Mesh networks are nothing new in home networking, but a new Starlink accessory allows customers to easily implement a mesh network without 3rd party hardware or IT knowledge. The new accessory, called Starlink Mesh Nodes, is now available for Starlink customers with the rectangular dish. In this article, we will explain what mesh networks are, go over the details on the new Starlink Mesh Nodes, and also offer 3rd party alternatives to consider.
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What is a mesh network?
A mesh network is a system of wireless access points (mesh nodes) that can all communicate with each other, and with the main internet router. It’s referred to as a mesh network because of the interconnectivity between all nodes, and the blanket coverage that can provide. Basically, installing a mesh network in your home expands your Wifi signal in a more uniform and reliable way. Most mesh networks can be installed wirelessly, meaning a physical ethernet cable back to a switch is not necessary. Simply plug in the power to the mesh node. There are wired mesh networks as well, but in this article we’ll be talking about wireless.
Mesh networks allow you to have a single wireless network that covers your entire house. If you have a smaller area, it isn’t as big of a concern. But if you have a 3000 sq ft home with three floors, getting uniform Wifi coverage can be a challenge. Wifi signals don’t navigate walls, floors, or even large furniture very well. Mesh networks change that, allowing you to solve your Wifi issues by installing mesh nodes for complete coverage over multiple rooms and floors. When using the mesh network and moving around your house, the signal is automatically transferred from mesh node to mesh node, and then back to the main router without interruption. It’s like having one super Wifi router for your entire house.
Starlink Mesh Node
You may be thinking, if mesh networks are nothing new, why is Starlink coming out with their own hardware? The main reason for the Starlink Mesh Nodes is the ease of installation and implementation. With 3rd party hardware, a certain level of networking and IT knowledge is required. Most people don’t want to read through a lengthy manual or spend 4 hours setting up their network. The official Starlink Mesh Nodes are virtually plug and play.
Starlink originally launched a limited beta testing program of their mesh nodes back in April 2022. They officially launched in June 2022. Mesh networking has remained a hot topic over at the Reddit Starlink subreddit, and this new accessory could reduce the confusion and complexity of installing one for the average person.
How much does the Starlink Mesh Node cost?
Starlink Mesh Node’s cost $130 each.
Customers can buy them from the Starlink.com shop.
Round dish compatbility
Unfortunately, the Starlink Mesh Nodes are not compatible with the original, round dish. If you own a round dish, you will need to purchase a 3rd party mesh system. We put together a list of recommended products toward the end of the article.
How to set up a Starlink Mesh Node
If you’re wondering how complex it is going to be to set up a Starlink Mesh Node, here is the step by step guide:
- Find a place where you want to install a mesh node, then plug it in to AC power
- The Starlink app on your phone will prompt you to pair the newly detected node, tap Pair
- After about 30 seconds, the pairing is complete, and the mesh node is now ready to use
That’s it! You’ll automatically connect to the mesh node with the best signal from any wireless device you are using. If you want to check on the status of your mesh nodes, open the Starlink app and tap on Network. You’ll see your main router, and then any paired mesh nodes below.
Can you use an ethernet adapter with them?
Yes! The Starlink Mesh Nodes come with a place to plug in the Starlink ethernet adapter. Now you’ll be able to install a mesh node near your desktop PC and have a wired ethernet connection, just like if you were plugged into the main router. This feature is useful if you are forced to install your main router in an inconvenient location. It’s also useful for allowing more ethernet connectivity for stationary devices, freeing up Wifi traffic.
How many devices can connect to the Starlink router?
The Starlink router and mesh nodes can connect to up to 128 devices at one time.
Drawbacks with the Starlink Mesh Nodes
The Starlink Mesh Nodes are easy to install, but with that comes some major drawbacks compared to 3rd party mesh network hardware. Many software features that are common with mesh networks are not available. For example, you cannot rename devices on the network. You can’t view usage statistics for the devices. And you also cannot configure bandwidth limitations or traffic priority for devices. These are features commonly found in other 3rd party mesh network hardware. It is possible that Starlink will deploy some of these features in future firmware updates.
