About Starlink Mesh Node, While Starlink is one of the best satellite internet services, you may sometimes experience WiFi dead zones in your home.
These dead zones come when you have a big house or use a limited-range router. When this happens, the only solution is to create a mesh node to extend your WiFi range.
In this article, I will show you how to set up the Starlink mesh node and provide troubleshooting tips in case of issues.
What Is a Mesh Network?
A mesh network refers to a system of wireless network access points. To get a mesh network, you install devices known as mesh nodes.
Now, these devices communicate with your main router and each other to bring uniformity and reliability to your WiFi coverage in your house.
It also extends your WiFi range, ensuring even devices far from the router can access the network.
Mesh networking
Why Do I Need Starlink Mesh Nodes?
Before I tell you why you need a Starlink mesh node, let us briefly discuss the Starlink router range.
Now, the Starlink router range is approximately 2,000 ft. However, this range may be affected if your WiFi signals pass through walls and floor to reach the next rooms.
Since buying several routers in each room is not ideal, the solution would be to use Starlink mesh nodes.
Therefore, the mesh node saves you the cost of buying several routers while expanding your WiFi coverage.
It also ensures you can connect many devices and use your WiFi far from the router.
Additionally, when you factor in the complications associated with a WiFi extender connection, a mesh node ensures you connect your internet devices easily.
Lastly, the devices ensure uniform distribution of WiFi signals, thus eliminating dead zones and other zones with weak signals.
How to Set Up Starlink Mesh Node
Setting up a Starlink mesh node with the Stalink network is seamless, but let’s first discuss the prerequisite.
First, ensure you use the Rectangular dish since the old circular one is incompatible.
Then ensure then ensure you find a good spot to install your nodes, making sure they are evenly distributed.
I also recommend ensuring a strong signal from the main Starlink router to ensure proper connection.
Placing them far apart may not be effective, while installing them close may limit the covered area.
Setting up a Wi-Fi router
Set up process
Now that you have managed to adhere to the prerequisite, let’s talk about the setup process:
- Before connecting the mesh nodes, ensure your Starlink app is connected to your main network.
- Now, place your mesh nodes in a strategic location and connect them to the power supply.
- Launch the Starlink app and wait till it detects the mesh nodes.
- Once it detects the mesh nodes, you will get a pop-up message prompting you to pair the new mesh node.
- Select pair to initiate the pairing to mode.
- Now, wait for a few seconds for the paring to complete.
- You may now click the network tab on the app to view your newly paired node and check the signal strength.
- Finally, repeat the above process to pair all your mesh nodes, and you are done.
Can I Use It With an Ethernet Adapter?
Yes, you can use the Starlink mesh node with an ethernet adapter. The device has a port where you can plug an ethernet adapter like the main router.
It allows you to connect your PC using a wired connection, which is important when your Starlink router is inaccessible.
Additionally, it helps to have several wired connections in any place you want, which frees up WiFi traffic.
Ethernet plug
Starlink Mesh Node vs Other Mesh Nodes: Comparison
The Starlink mesh node launched in June 2022, retailing for $130 in the shop. While the device is easy to set up, it may be inferior to other third-party mesh nodes in the following sense:
- Unlike other mesh nodes that support triband, the Starlink mesh node supports dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHZ). Triband mesh nodes connect to three frequencies, allowing for speedy connection and network management.
- The Starlink mesh node uses the outdated WiFi 5, unlike the third party, which uses the latest WiFi 6 faster.
- It also lacks modem features such as priority network hosting, brandwidth forwarding, and other prioritizing capabilities.
- Lastly, it does not allow you to check network data consumption statistics, a common feature in third-party mesh nodes.
Best Alternatives To Stalink Mesh Node
While I recommend using the Starlink mesh node with the Starlink internet for its compatibility, there exist third-party mesh nodes.
Here are some of the best alternatives to Starlink mesh nodes due to their features and performance.
TP-Link AX6600 Deco Tri-Band WiFi 6 Mesh System
If you want to extend your WiFi network range beyond 6000 ft, consider the TP-Link AX6600 device.
It has the latest WiFi 6 capabilities and triband support for enhanced bandwidth distribution.
Moreover, the device supports guest networking and beam forwarding and features 2 ethernet ports for wired connections.
ASUS AX6100 WFi 6 Mesh Router
Another device to consider is the AX6100, thanks to its affordable price, WiFi 6 capabilities, and the fastest AiMesh Technology.
Unlike most mesh nodes, this device features 4 ethernet ports and several USB ports for a stable wired connection.
Additionally, it supports OFDMA and Mu-MIMO technologies for efficient bandwidth distribution and data transfer.
Orbi Triband Mesh System
While Orbi may be the most expensive device here, it features all the capabilities you wish to have in a mesh system.
First, it is Wi-Fi 6 enabled, supports Triband and has 4 ethernet ports for wired connection.
Its WiFi range is a whopping 5000 ft, which you can extend by 2500 ft with any successful addition of an AP.
What I like most about this mesh node is that you can connect up to 100 devices without an issue.
Troubleshooting Steps For Starlink Mesh Node
Although installing and using the Starlink mesh node is straightforward, if you follow the above steps, you still can run into issues.
When that happens, I recommend the following troubleshooting steps:
Perform a power cycle
A power cycle is a system reboot or reset that helps clear bugs and accumulated static charges.
To perform a power cycle on your mesh nodes, unplug all power cables and let your devices sit for a few seconds.
Finally, plug and power your devices, and you are done.
Check the network
The mesh node in your setup can only function if you have connected it to your Starlink router. For this reason, any wrong connection or network issue can bring problems.
If this happens, consider checking your Starlink network and alter it accordingly.
Update the firmware
While Starlink updates its router and mesh node firmware automatically, it’s good to check for updates via the app.
While on the update issues, also ensure you update the Starlink app from your respective app store.
Uninstall and reinstall the Starlink app
Sometimes, the updating may not work, and you must uninstall and reinstall the app. Doing so can clear bugs, remove stale files, and ensure your app is up to date.
Router reset
Conclusion
Setting up the Starlink mesh node is a straightforward process that allows you to have a reliable, uniform network coverage.
However, the device only works with rectangular dishes and can only connect up to 128 devices.
If you need more devices or enhanced features, you should check the above alternatives.