Best Router for Starlink Internet: While Starlink comes as a completely self-sufficient package, the included router may lack some modern capabilities.
For example, it does not have ethernet ports and lacks the fast WiFi6 technology, hence limiting some users.
You can use third-party routers with your Starlink internet and enjoy enhanced performance and other features.
In this article, I will show you how to set up a third-party router and recommend the best router for Starlink Internet.
Using a router
Third-party Router vs. Starlink Router
Starlink requires you to use its router instead of other routers for the best service. Its proprietary router is flexible and easy to set up and control using the Starlink app.
Moreso, it is IP54 rated, meaning it is weather resistant, which is an advantage if you prefer outdoor installation.
On the other hand, if you’re an online gamer or want to host a server, you may want a third-party router for the following reasons:
- WiFi 6 Capabilities: Unlike Starlink router, which uses WiFi 5, most modern routers use WiFi 6 technology, which is faster and more secure.
- Several Ethernet ports: Starlink lacks ethernet ports, so you must buy extra Starlink accessories to facilitate a wired connection. In contrast, third-party routers feature several gigabyte ethernet ports to connect your devices to a stable and speedy wired connection.
- Tri-band availability: As you may know, Starlink router uses dual-band technology, while most modern routers have triband, which improves speed and performance.
- Enhanced range: The proprietary Starlink router comes with a range of about 1000ft, which can be limiting. If you do not want to use WiFi extenders and nodes, you can use modern routes with a wider reach than Starlink’s.
- Other advanced features: Starlink router does not have internet consumption monitoring, guest network hosting, beaming forwarding, and network priority settings. Therefore, you must go for a third-party router to access these capabilities.
Starlink router
How to Set Up Third-Party Router With Starlink
Before you set up the third-party router with your Stalink, ensure you have the rectangular dish and Starlink app.
You will also require a Starlink ethernet adapter, which you can purchase at Starlink Shops for $25.
Lastly, ensure a good third-party router, an ethernet cable, and a stable Starlink internet connection.
Once you have all the above prerequisites, you can now connect your third-party router to Starlink using the three steps below:
Connecting Starlink and the Third-party routers
- Disconnect all cables connecting your Starlink to the dish and socket
- Plug the ethernet adapter to its port on the Starlink router
- Now connect the dish cable to the ethernet adapter, power your set up, and wait for a reboot
- After the reboot, check if your Starlink status on the app is online
- Once it’s online, connect your other router to the Starlink ethernet adapter using an ethernet cable. It would be best to connect so that one cable end is in your router’s WAN port and the other in your adapter.
Third-party router configuration
- Connect your router to the socket and power it on
- Now, use the router manual to configure it
- After establishing your router’s WiFi, use your phone to connect to it and ensure it’s functional.
- At this point, you will get two Wi-Fi connections from the Starlink router and the third-party router.
Merging the two WiFi connections
Once you have established the two Wi-Fi networks above, it’s time to make them one using a bypass mode.
- Open the Starlink app on your smartphone
- Go to its settings and locate the Bypass mode
- Enable the Bypass mode, confirm it by pressing OK, and you are there.
- Now, that is how to bypass the Starlink router and use a third-party one.
Connecting a router
Starlink Routers Buying Guide
While most third-party routers work perfectly with Starlink, you will need to consider the following factors before purchasing:
WiFi 5 vs WiFi 6
WiFi 5 and WiFi 6 are the most common protocol standards for routers, with the latter being the latest.
While the Starlink router will work fine with the WiFi 5 router, WiFi 6 is faster since it can achieve 40% more speed than its predecessor.
WiFi 6 also uses Beamforming, OFDMA, and MU-MIMO technologies, which increases network efficiency for multiple users.
Additionally, WiFi 6 has a better range than WiFi5 and reduces internet latency.
Moreover, you get enhanced power efficiency thanks to its Target Wake Time feature that communicates with your connected devices.
Dual-band vs. Tri-Band
For so long, routers have been using dual-band technology where you get 2.4GHz and 5GHz bandwidth.
However, modern routers have added another 5GHz over the other two bands. The extra band can increase multiple users’ speed, range, and efficiency.
Therefore, if you plan on multiple devices or users, I recommend the Tri-band router instead of the dual-band.
But note that Starlink will still work fine with a dual-band router since its speed is below 500 Mbps.
Additionally, you may have to pay more for a tri-band router than a dual-band router.
Whether Supports Adding Mesh Nodes
A mesh node is a device that extends the range of your WiFi, reducing dead zones in your premises and enhancing efficiency.
You will need mesh nodes if your home is larger than your router range.
However, not all routers support adding mesh nodes; hence, you need a router with these capabilities.
Extra WiFi Features
Some other extra features you must look for in a router include QoS and parental control capabilities.
The QoS is a feature that allows you to prioritize some devices in your network when several devices are accessing it.
It, therefore, ensures the prioritized gadgets receive the maximum bandwidth, which enhances internet speed and lowers latency.
On the other hand, the parental control feature lets you restrict access to some sites or content, especially if you have children.
Security and Warranty
Regarding security, I recommend buying a router with an anti-virus to prevent malware from infiltrating your devices.
Also, ensure its encryption system is the latest and advanced to ensure your private data is safe.
On the other hand, ensure your gadget has a warranty for your peace of mind.
Some manufacturers give the minimum 1-year warranty while others can extend theirs even to a lifetime.
Best Router for Starlink Internet
While there are many excellent routers out there, I recommend these for Starlink setup:
TP-Link AX3000 router
If you want to upgrade to Starlink, try the AX3000 router since it triumphs Starlink in all aspects.
First, it features the fast WiFi 6 technology to ensure enhanced speed and low latency of your network.
It also features beamforming antennae technology, improving your WiFi range to 1600+ ft.
Other features include guest networking, beam forwarding, device prioritization, WAP3 security, and various port selections.
Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500
Another router that beats the Starlink one is RAXE500, thanks to its WiFi 6 capabilities and Tri-band features.
These two features improve wired and wireless connections, and you do not have to worry about latency and speed.
If you use a wireless connection, the device can acquire a range of 3500 ft, making it handy for large premises.
It also comes with a VPN, beamforwarding, and guest network access, making it ideal for networking.
A router
Can You Connect Starlink Right Into the Mesh System?
Using the Starlink mesh nodes, you can connect Starlink right in a mesh system. You just need to pair them with your router using the app.
However, if the mesh system is a third party, you cannot connect it directly to Starlink. You will need a third-party router and a Starlink ethernet adapter to connect to your mesh network.
Conclusion
Third-party routers are an excellent way to upgrade your Starlink for networking and gaming.
While you can consider the above selections, other routers are out there.
Depending on the factors above, you must choose the right one.
Finally, connect them using the abovementioned method, and you are good to go.