Another drawback of the official Starlink mesh product is the lack of Wifi 6 support. They run Wifi 5 (802.11ac) which is not the newest standard that is supported on many 3rd party mesh systems.
The final drawback to using the Starlink Mesh Nodes vs a 3rd party mesh system is the fact that they only support dual radio bands. The mesh nodes have a 2.4 GHz channel and a 5 GHz channel, and not a dedicated third 5 GHz band for node to node communication. Tri-band is superior to dual band in a lot of ways, and many of the cheaper 3rd party alternatives have it.
Alternative mesh network products
At $130 each, the Starlink Mesh Nodes are rather expensive compared to equivalent 3rd party offerings. For a fraction of the price per node, customers can buy popular dual band mesh network products from retailers like Amazon. If you own the first generation round dish, you’ll be forced to use 3rd party mesh options, as the original Starlink dish is not supported with Starlink Mesh Nodes. For those two reasons, we’ve decided to round up a few product recommendations from Amazon, as alternatives to buying the official Starlink mesh system.
If you have the rectangular dish, you’ll need the Starlink Ethernet Adapter in order to plug in these mesh nodes.
Note: This article may contain affiliate links for the products mentioned
TP-Link Deco AXE5400 Tri-Band WiFi 6E Mesh System
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The TP-Link Deco AXE5400 Tri-Band WiFi 6E Mesh System is our highest performing recommendation. It features tri band radios and Wifi 6E, two big performance advantages over the Starlink Mesh Nodes. You’ll get two nodes, which is enough to cover up to 5,500 sq ft. Add on nodes are available if you need to further expand the system.
Setup is simple thanks to the Deco app, available on Android and iOS. As another plus compared to the Starlink product, you’ll get extra security settings, traffic prioritization, and device management all from the app.
All that said, this is the most expensive mesh system on our list. If you don’t need top of the line performance, consider one of the two more budget friendly options below.
Amazon eero 6 Mesh WiFi System
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The Amazon eero 6 Mesh WiFi System is the best value mesh system on our list. It is much cheaper than the Starlink Mesh Nodes, with enhanced configuration settings and features. Like the TP-Link product, you get 3 nodes to provide whole home Wifi coverage. This mesh system is dual band, but the eero 6 supports Wifi 6 which is an advantage over the Starlink product.
Setup is similar to the TP-Link and Starlink mesh networks, where everything is done via the eero app. Like the TP-Link system, Amazon eero has a lot more software features than the Starlink Mesh Nodes, such as traffic prioritization and statistics.
NETGEAR Orbi Tri-band Whole Home Mesh WiFi System
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The NETGEAR Orbi Tri-band Whole Home Mesh WiFi System is another great option for a whole home mesh Wifi system. You get a router + mesh extender that can cover up to 5,000 sq ft. The Orbi system features tri-band radios for maximum Wifi speed and performance, one major advantage over the Starlink mesh system.
Like the other options on this list, setup is done through the convenient app. The app gives you complete control over the configuration. Set up parental controls, guest Wifi access, and more. These extra features are one reason that we like 3rd party mesh systems over the Starlink solution.
Final thoughts
The Starlink Mesh Nodes are a game changer for Starlink customers hoping to implement a mesh network without the complexity of many 3rd party options. For $130, you’ll get enhanced Wifi coverage and the potential for an extra ethernet port. Many customers will appreciate the consistent styling and aesthetics of the mesh nodes, which look almost identical to the Starlink router.
Let us know what you think. Are you interested in purchasing one or more for your home? Do you plan to purchase the Starlink product or 3rd party?
You can rename the starlink mesh routers. That’s if you can get them to even connect. I have two of my three to pair but one intermittently goes into pairing mode. The third one will not pair no matter how many times I reset it. They have extremely short range, they are priced higher than other options and it appears Starlink has no customer support. Don’t waste your money on the StarLink Mesh . It sucks!
Thanks for the feedback, it’s good to hear these kinds of reports so that people can make an informed choice on which system they go with.
