The Starlink cable is what connects your dish to the router/power supply. It carries both power and data. The connectors on each end of the cable are proprietary, meaning they are unique to Starlink. The type and length of Starlink cable depends on which model dish you have. In this guide, I’ll go over the cable lengths for each type of dish, and answer some common questions I get about the Starlink cable.
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What type of cable is the Starlink cable?
The Starlink cable is shielded CAT5e, also known as STP CAT5e. It contains 4 twisted pairs, for a total of 8 conductors. The dish is powered by Starlink’s unique POE (power over Ethernet) version, so data and power travel through the conductors.
Although the Starlink cable is essentially just a standard shielded Ethernet cable, the connectors on each end are proprietary on the Gen 2 hardware. That means you can’t just replace or extend the Starlink cable with a standard Ethernet/CAT5e cable, as there are no adapters or methods of hooking them together.
The original Gen 1 dish, and the newest Gen 3 dish, use standard RJ45 connectors instead of the proprietary Starlink connectors. That means that, with Gen 1 or Gen 3 equipment, you can use aftermarket cables if you need a different lengths for the Starlink cable. Although it is technically possible, Starlink does not recommend using non-Starlink cables.
Starlink Cable Lengths By Model
The length and type of your Starlink cable depends on which dish model you have. Starlink equipment now spans 3 generations, each with a different cable:
Gen 1 Circular
The original Gen 1 dish comes with a permanently attached 100 feet (30 meters) Starlink cable. It connects to the Gen 1 power supply brick with an RJ45 connector. Longer lengths can be achieved by coupling another shielded Ethernet cable to the Starlink cable, but I don’t recommend a total length of over 125′.
Gen 2 Standard Actuated (Residential, Roam)
The Gen 2 Standard Starlink kit comes with a Starlink cable that is 50 feet (15 meters) long. Optionally, you can purchase a 75′ or 150′ Starlink cable for the Gen 2 Standard dish if you need more length. The longer cables are available directly from Starlink, in the online shop. 150′ is the maximum Starlink cable length for the Gen 2 Standard dish. The Gen 2 Standard dish uses proprietary Starlink connectors on each end of the Starlink cable, and the connectors are not compatible with any other Starlink model.
Gen 2 High Performance (Business, Priority)
Gen 2 High Performance kits, sold with the Business/Priority service plan, have a Starlink cable length of 82 feet (25 meters). 82 feet is the only cable length available for the Gen 2 High Performance dish. The Gen 2 High Performance dish uses proprietary Starlink connectors at each end. The High Performance cable connectors are different than the Gen 2 Standard and Gen 2 Flat High Performance connectors, so the cables are not interchangeable between the different models.
Gen 2 Flat High Performance (Maritime, Mobility)
The Gen 2 Flat High Performance Starlink dish comes with a cable that is 26.2 feet (8 meters) long. A longer 82 feet (25 meter) Starlink cable is available. If you need a shorter cable, Starlink also sells a 1.6′ (0.5 meters) Starlink cable for the Gen 2 Flat High Performance dish. Like all Gen 2 hardware, the connectors on the Flat High Performance are proprietary, and the Starlink cable isn’t compatible with any other model.
Gen 3 Standard (Residential, Roam)
49.2 feet (15 meters) is the Starlink cable length for the newest dish model, the Gen 3 Standard. A longer 147.6′ (45 meters) Starlink cable is available in the Starlink shop. The Gen 3 Standard Starlink cable uses RJ45 connectors on each end of the cable. The connectors have a passive latch, unlike traditional RJ45 connectors. They also have a moisture seal to keep water and debris out of the Starlink dish and router.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Starlink connectors USB-C?
No, the Gen 2 Starlink connectors are not USB-C, or any other standard that is widely used on the market. Like I mentioned before, the Starlink connectors are unique to Starlink, and aren’t compatible with any other style of connector. They might look similar to USB-C or HDMI, but they aren’t the same.
Can I combine two Starlink cables together?
No, Starlink cables cannot be combined together. The longest Starlink cable sold for your dish model is the longest length available. Starlink dishes have limitations on the length of the cable due to voltage drop issues.
Can I use my old internet or satellite coax cable for the Starlink?
No, you cannot use existing coax, cable, or satellite connections to hook up your Starlink dish. The Starlink cable provides power and data to the Starlink dish, and has unique specifications and requirements. Coax and other types of cables are not compatible, so you will have to run the Starlink cable between the dish and the router.
Recommended: How To Route The Starlink Cable Into Your House
Can the Starlink cable be buried underground?
Starlink cables are not rated for direct burial, but they can be buried underground if they are run through conduit. I recommend at least 1 inch conduit. Avoid sharp bends due to the shape of the Gen 2 Starlink connector.
Should I be worried about UV or weather exposure with the Starlink cable?
The Starlink cable is rated for outdoor conditions, including UV and sun exposure. It can withstand extreme temperatures, rain, etc. Routing the cable across your roof or home exterior is fine.
