Enhance Starlink Experience with Peplink

Starlink is a game-changer in the satellite internet space. It offers fast speeds and low latency. However, it's not 100% reliable. Various environmental factors impact connectivity, resulting in spotty or dropped service.

You don’t have to put up with sporadic connectivity. Pairing Starlink with a Peplink router will allow you to live, work, and play with a reliable internet connection relatively anywhere.

What is Starlink Satellite Internet?

Starlink iis a satellite constellation using low Earth orbit to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet. It’s designed to overcome the limitations of traditional broadband internet, primarily in remote and rural areas. People who once did not have access to reliable internet services, now do.

In addition to satellite internet services, Starlink is also working towards satellite to cellular services.

Image Source: Space.com

How Does Starlink Satellite Internet Work?

Satellite internet does not depend on cables to transmit data. Like other satellite ISPs, Starlink has ground stations equipped with large antennas that are connected to the internet. These antennas broadcast signals to Starlink satellites, located about 342 miles above Earth’s surface. Those signals are relayed to Starlink dish antennas connected to internet routers. Users can then access the internet via smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktops, and other connected devices.

The Starlink dish antenna tracks the satellites as they move through the sky, maintaining continuous connectivity. A clear view of the sky is necessary for optimal results.

Starlink claims users typically experience download speeds between 25 and 220 Mbps, with a majority experiencing speeds over 100 Mbps. Upload speeds typically fall between 5 and 20 Mbps. Latency ranges between 25 and 60 ms on land, and 100+ ms in certain remote locations. These speeds make Starlink capable of supporting streaming, online gaming, video calls, and more.

When compared to the competition, Viasat and HughesNet, Starlink performed significantly better.

How is Starlink Different from Other Satellite Internet Providers?

There are multiple satellite ISPs, the big three being Starlink, Viasat, and HughesNet. When comparing the three, the main differences that stuck out were:

• Number of Satellites – Viasat and HughesNet own and operate a handful of satellites. Starlink, on the other hand, has over 4,000 functioning satellites. More satellites increase reliability and decrease service dropouts.
• Satellite Location – Viasat and HughesNet satellites are located about 22,000 miles above the Earth in geostationary orbit. This means they follow Earth's rotation at the same speed, making them appear stationary relative to the Earth. Starlink satellites are located roughly 342 miles above Earth. The shorter distance allows for faster speeds and lower latency. They're constantly rotating around the Earth, which is why Starlink uses multiple satellites.
• Equipment and Installation – VViasat and HughesNet use a traditional dish antenna that points at the satellite. Professional installation is needed to install the equipment and aim the antenna. Starlink dish antennas are small, flat, and do not need to be aimed. They are motorized and self-adjusting. Once set up in an area with a clear view of the sky, they automatically align themselves to optimally connect to satellites moving through the sky. Thus, Starlink can be self-installed. With the Starlink app, installation is made simple.

Even though Starlink has its advantages over other satellite ISPs, it still has a few drawbacks.

What Are the Downsides to Starlink Satellite Internet?

Here are the top common drawbacks reported by Starlink customers:

• Network Congestion – In areas with lots of Starlink users, speed drastically decreases during peak hours.
• Weather-Related Interruptions – Starlink requires a clear view of the sky. Anything interfering with the signal waves can weaken or knock your connection out. This includes rain, snow, and ice. The same thing occurs with satellite TV.
• Clear View of Sky Requirements – Starlink satellites don’t just sit in one place. They are rotating around the Earth. The antennas need a wide clear view of the sky to optimally connect to the satellites. Obstructions like trees, buildings, and the like, block or reduce line of vision, lowering performance.
• Price – Stralink service is not cheap. Their residential plan, Starlink Standard, starts at $120/month with a one-time hardware cost of $599. The Starlink Mobile plan for RV starts at $150/month with a one-time hardware cost of $599. While monthly rates can be comparable to plans from other satellite ISPs, they are higher than other data networks (cable, fiber, and cellular ISPs).
• Availability – While Starlink aims to deliver reliable internet globally, it’s not available everywhere. Limited availability also plays into network congestion. You can view where Starlink is available here.