Too late for me. My 2 starlink mesh nodes supposed to be delivered today.
So I just got notice that I can order my Starlink. I have an existing Google Mesh network. Can you confirm that if I order the Starlink Ethernet Adapter, I should be able to plug my Google Mesh into it? Then how do you switch the Starlink Wifi/Router into Bridge Mode?
Thanks for any insights here…
Yes, if you order the Ethernet Adapter, you can plug your existing mesh system into the Starlink router. Using the Starlink app, you go into the network settings, and flip the toggle for “Bypass Mode”. That will disable the Starlink router and simply pass through everything to your Google Mesh system.
We have window coverings that are operated by a device that has to be hard wired into a network. Can that be plugged into the Starlink mesh with an ethernet cable?
Yes, if you purchase the Ethernet Adapter from Starlink. There would be only one ethernet port per node. If you have multiple window coverings, it would be best to purchased an unmanaged network switch, plug them all into the switch, and then plug the switch into the main router.
Hi, I’m wondering what the range is for Starlink mesh nodes. I’m considering for exterior wifi cameras in the context of a small rural property to monitor stock. Both distance from router and to application ((theoretical clean line of sight).
Hard to say. There is no official specification. Starlink simply says, “Mesh nodes work best when they’re no more than one to two rooms apart from each other.”
So on the device level, they’ll send a signal further than that. If you’re just doing exterior cameras on one building, the mesh system should work fine. Simply add more nodes if you need more signal in a specific corner of the building.
But if you’re talking about multiple buildings, a Wifi mesh system really isn’t idea. That’s a more complex situation, these mesh nodes are designed to serve one building.
We’ve lived in our large home on acreage for nearly 12 years now. The large corporate conglomerates didn’t trunk in T1 when they built the community. So, DSL has been our choice and as you can imagine, sucks. Waited nearly a year for our Starlink to arrive and it’s a GAME CHANGER. Immediately purchased a mesh node as our home is large. I wish Elon and his team built this YEARS ago. It’s changed the way we live. I operate a home based business and building invoices have saved me time and frustration. My wife works from home more now that she can connect to her remote servers fast and efficiently. One con though and it’s a minor one. I sit closer to the mesh node but somehow my mobile device connects to the main router. I may have to tweak the mesh nodes location as I belive it would offer the best performance for me. The second device connects to it fine BUT it’s line of sight. Furniture in-between it and my device BUT limited AC outlets/and a place to set it may be it’s reason it offers less than stellar connectivity. Starlink and it’s mesh node has changed our lives for the better…and that’s the bottom line.
I was in a similar situation, with DSL being my only other option. Starlink is providing fast internet for many people that have been forgotten about by the big ISP’s, that is for sure!
I’ve heard reports of this behavior with the Starlink mesh nodes. The preference will always be to connect back the main router if possible. That’s the optimal and fastest connection if it’s within range. So it’s completely possible that your mobile device has a strong enough signal to the main router, so the mesh node chooses not to pick it up.
If you have multiple mesh nodes, you’ll also notice that they prefer to link directly back to the router, instead of daisy chaining back through other nodes, if possible. This is optimal if the signal strength is enough to not reduce bandwidth.
Hello, I am considering ordering Starlink for our Lake property. We are remodeling the basement, the ceiling between the basement and the upstairs is cement. Will a wireless node the basement work?
Possibly. It’s hard to say, as there are so many factors at play. My guess is that it will work fine, as long as you keep the distance between the router and the node to a minimum as far as horizontal distance between where they are placed on each floor.
Will the starlink mesh system work with my Google Home App and allow me to control all my existing devices using Google Assistant as my Google mesh system does? I understand that Starlink nodes do not have microphones and do not expect to communicate directly through the Starlink nodes. An affirmative answer will allow me to pull the trigger.
I have a feeling of deep, heartfelt appreciation in the way you have informed in your article regarding the Starlink mesh system and even more so in the thorough and verbose follow-up in the comment sections that shows that you truly care that the folks that come to you for help leave satisfied, contented and informed. Thank you sooo much!