Hello, I purchased the starlink service for my apartment. I live on the 6th floor and the building is 21 floors. The antenna does not work on the balcony of the apartment due to the obstruction, so it is necessary to install it on the roof of the building. I have a problem because the height is approximately 60 meters, the longest cable they sell does not reach the height, so how could I install the service? Could you help me with that?
You would need to install the router and power supply in a separate location, closer to the roof. Then, run an Ethernet cable down to your unit, and use your own aftermarket router.
I’ve seen these intermediary adapters “https://spacetek.com.au/products/starlink-spx-to-rj45-adapters-pair” would they be safe to use?
I can’t speak to them since I don’t have any experience using the products, but I don’t see why they wouldn’t work or be safe to use.
I don’t know why these companies feel they MUST have custom non-repairable or replaceable connectors?
The standard residential system cable has YUGE right-angle connectors at each end thus making it virtually impossible to phish alongside an existing cable run through a wall plate.
The connector on the dish side is straight.
Use the antenna connector to run through the wall ( existing cable run).
Hey what would you recommend doing if the span is about >2000ft? that seems a bit far for cable but is it doable point to point wireless?
Possibly, but I have no experience with solutions for that kind of distance. I would recommend reaching out to Ubiquiti to see if they have a point to point that can handle that kind of distance.
What options are available for extending the cable between the Antenna and the ethernet extender for the vessel, considering that there is no cable extension specifically designed for Maritime use?
What options are available for extending the cable between the Antenna and the ethernet extender for the vessel, considering that there is no cable extension or longer cable specifically designed for Maritime use?
They make a 25M Starlink cable for Maritime:
https://shop.starlink.com/products/us-consumer-25m-replacement-cable-flathp
Hi. I have to be 200ft from my house for a good location fir my starlink. Any suggestions on how to do this? Thankyou in advance.
The best way is to install Starlink remotely, and run cable or a wireless bridge back to the house with your own Wifi access points.
I would like to install Starlink on my home. I already have another internet dish mounted on my roof. The cable from that dish runs along the exterior about 90′ to a telecom box mounted on the side of the house. Inside, it is spliced to a cat5e cable. The cat5e then runs from the box to my router inside the house. Is there any way to run the Starlink cable to the box and connect it directly to the existing cat5e? I’m not sure how that would work with Starlink’s PoE cable.
You could do that if there is AC power available at the box, and room for the Starlink router and Ethernet Adapter. You could have the Starlink router and Ethernet Adapter installed in the box, with the Starlink router in bypass mode. The existing CAT5 cable connects to the Ethernet Adapter in the box, and then to your own router inside the house. The existing dish cable is probably coax? It won’t be usable, you will have to run the Starlink cable from the dish down to the box.
If no AC power is available in the box, you will just have to run the Starlink cable from the dish, to wherever you want the Starlink router installed inside the house.
That makes sense. Thank you for your help. I appreciate it!
How much will the 150ft cable cost?
Depends on the market, but in the US it is currently $130.
Where can you purchase the 150’ cable for $130? I’m finding prices way higher. Thanks!
All the prices I list on this site are for the US market. Starlink only sells directly from the site, Starlink.com. You can find them in the Shop section under your account dashboard, or at shop.starlink.com. You need to be logged in to view the shop. Prices in the Starlink shop vary by market.
Hello. Where can I find the 8m Dish cable?
If it isn’t listed on shop.starlink.com, you can create a support ticket and ask support for this cable.
Can I use the 150′ cable for a FLAT HIGH PERFORMANCE system? The attachment ends don’t look the same.
No, the connectors and cable are different between the High Performance models and Standard mode.
Is there a longer cable available for the high-performance antenna from another manufacturer?
25M is the longest Starlink cable for the High Performance dish.
Hi Noah — thanks for the fantastic blog. From your entries, I see that (1) the maximum run for a Starlink cable is 150 ft., and (2) there is no extension cable available for the High Performance and Business Starlnk kit. Does that mean the dish that comes with High Performance and Business is limited to 82 ft.? Or can I purchase the 150 ft. cable and use it with this option? 82 ft. seems quite limited for certain business applications but want to make sure I understand correctly.
Correct, the 150′ cable is not available for the High Performance models. The High Performance dish uses more voltage and power, so they have to keep the cable distance in mind due to voltage drop and conductor limitations.
My starlink cable is bad how can I get another one
Open a support ticket or purchase another one from shop.starlink.com.
Noah – do the connectors for the High Performance flat dish work with the Yaosheng Dishy V2 cable to RJ45 adapter? Thanks.
No, the connectors are different.
Thanks
Thank you for all your help… Question re the Martime service for 250/month I see it offers 50GB a month on the open sea…… What about being at the dock on land not moving Do you get access to more data at the dock that is not part of the 50/gb a month.. thanks
When on land you will get unlimited Mobile data. But it will always use up your 50gb Mobile Priority data first before switching to Mobile data on land.
