Most people prioritize download and upload speed and forget Starlink internet ping.
Interactive gaming, 2-way video, and server-client communication are time-sensitive activities that rely on fast responses.
Even with high download and upload speeds, high internet ping can reduce the quality of information.
You need the lowest Starlink internet speed ping to make your communication seamless and your data lossless.
Find out how to know your satellite internet provider’s ping and how to reduce it.
Table of Contents
- What Is Starlink Latency
- Why Do You Need Low Ping: Real-Life Applications
- What Ping Does Starlink Get?
- How To Measure Starlink Internet Ping
- Starlink Latency Vs. Other Internet Providers?
- How Does Starlink Reduce Ping?
- Final Thoughts: Is Low Ping Important?
What Is Starlink Latency
Two-way data transmission
You expect a response when you initiate a request from your computer or internet-enabled device.
There is a period between when the device receives the request and when it sends back the response.
That period is known as latency or ping.
Starlink latency takes a request to leave your computer to a Starlink internet satellite and back to you through Starlink ground stations.
Currency, Starlink has an average latency of about 25ms. Some areas experience Starlink latency of between 20 to 40 milliseconds.
Granted, that is Starlink’s advertised rate. However, users in Starlink forums report latency between 40 and 50ms.
Why Do You Need Low Ping: Real-Life Applications
High ping might be fine if you use your internet for regular casual web browsing.
However, some real-world applications need fast response time.
Effective Communication
In a world where video communication is vital, constant lags could be a deal breaker. Low ping makes it easy for you to put across a clear message.
Consequently, lossless data transfer ensures you meet the correct objectives.
Smooth Gaming
Online gaming is a billion-dollar industry. Professional online gaming relies on low ping.
Low ping and minimal lag form the backbone of a great user experience in online gaming.
Most online games will work fine with a latency of between 20-40ms.
Trading
High-speed day trading
Timing is a critical component of successful trading. You need almost zero delays in the time systems take to communicate.
The recommended latency for trading is below 15ms. High latency and high ping could make the difference between profit and loss.
What Ping Does Starlink Get?
Starlink has a rated 20-40ms latency. Some users might get even lower than 20ms. However, there are plenty of factors affecting Starlink’s ping.
Starlink has three data plans, each with the same expected latency range.
Starlink Residential has a 20 and 100 Mbps download speed. Its 20-40ms latency is enough for most online activities.
Since Starlink is meant for people already experiencing high latency, Starlink Residential offers a great speed-latency combo.
Starlink Business has faster speeds that would do great in a fast-paced business environment.
40-200 Mbps speeds with 20-40ms latency is a sweet spot for e-business and video conferencing.
Starlink Maritime might experience high latency despite having decent download and upload speeds.
Download speeds can reach 220 Mbps with 50ms latency.
Those numbers are decent. Still, there is room for improvement in vital operations while at sea.
Starlink ROAM(Starlink RV) users report latency between 28-88ms. However, Starlink RV latency seems to be just below 50ms in busy areas.
How To Measure Starlink Internet Ping
Although some fast sites run a Starlink ping speed test for you, you can also run diagnostics from your computer to measure Starlink internet ping.
On Windows, go to the Command window and type “tracert” and then the destination site. Alternatively, replace the destination site domain name with the IP address.
On Apple, type traceroute -I (companydomain.com) or the IP address.
Starlink Latency Vs. Other Internet Providers?
Starlink might be the new kid on the block of satellite internet providers.
However, it is achieving its purpose of being a reliable provider of low-latency internet for people in underserved areas.
Here’s how it performs compared to other older ISPs.
Viasat and Hughesnet are the two major satellite internet providers. Viasat and Hughesnet have 500-800ms and 600-900ms latency, respectively.
AT&T and Google Fiber are both fiber internet service providers. They average 10-20 ms latency.
The difference between their latency and Starlink’s is expected. Fiber still has an edge over satellite internet, and it shows in speed and latency.
Cable internet providers such as Comcast Xfinity and Spectrum have closer ping rates to Starlink.
They average between 30 and 70ms.
How Does Starlink Reduce Ping?
Satellites close to the earth
Starlink has taken a practical approach to reduce the time it takes for information to travel between two parties.
It uses low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites to keep the distance and latency low. Consequently, the signals get to the ground stations faster.
Its competitors in satellite internet provision use geosynchronous satellites. These satellites are farther in space than Starlink.
Therefore, sending and receiving data signals takes longer, causing high latency.
Additionally, numerous Starlink ground stations ensure transmission waves get to their destination with minimal loss.
Starlink plans to add more satellites in low-earth orbit.
About 4000 Starlink satellites are in orbit, meeting the speed demands of about 1,000,000 subscribers.
However, Space X wants to have 30,000 satellites in orbit.
Here are more causes for high latency and how you can improve it.
Slow Wi-Fi connection? Switch to Ethernet
Starlink internet is wireless. However, wireless internet can be slow. Whenever you have a slow connection on either end, you will experience a longer delay.
There are different ways to check your Wi-Fi speed.
The most accessible way is using the Ookla speed test. It’ll show you Wi-Fi upload and download speeds.
Switching to an Ethernet cable connection is a quick remedy for slow satellite internet speed.
The Starlink kit has an Ethernet cable you can connect to enjoy faster speeds and low latency.
Old Equipment? Replacement
Janky equipment such as faulty cables, a bad dish, or a faulty router could compromise your internet speed and increase latency.
If you notice any of your equipment is bad, you can complain to Starlink Support.
Typically, they will troubleshoot from their end and send you new equipment.
Also, you can replace some faulty equipment, such as third-party nodes.
Too Many Shared Devices? Switch Off Some Devices
Device congestion overwhelms network capacity.
Too many devices could reduce speed and increase latency in your home or a large area.
You can always control it in-house.
Closing apps and shutting off devices redistributes bandwidth and reduces latency.
Alternatively, you can schedule lag-sensitive activities like video conferencing for offpeak hours (typically before 5-10 PM)
Slow Server Side Speeds
Sometimes the problem isn’t on your end. Slow servers can also reduce your speed and increase latency.
If that is the case, switch to a server closer to your location.
Obstructions? Set Up Mesh Network
The Starlink kit comes with one router. In a large home with many obstructions, slow speed might be a constant problem.
Walls, large furniture, and electronic devices might weaken internet signals and slow your speeds.
Use Starlink’s Range feature in the app and mark the strongest Wi-Fi spots.
You can move the primary router or create a mesh node network in weak areas. Consequently, the mesh will create a strong relay channel that reduces lag.
If none of the above practical solutions reduce latency, restart your device and wait.
If the problem persists, contact Starlink customer support for further assistance.
Final Thoughts: Is Low Ping Important?
High speed and low ping are a golden balance. They are the backbone of seamless two-way communications such as interactive messaging, video conferencing, and competitive e-gaming.
Starlink Internet currently has great latency rates. This article should help you make your Starlink internet experience as smooth as possible.