Yes, your existing devices will work with the Starlink mesh nodes. But if you have an existing Google mesh system, you could also just use that. If you use an Ethernet Adapter to connect your main Google router to Starlink, and then put the Starlink router in Bypass mode, you’ll be able to continue using the Google mesh system like before.
It is not clear to me if I can run cat6 from my starlink router to my starlink mesh node and use a switch to get to my PC-thank you for your time
The Starlink mesh routers do not support Ethernet backhaul, they only communicate with the main router over Wifi. What you can do is plug the switch into the main router, and then plug your PC into the switch. The mesh nodes will operate over wifi, and the switch that is connected to the main router will perform the best at that location.
I’ve had Starlink now for a couple of months and have a WHW03 Linksys mesh system that I hooked up to it. I didn’t put Starlink in bypass mode, but the mesh system worked fine up until a week or two ago. Not sure when it stopped working, but we had a bad thunderstorm where lightning was hitting very close a week and a half ago. Don’t know if that could do anything to the ethernet cable or not. The light on the routers are hot pink. Not red or purple. I talked to support for 2 hours on Sat. to no avail. I’ve done a factory reset, I tried Starlink in bypass mode. Nothing works. Any suggestions?
My suggestion would be to completely reset the Starlink system. Go to the app, settings and then Factory Reset. Unplug your mesh system and do the Starlink setup again. Make sure you can connect to the Starlink router Wifi before trying to set back up the Linksys mesh system again.
I’ve done that as well. I put Starlink in bypass mode & couldn’t get it to work, so I unplugged the mesh system & reset Starlink. I tried plugging in the mesh system again today, and still hot pink.
I’m still wondering about the ethernet cable. I’ve read that it needs to be a cat6 or cat6a. Mine is a cat5e.
Cat5e will work fine.
The other thing that makes me wonder about the ethernet cable is that the Linksys app keeps saying it’s offline, even tho it’s connected. I’ve tried setting up from the beginning, but the app can’t even locate the node when my phone is right next to it as is Starlink.
I have no idea how it worked the first time, but a 3rd party system shouldn’t work as a mesh with the Starlink router. My guess is that before, you had the Linksys in bridge or access point mode. In this mode, they simply act as another wireless access point, and they don’t handle any of the routing, DHCP, DNS, etc that the main Starlink router does.
Can you connect to the Starlink router by itself, not on bypass mode, and access the internet? If so, I would reach out to Linksys, as it appears to be a hardware issue on their end. You can also test the ethernet cable and ethernet adapter by hooking a PC up directly to the Starlink router. If there is an internet connection, your cable and adapter are not the issue.
I’m not sure how it worked before. I got the mesh system about 3yrs ago to get a signal to my pool and it also reached as far as my chicken coop which is about 200ft from the main router. The wyze cameras at the coop were getting a signal at the end of July, but not now. My Starlink internet works fine, and I have talked to Linksys support for 2 hours with no solution. I don’t have anyway to check the cable, as I only have a laptop & tablets. I may try them again. Thanks.
Hi and thanks for the article!
You mentioned 3 mesh nodes limit. It means I can have the main router and other 3 access points?
You also mentioned the mesh nodes can connect the Ethernet adapter. Can this be used for further extension with another 3rd party router wired to the mesh node?
Sorry, that was an ordering limitation that has now been lifted. You can have as many mesh nodes as you like. I have edited the article to reflect current information.
The Starlink mesh node can gain an ethernet port via the Ethernet Adapter, but you won’t be able to plug a router into a mesh node, only the main Starlink router that is connected to the dish. In order to use 3rd party routers (that are doing the actual network routing) you need to change the Starlink router to bypass mode, which will turn off many of the functions, including the mesh pairing.
If you want to use a 3rd party router, I suggest going with their 3rd party mesh system as well, and just bypass the Starlink router.
What about an Ethernet switch to the star link mesh router Ethernet port?
Plugging a switch into the mesh router ethernet port will work fine, and give you access to many ports.
Thanks. What about the Starlink router & mesh nodes WiFi signal? Is it relatively strong? The mesh nodes can connect different nearby buildings?
