About Starlink Laser Link, Starlink has proven to be a worthwhile competitor to other ISPs. However, we’re yet to see the best of its services, which will significantly improve when it adopts a laser link.
The new innovative mode will reduce the overreliance on ground towers and boost intra-satellite communication.
So what is it all about, and why has Starlink been relatively slow to roll out the technology? Find out more about Starlink laser link from our detailed guide.
How Do Starlink’s Current Satellites Communicate?
Most of Starlink’s satellites communicate via radio frequencies(RF) between themselves and the ground stations.
The ground stations are receivers that liaise the communication between your dish and the nearest overhead satellite.
This communication chain is lengthy and curtails the internet’s speed. The alternative is to install optical inter-satellite links (OISLs), which is laser technology.
OISLs ensure a faster transmission between the satellites over conventional radio frequencies.
Starlink had previously launched the laser technology specifically to improve intra-satellite communication.
However, the company ditched them over the high cost involved in their installation and maintenance.
What is Starlink Laser Link?
A Red Laser Beam.
It is a technology that, once fully rolled out, will significantly boost intra-satellite communication. It uses a beam of light molecules to communicate, which is faster and more effective than conventional radio wave transmission.
Further, the Starlink laser link ensures minimal dependency on the ground station (gateway) communication.
Overreliance on Starlink’s ground station significantly curtails the internet speeds and increases latency.
Starlink’s mother company, SpaceX, is researching how to roll out laser technology for its newly launched satellites. It will boost communication and ensure the internet is faster and has a lower ping rate than before.
Does Starlink Equip its Satellites with Laser Links？
Starlink Satellites.
Yes, Starlink has already started equipping its new satellites with laser links.
The new satellites covering Antarctica, Canada, and Australia have lasers for improved communication. It also implies that the company will have lasers in its future satellites.
But up until they cover all the regions with laser-equipped satellites, subscribers will have to do with the old-school RF ones.
Also, this means that the reliance on the ground stations will ensue. Hence, you must be within the 500-mile threshold for a solid connection.
Why do Starlink Laser-Equipped Satellites Matter?
What are the upsides of being in an area covered with laser-equipped Starlink satellites? Find out the benefits below.
Improved Speeds
An Internet Speed Meter.
Lasers transmit signals in the form of light, meaning their transmission speeds are out of this world.
Hence, unlike radio frequencies, which are slow enough, Starlink equipped with lasers will have instantaneous communication.
In addition, lasers are better equipped for signal transmission through vacuum (the environment in space where the satellites occupy).
They are arguably the most excellent mode of transmitting signals and thus will significantly boost Starlink’s internet speeds.
On average, launching a network of laser-equipped satellites will see soaring speeds up to terabytes per second data rate.
It will ensure Starlink deals with the anticipated high data growth rate as more subscribers take up the service.
Reduced Latency
Low Latency is essential for video calls.
Starlink has a better latency rate than satellite-based ISPs, such as HughesNet and Viasat.
With the incorporation of lasers into the new satellites, the latency rates will significantly dip by 50%.
It will dramatically boost Starlink’s viability for latency-sensitive activities like video conferencing, online gaming, and video calls.
Boost Reliability
A happy Indian family enjoying the internet in a remote village.
A key advantage of conventional RF inter-satellite communication is that it facilitates linking beyond barriers.
However, the connection strength significantly wanes when the satellites are in differing lines of sight.
Starlink laser links are handy in solving this issue by always maintaining inter-satellite linkage. Thus, it guarantees the dependability of the new system, as there’s little chance of losing a connection.
Moreover, lasers will travel through a shorter distance when linking satellites, and this minimizes the chances of interference.
Improving Coverage
Starlink has a near-worldwide coverage.
Starlink has around 147 ground stations that link with overhead satellites to enable network connection.
As the company expands to other underserved parts of the world, it will be required to install more ground stations (which are pretty expensive).
Also, note that you must be within 500 miles of the ground station for effective communication. Laser link solves this hitch as fundamentally.
It doesn’t depend on ground stations. Therefore, subscribers not close to a ground station will also receive a strong internet signal.
Improved Starlink Marine and Aviation
A traveler using the internet on a yacht.
Providing a strong Starlink signal for marine and aviation customers is always challenging. Why?
Because sometimes, ships and planes can soar to areas with limited coverage.
But this hitch is no longer the case with the Starlink laser link because laser beams feature significantly longer waves than radiowaves.
Conclusion
Starlink’s network strength will undoubtedly grow in leaps and bounds thanks to its continuous investment in new technologies.
Among them is the move to incorporate new satellites with laser links.
As we’ve seen, this is the ultimate move to reduce the reliance on ground stations. It also edges Starlink’s latency closer to that of 5G and fiber internet.
All we can hope for is prompt roll-out, as its effects are so incredible.