Poor Starlink router placement can affect its performance, even with advanced technology.
To unlock its full potential, you must employ effective strategies for router placement to maximize performance.
Here are vital considerations, tips, and effective practices to help position your Starlink router to enhance signal strength, ensuring a seamless internet experience.
Table of Contents
- Feasibility of Outdoor Placement for the Router
- Disadvantages of Outdoor Installation of Starlink Router
- Key Considerations for Outdoor Starlink Router Installation
- Starlink Router Placement
- How Many Square Feet Does Starlink Router Cover?
- Starlink Router Placement Final Thought
Feasibility of Outdoor Placement for the Router
People usually place Starlink routers inside the house, with Starlink cable laid out through an interior wall.
However, if you experience difficulties installing the Starlink dish, you may install the router outside.
SpaceX designed second-generation Starlink routers to withstand exposure to water and dust.
They can operate in harsh weather patterns like their accompanying dish.
They can function effectively with temperatures ranging from -22 F to 122 F if it has an appropriate weatherproof enclosure.
However, if you’re using the first-generation router accompanied by a round dish, don’t use it for outdoor use.
Disadvantages of Outdoor Installation of Starlink Router
From a functional perspective, installing a Starlink router outside comes with a few advantages. It has several drawbacks that can impact your Starlink connection.
Let’s look at the disadvantages and the potential implications they may have on your overall internet experience with Starlink.
Low Coverage
Position a Starlink router in the central area of the intended coverage space for optimal coverage.
Placing the router outside or at one end of the area would result in limited access to the signal, practically cutting the range in half, with the other half going unused.
Even if the intention is to utilize the unused coverage by accessing it outdoors or on the opposite end, it still represents wasted coverage for most scenarios.
Low Speeds
Since you have restricted coverage, the network cannot sustain proper link speeds.
This may cause the Wi-Fi to offer you lower speeds depending on link speed regardless of your router.
Potential Security Hazard
The unutilized signal can present a significant security risk since it extends beyond your home or office boundaries.
This allows third parties to access your network easily and launch Wi-Fi attacks to infiltrate your system.
Unable to Use Ethernet Access
You can overcome the slow internet speeds by using an Ethernet cable by directly connecting your router to the device you wish to access the internet.
However, in the case of an outdoor router placement, it’s very challenging to have a wired connection using the provided Ethernet cable from the Starlink hardware kit since it needs to be long to reach the desired location.
Lack of Electric Outlet
Your router needs power; placing it outside requires an outdoor location where your Starlink router will access power.
This may be an uphill task if you need a way to expand your cables outdoors.
Key Considerations for Outdoor Starlink Router Installation
Place your Starlink router inside if possible because the Wi-Fi signal is better.
Additionally, your router is safer against elements indoors even if it’s rated as IP54 (water and dust resistant).
But if you must place it outside, consider the following factors.
Location or accessibility: Starlink works best when the dish has a power supply, so ensure the installation location has AC power and is accessible for maintenance.
Weather: Starlink routers can operate from -30 Celsius to 50 Celsius. Note that excessive heat, cold, or moisture could damage the router.
When installing your Starlink router, you should purchase a weatherproof enclosure to protect it from the weather.
Ethernet/Wi-Fi connectivity: Plan how to get the Ethernet or Wi-Fi from the outdoor Starlink router to your home.
Building code: Inquire from your local code to ensure your router installation meets building codes from your local code department.
Starlink Router Placement
When setting up your Starlink router, it is advisable to place it in an open place, such as the top of the shelf in your home. Avoid placing where the signal could be blocked.
In addition, the router should be centrally placed for uniform network coverage in the house.
While you can place your router outside the house, it may be exposed to a lot of interference, such as from weather and may have additional requirements.
Install a Starlink dish on the rooftop with a clear sky view for optimal performance.
The dish is designed to be self-aligning and can automatically adjust its tilt and spin to maximize signal reception from the satellite.
It doesn’t require signal adjustment once locked onto the satellite constellation.
However, if obstructions like trees and building structures block the view, you must reset the dish to ensure an interrupted connection.
You can use the Starlink app on your smartphone to check any obstruction and determine the best mounting location.
Starlink dish on the rooftop
How Many Square Feet Does Starlink Router Cover?
Starlink routers can cover up to 5,000 square feet. This router is ideal for small and medium-sized homes.
However, you should know the exact coverage of a router model and its installed location in your home.
Starlink Router Placement Final Thought
Proper router placement is crucial to maximizing its performance.
It would be best if you placed the router in an open place inside the house.
The router’s internet coverage can be up to 5,000 square feet.
Therefore, you should place the router centrally for uniform network coverage in your home.
Where you place your Starlink dish also matters. For better network coverage, your dish should have a clear sky view on the rooftop.