Depends on the materials of the building. But generally, no, you wouldn’t be able to connect to nearby buildings. The range is more like 2-3 rooms away from the router.
Thanks again! Maybe the last question: the mesh topology is star or can be daisy chain? Can you connect a mesh node to another mesh node instead the router? By placing accordingly inside the house.
Mesh nodes can be daisy chained, giving you the ability to cover an irregular layout if needed.
Hi.My Starlink is being delivered!! I live on an acreage in western Canada and would like to get internet to my 2 shops. Each shop is located about 250 feet away from my house where I will be locating the dish and router. One shop is located 250 feet northwest and other shop located 250 south west of where the Starlink router will be located.Clear view to each shop. Is there a way to get reliable fast signal to each shop?would the starlink mesh routers work at the shop locations? Wifi extenders?. Cost isn’t as important as signal strength and coverage.
You’ll need something like this to wirelessly beam ethernet from building to building:
https://store.ui.com/collections/operator-airmax-and-ltu/products/powerbeam-5ac-gen2
You’ll need 3rd party wireless access points at each building, since the Starlink Mesh Nodes cannot connect over ethernet, and they won’t work at 250 ft distance from the main router. Those 3rd party access points will give you Wifi coverage. The point to point just delivers ethernet to the building.
I recommend getting in touch with Ubiquiti (company linked above) and telling them your needs. They will be able to recommend the exact product for your application. I’m not an expert in this technology, but I do know that’s what many folks are using to extend the signal to other buildings. They’ll be able to help you select the exact product you need.
Thanks for the info and quick reply!
Hi Noah
I live in Australia and just received my Starlink kit. Speed is great but Wifi connection inside my house is an issue. It is a concrete house and it seems like this is causing issues. No matter where I place the router, the speed is good but I only end up with one bar at the different points where I need it. If a buy a Starlink Mesh Node, would it only need power or would it also needs to be connected to the dish/router by cable? How much more coverage would I get? I’m not up to scratch with all the new technology and need it to be simple to set up?! Your advise would be appreciated.
The Starlink Mesh Node only needs power. It communicates wirelessly back to the main router. Coverage depends on many factors, including your concrete walls as you mentioned. Hard to say. I would start small and expand as needed. Figure out where your trouble area is, add a node to fix. Rinse and repeat as necessary.
I also wouldn’t worry as much about the coverage bars as I would practical performance. If you aren’t getting connection drops or slow speeds, I would ignore what the Wifi signal says.
I need to add an external extender to my system so I can run Wi-Fi cameras on my property. Will an off the self Wi-Fi Range Extender-Dual Band 2.4 & 5GHz Long Range Wireless Internet Signal Extender work with the StarLink system.
Yes, any Wifi range extender should work. Range extenders take an existing Wifi signal and boost it. So you’ll still need to be within range of the main Starlink router.
Question. If i have some Netgear Wifi Mesh/extenders, can I use the existing Gen2 router to create a Mesh network or do I need to get the ethernet adaptor and a new router?
If you want to use the Netgear mesh system, you would need the Ethernet Adapter. You would also need to put the Starlink router in bypass mode and use the Netgear as your router.
Would any of the 3rd party routers that you mention here work in a wired by ethernet situation? We have our main Starlink router in our house, but would like a wifi point in an outbuilding a ways away. We have an ethernet cable that we have ran all the way there, but would need a wifi point at that end to access the internet. Any help on how to configure and suggestions as to what router would be ideal in this situation would be HUGE. Right now, we have an old router we were using before, but we can’t seem to get it online.
Yes, any 3rd party router will work with the Ethernet Adapter, and then the Starlink router in bypass mode. If you have an ethernet cable going to your building, you wouldn’t even need the mesh system (although it will work the same). You just need to purchase an additional Wifi access point, and plug it into the ethernet cable that runs back to your Starlink router. Almost any Wifi router can run in “access point” or “client” mode.
