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# The Route10 is a powerful, compact 10Gbps broadband router
- URL: https://www.techstories.co/the-route10-is-a-powerful-compact-10gbps-broadband-router/
- Published: 2024-10-26T00:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2024-10-26T16:35:25.000Z
- Description: Probably the smallest 10Gbps Internet router today.
- Author: Paul Mah
- Tags: Gadgets, Technology

A new gadget came in this week when I switched my ViewQwest broadband to its VQ X 10Gbps plan.

The [Alta Labs Route10](https://www.alta.inc/route10?ref=techstories.co) is currently being tested internally, but ViewQwest was kind enough to loan me a unit of this nifty Internet router to try.

**10Gbps broadband**

I've previously written about 10Gbps broadband, which received a shot in the arm after the Singapore government earmarked funds to subsidise network upgrades.

The result was a flood of new 10Gbps offerings.

Turning up the heat, ViewQwest decided earlier this month to consolidate its 3Gbps, 5Gbps, and 10Gbps plans into just one plan - the VQ X at 10Gbps.

Crucially, it's priced the same as my existing 1Gbps plan with them. How could one resist such an offer?

****Read**: [10Gbps broadband: 3 reasons to switch today](https://www.techstories.co/10gbps-broadband-3-reasons-to-switch-today/).

**SFP+ Module**

What got me sitting up is the SFP+ Module option, which essentially squeezes the entire ONT "fibre modem" device into the body of an SFP module.

- The SFP module is a compact transceiver typically used in enterprise networking.
- Using ViewQwest's SFP+ Module, it's possible to plug the fibre cable directly into it.
- This means I can get rid of the traditional standalone ONT unit.

The problem is I'll need an Internet router with SFP+ ports. And these tend to be pricey. For instance, the Ubiquiti Dream Machine SE with 2x SFP+ costs $799.

This is where the Route10 enters the picture.

**Alta Labs Route10**

The Route10 Internet router comes with the following capabilities.

- Compact chassis measuring 18cm x 11cm.
- 2x HW-accelerated 10Gbps SFP+ ports.
- 4x 2.5Gbps Ethernet ports (2x POE+)
- Cloud-controlled.

Notably, you can toggle any port between LAN/WAN, up to 2 WAN ports, which is really nice.

It doesn't seem to offer WAN load balancing yet, so guess my dual 10Gbps dream would have to wait a bit.

**How is it going?**

I got the Route10 yesterday, but I really loved its compact footprint. As you can see, it's much smaller than Singtel's 10Gbps ONT in the background - I estimate around 25% of the volume.

From what I hear, the Route10 will be priced significantly cheaper than the Ubiquiti Dream Machine.

Finally, the Route10 offers 2x POE+ ports. While this isn't enough for me, most homes can use them to power 2x POE-powered wireless access points.

And oh, it runs hot. It's fanless though, which means it is completely silent in operation.

Are you considering switching to 10Gbps broadband for your home?