I ordered the cable after I subscribed. It just got here.. but its the wrong one I think. Is this this it? Anyway to reach these guys to get it corrected if it’s wrong.. looks like zero cust service
You can create a support ticket to get the order straightened out:
https://www.starlinkhardware.com/how-to-contact-starlink-customer-support/
Hi – We have just taken delivery of the new (or newly-priced I should say) Starlink Marine. The main cable that runs between the Power Supply and the “Dish” is 8m long. This is very short for most marine applications. Do you know if I can use the 25m long High-Performance Dish Cable (looks like the exact same dish). Thanks in advance, James.
Yep, they sell the 25M version for the Flat HP dish in the shop here:
https://shop.starlink.com/products/us-consumer-25m-replacement-cable-flathp
seems i have to activate my account to get this cable? But I cant install without this cable… How can I order so I can have installed and then activated.. My installer wont schedule me until I have all the material.. Suggestions? I hate to pay for activation and then wait 2-4 weeks for delivery of cable and install
You have to be a customer to be able to access the shop and order cables. 3rd party sellers are selling used ones at higher prices on Amazon if you really don’t want to pay for the service yet.
I need 80 ft (5′ short on a 75). do they make 100′?
They offer a 150ft cable.
Just my thoughts – it is 25 Meter cable.. – That is over 80feet
Any thoughts on the issues associated with splicing two Starling High Performance cables together to extend the length of the 92 foot cable?
You could potentially run into issues with voltage levels. The longer the cable, the more the voltage to the dish will drop. Too much distance can cause disconnections and reboots. Personally, I wouldn’t recommend trying to extend it. There are other ways around the issue of distance, such as mounting the power supply in an outdoor enclosure next to the dish, and using CAT6 or a wireless Ethernet bridge to get the signal where you need it.
Can you use the long 25m starlink cable for the Business Dish on the new flat Maritime Dish ? The latter only comes with an 8m cable which is way too short for many boats. The Business Dish & the new flat Maritime Dish appear to be one in the same.
I can’t confirm 100%, but I believe this can be done, the connector is the same. I remember a comment or forum post somewhere that said someone did this successfully.
Thanks. We’ll try and let you know the outcome.
Several of my friends use the 25m for Maitine and it works for them.. I just ordered
The 50’ RV cable is driving me nuts 🤪. I only need 25’. Is 25’ available for purchase?
No, 50′ is the shortest length available for the Standard dish.
Have you ever cut the cable to install an Ethernet connector? It would be much easier in an RV to have a jack that the cable is plugged into outside, with the jack being wired to the router.
Yes, I did when I built a DC power supply:
https://www.starlinkhardware.com/tutorial-12v-dc-power-supply-for-starlink-rv/#Step_1_-_Modify_The_Starlink_Ethernet_Adapter
If you are just splicing in an external connector, you don’t need to use the Starlink POE pinout in the referenced article, you can just wire up the connectors to standard T568b.
Thanks!
Hey mate, that’s a great article. I have an “old” circular dish and my cable seem to be broken. What do you mean by :
“Because this model uses standard connectors, cable extensions are available aftermarket with the use of a coupler. Starlink does not sell cable extensions for the round dish. ”
What kind of cable should I look for? A simple cat6 cable?
Thanks again for your help and this useful article.
Yes, it’s a CAT5E cable which is pretty standard. With the round dish, the cable is attached to the dish. What I mean for cable extensions is that you can add additional length by plugging the original cable into an Ethernet coupler, and then the extension CAT5E cable into the other end. But if your cable is damaged, it is more complex. You will have to find the damaged part, cut it off, and install a new RJ45 shielded connector. And then once that is done you can get back the length you cut off by using an Ethernet coupler and extension cable.
Hope that makes sense, thanks for the feedback!
Hi – I am upgrading a solution from residential to business class – can I reuse the already installed cable for the residential and plug it into the business class dish – this would save me a load of time? Thanks
No, the High Performance Business dish has different cables and connectors. The dish uses a lot more power so the cable requirements are different.
Do you know what kind of cable is required for the high performance dish? It says it requires 150 watts, but I don’t know what category of ethernet cable can carry 150 watts.
It’s a thicker CAT6 style cable. It comes with the hardware, you don’t have to supply any cables. It has proprietary connectors to connect the dish to the power supply.
hi
one of my customers is building a house and requires the 20m cable from the dish to the router – how do we purchase this please
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The customer will have to log into the Starlink.com website and visit the shop to purchase the longer cable.
hi
it is asking to sign in to purchase the cable – they wont have an account till the end of he year – just need the cable for now
Yes, you have to have an account to purchase the accessories from Starlink. There are scalpers on Amazon reselling the cable for double the price if you can’t get the customer to purchase the cable.
Hello,
I have the high performance dish. In the box it came with a cable that has starlinks type-c style and the other end a RJ 45. What is this cable for?
I believe that one goes from the power supply to the router.
I need to install my starlink cable UNDERGROUND for approximately 145 from the dish to my home–is there a cable available to accomplish this? Thanks in advance!
I think 145 ft is going to be too long for a cable run. Might need to look into point to point wireless from Ubiquiti. Starlink does sell the 150 ft cable, but that leaves you with almost no wiggle room on each end to work with. And the cable is rated for burial, it will need to be in conduit.
So it is okay to run the cable in conduit and bury it?
That is what I would recommend, yes.