About Starlink Internet Antenna: Generally, when purchasing a Starlink kit, you’ll most likely get cables, a router, and an antenna.
All these components have key functions in the Starlink system, but for today, we’ll solely focus on the antenna/dish/terminal.
A Starlink dish is equipment that changes data to internet signals after receiving it from the satellites in the Earth’s orbits. The process ensures an internet user has a better internet connection.
Further on, it has different designs based on their shapes, advancements, and software updates. Currently, the two available types include a rectangular and a rounded antenna.
(A Starlink satellite dish)
Stick around as we uncover how an antenna works and explore more about the types we’ve mentioned above.
How Starlink Antenna Works
A Starlink dish mainly operates through communicating with subsequent satellites in the LEOs.
- First, they track the satellites in the orbit.
- Then, they immediately connect and ensure the maintenance of the satellite connection despite the satellite’s revolution across the sky.
- Next, the dish gets internet data/information via the satellites and transforms the data into signals.
- The signals can now reach the WiFi router for usage by connected devices.
Types of Starlink Antenna
At the moment, Starlink has two antennas, which we will discuss today.
Rounded Starlink dish antenna
Physical characteristics
(Rounded satellite dish mounted on the chimney)
- As per the name, it has a distinct round shape that measures about six inches in height and 23 inches in diameter.
- Then, it has an easy operation and installation guide and a low profile. The latter makes it simpler for owners to mount on surfaces like roofs or balconies with less attraction.
- Furthermore, its reflective surface, composed of white composite material, reduces its overall weight and guards it from external elements.
- Fourthly, its base unit has electronics that are crucial for signal transmission.
- Lastly, it has aerodynamic features that are better than traditional dishes and aesthetically pleasing. Moreover, the features augment signal reception in severe weather and slow wind resistance.
Performance parameter
The rounded Starlink antenna has low latency and high internet speeds. For that reason, it is ideal for applications like streaming media, online gaming, and video conferencing.
Additionally, it works in remote and rural areas, making it a better option than traditional broadband providers.
As for energy, it can consume between 65 and 100W after you plug it into a standard electric outlet.
Square (Rectangular) dish
(Rectangular Starlink satellite dish)
The second antenna type, the square/rectangular dish, is recommendable for commercial and residential purposes.
Physical characteristics
- Dimensions: 16.5cm (height) × 59cm (length) × 35cm (width).
- Weight: 8.16 kilograms.
- Mast diameter: 3.4cm
- The rectangular dish resembles a traditional satellite dish in that you can mount it outdoors on a sturdy structure.
- Also, it is weather-resistant and more durable thanks to its protective glass dome and solid metal construction. In case there’s ice or snow accumulation during cold seasons, it melts them off using its built-in heating system (-30 degrees to 50 degrees).
- Lastly, they’re lighter and smaller than the rounded antennas.
Performance parameter
First, it has high internet speeds (up to 300Mbps) and low latency (20ms).
Secondly, it can support Wi-Fi, thus improving connections for wireless devices.
Applications: video conferencing and online gaming.
Best satellite antenna for RV
Fortunately, Starlink has introduced a highly performing dish (called flat high-performance) suitable for in-motion use for Starlink RVs.
The antenna can withstand extreme conditions, has lower latency, and provides better speed than the standard RV antenna.
It offers around 20-40ms latency and 50-250Mbps download speed. Undeniably, the values are a remarkable upgrade from 92ms latency and 5-50Mbps in the original RV dish.
(Satellite dish on the roof of camper car)
On the downside, such excellent quality from a flat high-performance antenna means more cost. In this case, you’ll need to pay about $2500 for the Starlink hardware. The fee is exclusive of shipping fees and taxes.
What is the range of the Starlink antenna?
Usually, a Starlink antenna receives internet signals from a constellation of satellites in the Low Earth Orbit. By approximation, the average distance from Earth’s surface to the low orbit altitude is 340 miles. Therefore, the range of the dish (in terms of signal transmission) will be a minimum of 340 miles or more.
(Types of orbits in space)
Conclusion
Starlink antennas are important in signal transmission and connection between satellites and your router.
In addition to providing high speeds, they offer better features and services when you compare them with the traditional internet providers. But, with high quality comes higher prices, and a Starlink antenna perfectly falls in this category.
Under normal circumstances, the dish costs $599 for a standard Starlink RV and Residential, while a premium kit makes a user part ways with $2500.
Luckily, we are counting on SpaceX to produce cheaper, distinct antennas to curb the ever-increasing demand. Before then, our article today has enlightened you on the existing kind.