Did you recently get a mesh WiFi that works with Spectrum but don’t know how to install and set it up? Whether you want to extend the WiFi network to outbuildings, workshops, and across farms, building a Starlink mesh network isn’t that complex.
But then, connecting Starlink to a mesh network isn’t as easy as with other service providers like Xfinity, particularly when using a third-party equipment. Fret not. The next section will take you through the prerequisites and all the steps involved in connecting a third-party mesh WiFi to Starlink satellite internet.
Let’s get going.
Contents
Things You Need [Pre-Requisites]
Before connecting third-party WiFi mesh on your Starlink connection, make sure you have all the equipment to get through the setup:
- Active Starlink Connection
- Mesh WiFi system
- Starlink Ethernet Adapter
- A Laptop/Desktop/Mobile
- Ethernet Cable (of the desired length)
- Power Extension box/Adapter (If required)
How To Install Mesh WiFi on Starlink? [Step-by-Step]
If your home is about 1,500-2,000 Sq Ft, you can also use a standard WiFi router without investing in a pricey mesh system. You may check out my recommended WiFi routers for Starlink.
1. Enable the Use of Third-Party Routers/Mesh
Customers must bypass the Starlink router if they are using the Second Gen Starlink setup. Let’s see how to go about that.
Step 1: Open the Starlink App on your mobile. Use the Starlink ID and Password to log in to the mobile application. Once you log in, you’ll see the device’s status in your app.
You’ll be able to see the details of the device connected to the satellite.
Step 2: Click on the settings menu below the connected devices
The settings page will look like this:
Step 3: Turn the Bypass Starlink WiFi router “On”
Step 4: You’ll see a warning that you are disabling the Starlink router. Click save.
Voila! This updated setting will enable you to set up your Starlink mesh network at your home. Now we’ll see how to complete the setup and connections.
2. Connect Starlink Ethernet Adapter
In the following steps, you’ll use the Starlink Ethernet Adapter. If you don’t have one, you can purchase it from shop.starlink.com.
The Ethernet adapter has to be connected to your Starlink router as shown in the picture below.
Step 1: Remove the input from the satellite dish as highlighted below.
Step 2: Insert one end of the Ethernet adapter into the Starlink router.
Step 3: Now, connect the satellite input to the Ethernet Adapter.
Step 4: On the other end of the adapter, you’ll find an Ethernet port, You’ll use an Ethernet cable to connect the adapter to the WAN port of your Mesh WiFi.
3. Set Up Mesh System
Depending on the size of your house and coverage requirements, you’ll either have two or three units in your mesh system. You’ll connect the primary unit to the Ethernet Adapter via the wired mode (Ethernet cable) and setup satellite nodes via wireless mode.
Step 1: Find a central location for the primary mesh unit and place it on a table a few feet above ground level. Next, plug in the power cable in the power I/O slot.
Step 2: Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable from the Starlink Adapter to the Ethernet port.
Step 3: Plugin the power cable into the nearest power outlet.
Step 4: Turn the device on, and you will find lights blinking.
You can complete the setup either in the mobile app/web portal, depending on the product. You may read the product manual for more clarity.
Step 5: Depending on the size/nature of your house, place the satellite units at appropriate places for stronger Wi-Fi coverage.
Once that’s done, your Starlink mesh setup has been completed.
For Older Generation Setups:
If you are using the older generation of the Starlink satellite setup in your home, hooking up a mesh system on Starlink is even easier. Remove the Starlink router from the adapter and directly plugin your primary unit with an Ethernet cable. All the other steps remain the same.
Once you’ve completed the Starlink mesh setup, use the dedicated app or platform to control your home network. That opens up a plethora of customization and advanced setups to tweak your settings and get the most out of your network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is possible. Starlink allows you to set up your mesh WiFi system. But you’ll need an Ethernet adapter to use a third-party WiFi on Starlink.
You’ll need a Starlink Ethernet adapter to set up your mesh network. After connecting the router to the Ethernet adapter, you’ll need to replace the input from the Starlink router to the adapter. Then you can run an Ethernet cable from the adapter to other WiFi devices.
No, the Starlink cable and its ports are proprietary. Alternatively, you can use a WiFi to Ethernet adapter, but you won’t be able to get the most out of the capacity. Starlink ethernet adapter price is $20, which costs less than a decent Wi-Fi Ethernet adapter. It makes sense is sticking to the ISP’s Ethernet adapter.
