What is the maximum number of devices that your Starlink router can simultaneously support? The Starlink router that is included with the Starlink kit supports a maximum of 128 devices.
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However, you probably won’t want to add 128 devices. You still have a limited amount of bandwidth for all of your connections. The router hardware that comes included when you order Starlink is also not that powerful from a hardware perspective. If you connect a ton of devices, performance will suffer.
SpaceX developed the Starlink internet service. It delivers the most advanced low-latency broadband connection available, particularly in rural areas. Starlink residential is available in most areas of the United States. However, there are limits to how many units they will sell based on the capacity of a given coverage area.
People wishing to get around this limitation have the option of ordering Starlink for RVs. This is deprioritized level of service that is below that of Starlink Residential and Starlink Business.
How Does Starlink Satellite Internet Work
Starlink uses low earth orbit satellites for its backhaul rather than phone lines, physical wires, or fiber optic cables. Starlink has many satellites in orbit and plans to add more in the future, eventually covering the entire planet with internet service.
Users are given a Starlink package with an auto-configuring antenna, a WiFi router, and an external power supply. The internet is easy to set up. There’s a Starlink app that you check to ensure your antenna is in line with the overhead satellite constellation, and then it will automatically adjust to maintain that focus. WiFi devices then share the connection via a wired router. The kit costs $599, and the monthly fee for the basic plan is $110.
Starlink for RVs is available for $135 per month. With Starlink for RVs, service can be activated and suspended at any time, and you only get billed for the months that your service is active. Users of Starlink for RVs receive a lower data priority than users of Starlink Residental.
Starlink Router Limitations
The Starlink router can serve up to 128 devices at the same time, it also comes with no ethernet ports. If you wish to connect your newer Starlink terminal (the square dish) using ethernet, you will need to buy the proprietary Starlink Ethernet Adaptor.
The older Starlink Terminals came with a standard ethernet port and could support wired devices out of the box. If you are unsure if you have the new or old style Starlink Dish, look at the shape of it.
The old antenna is large and circular, while the new one is smaller and rectangular.
Learn About the Wi-Fi Range of the Starlink Router
Mesh System
Starlink offers a mesh system that uses a series of mesh nodes to expand wireless coverage. Each mesh node communicates wireless back to the main router. This forms a robust coverage area that extends beyond what a single router can provide.
The Starlink mesh router is an upgrade over the standard Starlink WiFi that comes with the hardware kit. However, we would still recommend using a 3rd party router instead.
Why Use Your Own Router
There are many reasons why consumers may want to utilize their own router with Starlink. Perhaps you already have a powerful router or want to deploy a mesh WiFi network.
Starlink just recently launched its own mesh network option. However, some other excellent solutions also exist. Mesh routers are useful for expanding wireless coverage to all areas of a home.
Another other reason to use a third-party router is because the Starlink router is limited in terms of features.
Using your own router will also allow you to bypass the Starlink router’s 128 device limit. However, most people will not connect that many devices anyways. Other benefits of using your own router with Starlink include increased coverage range, more advanced security features, additional monitoring of your network, and the ability to connect devices via ethernet.
Using your own router will also improve the stability of your WiFi signal and reduce the need to frequently reboot your router. WiFi routers are meant to be left on without requiring frequent reboots.
How to Configure a Third Party Router on Starlink
Setting up a third-party router on the Starlink network is not hard. Although, as previously stated, the particular procedures you must follow will vary depending on your Starlink Hardware Kit.
It’s also worth mentioning that while you’re “welcome” to use your own router, Starlink will not guarantee smooth performance. Indeed, the Starlink satellite FAQ states that while customers are free to add their own gear to Starlink, the operator cannot promise smooth interoperability with third-party routers or mesh solutions. Furthermore, while utilizing third-party routers, you may not be able to use the Starlink app and its features.
Using Your Own Router With the Old Starlink Setup
The early Starlink setup included the terminal itself, as well as a router and a dedicated PoE injector. The antenna in this setup was spherical, with permanent cables. Since the power source wasn’t built into the router, it’s easy to wire a third-party router by simply unplugging the original one from the power source and plugging in yours. No bypass is needed.
Using Your Own Router With the New Starlink Setup
The new Starlink kit has a rectangular terminal and a router with an in-built power supply. The terminal cables are completely removable. However, since the power supply is built into the router, you can’t simply remove the router and plug in yours.
The new router is an important part of the setup, and you can only connect a third-party router by bypassing it. Also, the new router doesn’t have an Ethernet jack, so you need to get a dedicated adapter from Starlink. There are no 3rd party adaptors that work with Starlink.
The ethernet adapter will link the Starlink router to the user terminal, so you can use an ethernet cable to link your router to the Starlink router. The Ethernet cable will run from your router’s WAN port to the ethernet adapter port.
Next, disable the Starlink router via the Starlink app. Simply launch the app, go to settings, and turn on Bypass mode. Later, if you need to return to the original settings, you will have to factory reset your device.
Keep in mind that Starlink uses CGNAT technology on their resediantal and RV plans. If you need a publicly routable IP address, you will need Starlink Business.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Starlink Satellite Internet
Starlink satellite internet service is now available in most locations in the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and also in many European nations. It’s best suited to people living in rural areas where affordable, faster internet options are limited or nonexistent.
While 50-150 Mb/s download speeds may be a bit lower when compared to fiber, it’s far superior to any legacy satellite internet service.
It is also superior to the 50 Mbps or less download speeds offered by most DSL internet services.
Furthermore, some rural areas lack any internet access, so Starlink is greatly appreciated, even if there are some limitations and the service is not perfect.
Alternatives to Starlink
Depending on where you live, you may have several Starlink alternatives. Other choices can include 5G home internet service, fiber internet service, cable internet service, DSL internet service, or legacy satellite internet service. The technology used by Starlink is vastly superior to that of legacy satellite internet providers.
You may have some or none of these options available at your service address. Check out our comparison below.
Wrap-up
The Starlink satellite internet is an affordable, low-latency broadband internet system based on a constellation of satellites orbiting the sky to send internet to devices for people in rural areas. The setup uses CGNAT technology, which converts private IP addresses into shared public addresses.
That means there’s no port forwarding or public service hosting. However, the setup is compatible with third-party routers, so those who want to use their own routers can simply wire them up and gain more control over their home networks.
In the default configuration, the included Starlink router has a device limit of 128 devices. This is more than enough for most users, even with more technology each year needing a connection to the internet.