[ GLOSSARY ]
What is model routing?
Definition
AI conceptsModel routing
Model routing means sending each request to one of several AI models according to rules, such as the task, the cost or the user's age.
Why it matters for schools
Routing lets a product use a low-cost model for short questions and a stronger one for hard ones, and it is how provider rules for minors can be applied automatically. It has trade-offs: prompt caches belong to one model, so switching models mid-conversation starts the cache cold, and whoever holds the router account answers for each model's terms.
[ FAQ ]
Questions and answers
What is model routing?
Sending each AI request to one of several models according to rules such as task, cost or user age.
Why do school AI products route between models?
To manage cost and quality, and to apply provider rules for minors.
Who is responsible for a model's terms when a router is used?
Router terms, such as OpenRouter's, make the account holder responsible for users following each model's terms.
[ SOURCES ]
Sources
Facts checked Oct 18, 2026.
- 1OpenRouter, Terms of ServiceAug 31, 2026 · openrouter.ai
- 2OpenRouter, prompt cachingRead Oct 18, 2026 · openrouter.ai
[ AI FOR SCHOOLS ]
The AI your school can approve.