A semantic router uses the content of a request rather than only a fixed address or keyword. It can recognize task categories, estimate difficulty and apply policies before choosing a model or specialized processing path.
Routing decisions need evaluation because a misclassification can send sensitive or complex work to an unsuitable destination. Confidence thresholds, fallback routes and observability help the system recover when the initial classification is uncertain.
ELI5
A semantic router reads the meaning of a request and sends it to the model, tool, or workflow best suited to handle it. It can consider the task category, difficulty, sensitivity, cost, and policies instead of matching only fixed keywords.
For example, simple translation may go to a fast model while a complex coding request goes to a stronger specialist. Confidence thresholds and fallback routes help when the router is unsure or sends work to the wrong place.
How does a semantic router work?
It analyzes the meaning and intent of an input, assigns a route or score and sends the task to a compatible model, tool or workflow.
What happens when a semantic router is uncertain?
A safe design can use a default capable model, request clarification or send the task to review rather than force a low-confidence route.