To order a Starlink ethernet adapter, visit https://shop.starlink.com. Use your login and password to access the portal. You’ll have access to a list of accessories like adapters and mounts available for purchase.
The Starlink ethernet adapter is the intermediate device that allows you to bypass the Starlink router. Connect the Starlink router and adapter. Input the cable from the satellite receiver to the port in the adapter. Use the Ethernet port for any outgoing internet connections.
Yes, you can use a WiFi extender with a Starlink router. Look for extenders with Ethernet ports that are easy to set up and configure. But by using an extender, you are bound to miss out on the bandwidth because of an additional wireless hop.
Conclusion
As mentioned in the satellite vs cable internet comparison, setting up a third-party mesh WiFi with Starlink can appear more complicated than cable or fiber internet. This guide explains every aspect of the setup that makes it easier for a network novice to complete the installation (with no hassles) of a third-party mesh system with Starlink.
How can I connect my Phillips hue hub to my new Starlink satellite or stark link mesh? I’m not tech savvy but can follow most instructions.
Hey Judy,
It is fairly simple and won’t be different from any other WiFi.
They’ve written a step-by-step guide on the same.
I hope this helps. If you’ve any specific query, feel free to reply.
Thank you Kurt Twain for responding to my questions! It looks very easy to set up.
You’re awesome.
Judy
It’s all set up and working! Thanks again Kurt Twain
Judy
Hi Kurt,
Great article and thank you for explaining it all so well, especially the note about the Gen 1 Star link system.
I will take your advice on the TP Link system, the only addition I will make is an outdoor AP as well.
Thanks again.
Pete
Thanks. Simple and straight forward. Installed Google and 2 access nests. Had to reset the Starlink router because I didn’t bypass the Starlink router BEFORE setting up the Goggle mesh network. After being blocked by Starlink and re-setting my password twice, I finally reset the Starlink router (unplugging and re-plugging 6 times) let it do its thing and re-connected the Ethernet adapter and my google wifi network was there as I set it up and re connected. Sweet! My Starlink app does not have much informational functionality now though.
I have bypassed my Starlink but have issues when there is a power outage which can be frequent. When power comes back I lose internet because my router comes up before Starlink and does not get an address on the WAN side. This is a rural location and I am not there in the winter. So someone has to go in and restart my router AX-11000
Can I use Starlink router then piggy back my router to try and avoid this?
Hey Frank,
I understand your concern. Why not try a UPS battery backup device?
I think that would be a great addition unless power cuts in your area stay for too long.
Do you recommend using a switch?
Hey KH,
It depends on the use case. My setup doesn’t require a lot of wired connectivity, and hence I don’t use it.
I posted a question yesterday, but don’t see it here
So perhaps something went wrong and I’ll post it again.
Since two weeks I use Starlink (living in an area with poor connection) and this works very well, but better with a Mesh system.
I connected my old Google WiFi (two devices) without any problems.
But this house is quite big so I decided to buy a 3-pack of Google WiFi.
And here starts the problem: they don’t connect to the mesh-system.
I already was 1,5 hour working with the Google helpdesk, no success.
The i saw this article. I changed the router setting to ‘bypass’, but makes no difference.
Any suggestions to make this work?
Kind regards,
Gerard
Hey Gerard,
That’s a strange situation to be in. Are you sure the third Google WiFi point isn’t a faulty device?
Try replacing it. I hope this works.
Hi Kurt,
All three of my new Google Mesh give me the message: can’t connect
How to check if a Google Wifi-point is a faulty device. Perhaps to make one of them the router, connected by a cable with the Starlink modem?
I put one of the new devices on cable, in connection with Starlink router. But it gives no connection. Then i reset all the factory settings, and again: no connection.
So now im back with my to older Google Wifi devices (they work fine!), but my 3 new devices don’t make connection. My Google-app finds them, I scan the QR-code, then he starts to make a mesh-connection and tells me there is no connection.
This drives me crazy 🙂
Hope you have any idea
I have a Starlink V2, with WiFi still on and three additional secondary Starlink nodes in mesh. On one of the secondary Starlink nodes I connected an ethernet adapter then connected a Netgear Managed switch for my hardwired devices. I configured the switch with the Starlink gateway settings and everything works fine. Family NAS (hardwired) accessible from devices connected to StarlinkWiFi nodes. Wireless printer accessible from hardwired computers. It’s all been great.