Note: If you just add an extra access point to the outbuilding, but don’t actually replace the Starlink router, don’t turn on bypass mode. You only need bypass mode turned on if you buy one of the mesh systems above that actually replaces the routing functions. Just adding a Wifi access point wouldn’t replace the routing functions, it’s just extending Wifi.
Thank you for this great info! We got the StarLink RV and a month after that got our residential StarLink (after 15 months on the waiting list). Both packages are exactly the same except for the subscription.
We were trying to decide if we needed to get a mesh router for the house then, after reading this, I thought “is the mesh point the exact same thing as the main router?”
Answer: Yes, yes it is. So we took the RV router, did a quick reset (plug/unplug quickly 3x – power cycle), and plugged it in. It added to our home network as a new mesh point. Now when we head out on the road in a few weeks, we’ll simply reset the RV router and take it with us so we have StarLink while camping in the boonies. Saved us $130 and getting use out of the equipment that would otherwise just be sitting in the case until we travel.
So do you see anything wrong with doing this sort of thing?
Thanks for the information! Good to know that Starlink RV and Residential owners can probably save some money and use the RV router as a mesh node.
I don’t see any problem doing this. I’m wondering if the RV router even needs to be reset each time. Have you tried just disconnecting from the RV dish, putting it in the house, and seeing if it will go right into mesh mode?
I did try that and it did not go into mesh so that was when I did the reset and it worked great.
On the flip side, I have not yet tried to plug it back into the RV dish and see if it will just go back into main router mode without needing a reset as well. Currently needing it as a mesh so when I get a chance to test it, I will report back.
We have a Starlink RV dish. It’s been connected for 3 weeks and during that time I have tried to order the Starlink ethernet adapter and the Starlink mesh. I get this message “You can add to cart once you process your order” what does that mean? I desperately need the ethernet adapter so I can connect a mesh system to increase the range of the wi-fi.
Thanks you very much for your suggestions.
Do you have a pre-order for Residential on another account?
Hi Noah. All we could get was the RV dish and we are on a waiting list for the residential round dish under the same name and account.
I am worried now – will I even be able to connect a mesh (for instance EERO) to the RV dish even if I could find a Starlink ethernet adapter?
Thanks so much!
I ordered my adapter from Starlink for 25 and I installed Eero without any issues. I am also have Rv dish and zero tech skills
Thank you Alisa! I finally got the Starlink ethernet adapter and a more powerful Eero.
We already have one Eero connected to Viasat but it is weaker. So I will attempt to set up the Eero mesh.and disconnect the Viasat.
Is there any roadblocks I should know about?
Thank you for the info. Will try that first.
Ps: i do have this router but don’t know if it make any difference in my issue:: TP-Link Archer AX20 AX1800 Smart Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 Router
Hello Noah:
I am having difficulty with connecting my Frontpoint security cameras to Starlink. Only two cameras of five will connect. I have contacted FP but they have not figured out the problem. I had Hughesnet and all of the cameras connected to that system without difficulty.
Question is .. do I need to get a third party router to get all of the cameras to connect and work? I have sat next to the router and tried to connect them without success. I don’t want to reconnect Hugges just for security cameras. Any ideas? Thx
I don’t know the specifications of those cameras, but what you can try is to go into Starlink settings on the app, and click the option to separate the 2.5 Ghz and 5.0 Ghz Wifi networks. Then configure the cameras to work with the 2.4 network. It will have a separate Wifi name. If they don’t work on 2.4, try them on the 5 Ghz network.
It sounds like a Wifi configuration or camera issue if 2 of them (assuming same model?) connect fine. Try the above before you go with a 3rd party router, but that is certainty a good option if you have more advanced networking needs.
I work on a boat chartered to SpaceX working in Port Canaveral Florida. We go out and retrieve the F9 Fairings and then tow the barge with the booster back to town. Starlink that we had on the boat was so impressive I bought a unit to install on a boat that I am taking overseas. Yes, Starlink maintained a strong signal 500 miles out in the North Atlantic, worked with 25 guys onboard like a champ.
I am going to try an ambitious project, namely installing Starlink on a boat I am taking to work in Brazil. Coverage will be spotty, I’m sure, but, it will improve as Elon recently inked a deal to bring Starlink to the Amazon, where I am going.
