Model Routing

What Is Model Routing?

Model routing is a strategic optimization technique where different requests are sent to different models based on their characteristics. For example, simple classification tasks might route to a small, fast model, while complex reasoning tasks route to a large, capable model. This balances performance, latency, and cost.

Model routing decisions can be based on: task complexity (inferred from the request), sensitivity (critical tasks to premium models, routine tasks to efficient models), or requirements (specific domain expertise, multimodal capabilities). Intelligent routing can reduce costs by 40-60% while maintaining quality, by using appropriate models rather than always using the most powerful (and most expensive) option.

Router design can be simple (regex-based rules) or sophisticated (a model itself decides which model to use). Feedback loops enable learning over time: which routing decisions lead to good outcomes? Machine learning can optimize routing policies based on historical performance.