How to Build an Unbreakable Starlink Internet Connection

The best way to create an unbreakable Starlink internet connection is with a Peplink cellular router.

With cellular:

• You don’t really have to worry about network congestion issues. Cell towers are designed to handle lots of devices at a time.
• Unless a tower goes down, connectivity is rarely interrupted by rain, snow, and ice.
• Since the signal is not coming from space, a clear view of the sky is not necessary for a reliable connection. Even when there are obstacles in the way cellular signals are usually still available, just not as strong.
• It’s a more affordable service.
• It’s available in most places Starlink does not work.

Anywhere Starlink does not work, a Peplink cellular router can pick up the slack for uninterrupted connectivity. And anywhere cellular is unavailable, Starlink keeps you connected.

What is a Peplink Cellular Router?

Rather than providing internet via satellite, cable, or fiber ISPs, Peplink cellular routers leverage cellular data. They pick up 4G/5G signals and convert them to reliable WiFi. This allows users to easily access the internet on the go or in areas where internet services are extremely expensive or unavailable. Though, they aren’t like traditional cellular routers and mobile hotspots. They are built with many features that enable unbreakable connectivity when paired with Starlink.

How Peplink Can Supercharge Your Satellite Internet

Because of the way Peplink routers are designed, you’re able to take your internet connection to the next level. You won't have to worry about Starlink dropping when you most need it. They feature:

Redundancy

Peplink routers are equipped with multiple SIM card slots and a WAN port to build a redundant network. This means that Peplink can switch between cellular and Starlink to ensure always-on connectivity with zero downtime. This is extremely helpful for those wanting reliable internet while on the road where signal is constantly changing. If cellular is available where Starlink falls short, which it usually is, you’ll still be able to game, stream, and more without any issues.

Built-In LAN Ports

Sporting multiple LAN ports, Peplink routers make it easy to wire TVs, computers, or any other devices. The Starlink router does not have built-in LAN ports. You’d have to get the Starlink Ethernet Adapter to add one LAN port. If you want to wire multiple devices, you’ll need an Ethernet switch.

External Antenna Ports

Antenna ports give you the flexibility to upgrade the cellular and WiFi antennas for more powerful ones. Upgrading the cellular antennas will help capture the strongest cell signal possible for superior connectivity when Starlink is unavailable. Upgrading the WiFi antennas may get you more coverage than what a Starlink router can provide as they don’t have antenna ports.

Poynting PUCK

Poynting MIMO

Bandwidth Bonding Technology

Bandwidth Bonding technology allows you to combine the bandwidth of Starlink and cellular for an even faster, more reliable connection. It's extremely useful for situations where bandwidth is scarce, such as at a remote site, or in a moving vehicle.

Configurable Network

Peplink routers let you control your network. You can steer traffic, set priorities, and much more. Starlink routers, on the other hand, don’t have configuration controls. You can't customize your connection. This is a bigger deal than you might think, especially if you find yourself in remote areas or needing a bit more bandwidth.

Top Peplink Cellular Router Recommendations

Peplink BR1 Mini

Peplink MAX BR1 Pro 5G

FAQs

Supercharge Starlink Internet Today!

Your internet connection does not have the be at the mercy of weather conditions, location, or number of users. Pairing a Peplink router with your Starlink will take your connection to the next level.

Signal Boosters specializes in WiFi solutions for always online connectivity. We’re also a leading provider of cell phone signal boosters for homes, offices, and vehicles. Give us a call at 1-800-470-6777 or email us at info@signalboosters.com today to get you set up with an unbreakable internet connection.

Interested in Learning More? Check Out Our Cellular Info Hub / WiFi Info Hub