matter of function over form. The same cannot be said for South Korea’s KT (Korea Telecom), as its Vibrant WiFi has won design awards from both Red dot And iF design.
The core of the KT WiFi 6D router itself isn’t all that exciting – it’s a fairly standard shape and size, but the antennas are inside the device and the LEDs are hidden. It offers wireless speeds of up to 1.2 Gbps, wired 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 slip over the base unit so it blends in 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, keeping things neat.
Designer skins
There are many skins available for the router, including skins covered in walnut, acrylic fiber, vegetable leather, ceramic, illuminated glass, and even rattan.
If none of the original designs do it for you, KT has collaborated with a host of well-known Korean artists for even more outlandish looks. While most designs cover the skins with eye-catching artwork, others change the shape and form and add additional elements. For example, The Clock One and The Clock Two add an analog clock to the skin’s surface.
Many of the designs won’t be to everyone’s taste, but there’s an abundance to choose from, and more are added regularly, so you’re sure to find something you like the range.
This design approach makes a lot of sense in South Korea, as routers are typically rented by users on a two- or three-year contract, rather than purchased outright. The skins allow the temporary custodian to stamp their preference on the product without altering it, making it easy to refurbish and pass on at the end of the contract period.