Finally, a Wi-Fi Router You’ll Want to Show Off

Let’s be honest: Wi-Fi routers are typically an eyesore. All blinking lights and plastic housings, they’re built purely for function – not form. As a result, most of us tuck them away in the corners of our homes, hiding them behind bookshelves, under desks, or in closets. Unfortunately, this out-of-sight placement often leads to frustrating dead zones and weak connections.

Korea Telecom (KT), in collaboration with Korean industrial design studio Intenxiv, is aiming to flip that norm on its head. The result? The Vibrant WiFi Router, a device designed not just to perform well – but to look good doing it.

The Vibrant WiFi Router starts with a minimalist, sculptural base – clean lines, subtle curves, and zero garish features. But what truly sets it apart is its interchangeable “skin” system: decorative covers that slide over the router and instantly transform its appearance.

These skins aren’t just an afterthought. They’re a core part of the product’s philosophy. Designed in collaboration with artists, designers, and popular brands, the router skins come in a wide range of materials, textures, and aesthetics – from warm wood finishes and modern ceramics to illuminated glass and playful graphic prints. Some even reimagine the router as an artistic sculpture or a desk clock, making it a piece you’d proudly display rather than hide away.

And because the skins are separate from the router’s internal components, they don’t interfere with performance. They also make the product easier to refurbish and reuse – an important consideration in Korea, where routers are often rented on multi-year contracts and returned for reuse at the end.

But this isn’t just a pretty face. The Vibrant WiFi Router supports wireless speeds of up to 1.2 Gbps and can handle up to 100 simultaneous connections, making it more than capable of meeting the needs of most households or small offices. While it may not be the most advanced router on the market, its specs are solid for everyday streaming, gaming, and working.

One of the most clever innovations is KT’s new “Simple Connect” power adapter, which transmits both power and internet data through a single USB-C cable. This eliminates the tangle of LAN cables that typically accompany routers, making it much easier to place the device in a central – and more visible – location without clutter.

By prioritizing both form and function, it encourages users to rethink where and how they place their routers – potentially solving the very performance problems that come from hiding them in the first place.

It also aligns with a more sustainable approach to design. The protective skins extend the router’s lifespan, reduce the need for replacements, and allow for easy updates without replacing the entire unit. And with seasonal designs and artist collaborations, the router becomes a platform for self-expression and creativity in the home.

For now, the Intenxiv Vibrant WiFi Router for KT is only available in Korea, but its innovative design could signal a broader shift in how tech companies approach the design of everyday devices.

Imagery courtesy of Intenxiv.