My question…. I do not have any experience with Mesh Routers. Boats have metal walls between the decks. Will Mesh routers be able to catch a signal from my Starlink modem? I am using this now, testing it at my home before I install it on the boat.
Looking for some feedback as this is outside of my expertise.
thanks for the info you provide.
Can’t say for sure. Wifi signals don’t like metal but if it’s within a close proximity it may work. Typically something like this would have a wired mesh node solution, with access points all wired back to a main switch.
Hey Noah, thanks for the detailed explanations. I was reading the posts, and then I thought that if a 3rd party Node is used, a Wi-Fi router will have to be purchased which offsets some of the cost associated with the Starlink node. I am not an IT or Tech guy and I could be wrong.
3rd party mesh kits include a Wifi router + at least one additional node. So if you purchased one of the kits in the article, that’s all you would need, nothing additional required except the Starlink Ethernet Adapter if you own a gen 2 rectangular dish.
Just got Starlink and the best place for my router is about 10-15 feet from a plug. Could I use a heavy duty power cord to connect it?
I don’t believe the power connector on the router side is standard, but you can use an equal gauge extension cord to extend the 10-15 feet you need.
Hi Noah,
We received out Starlink kit and have it set up, we are in a remote location, so we have the dish cable running to the Starlink router which is on ” Pass thru” , and is in a remote building, we have Ethernet running from this router, 150′ feet into our home to a third party router.
We want to stay all Starlink, can we replace the third party router with a Starlink mesh router then set up to other mesh routers in other locations in our home?
Tom
That’s a good question. I am not sure if the Starlink Mesh Nodes can communicate with the main router over ethernet. I know they have the port for the Ethernet Adapter, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the primary connection doesn’t rely on being within Wifi range from the main router. If it can create the mesh network over ethernet, you should be good to go by just swapping out your 3rd party router for a Starlink Mesh Node.
You have two options, go ahead and buy a Starlink Mesh Node + Ethernet Adapter, try it out, and return within 30 days if it doesn’t work out. Second option is to create a support ticket with Starlink and ask if the Mesh Node needs to be within Wifi range from the main router, or if you can simply connect via ethernet to make the connection to the main router.
I’d be curious of the outcome! Let us know how it works out.
Thanks, will do, we ordered one and will see.
Tom — I have this same question on if the Starlink Mesh Nodes can communicate with the main router over ethernet. Did you get an answer from Starlink?
Thanks,
Bob
Bob,
We just purchased one and will let you know if it works.
Tom
Any update on this topic? We are doing a similar thing. Just curious – what router were you using originally? And is the key to just have the Starlink router in pass-through mode? We are having a hard time getting the second router to work for us. Any help is GREATLY appreciated.
It’s been 2 months, is anyone going to do a welfare check on Tom? We’re all so self-absorbed, meanwhile his dog is now in peril, running out of Tom to eat.
Hi Noah. I recently purchased Starlink (in Australia). My WFH office is in a small detached building adjacent to but about 65 feet from the main residence where my modem and dish is set up. I have great connectivity in the home but I’m struggling to connect in the office. Do you think the mesh solution is an option and would it work at that distance? Regards Scott
Mesh nodes might have trouble connecting at that distance, but it’s certainly worth a shot! If buying 3rd party, just make sure you are able to return them if they don’t work out. Same with the OEM Starlink mesh nodes, which I believe have a pretty standard return policy.
Does the detached building share the same electrical system? If so, you could possible just hardware your WFH office using powerline adapters. Or if you need Wifi, you can still use the powerline adapter and just add another Wifi access point in the detached building.
Powerline adapters take an ethernet signal and transport them over your home’s electrical system. You have essentially a sender unit that plugs into your router via ethernet. Then you plug the powerline sender into an electrical outlet. On the other end, in your detached building, there is another powerline adapter that will then receive the signal. You can then plug ethernet off the powerline adapter into your PC or another Wifi router to get a signal.
Thanks for this great explanation! This sounds like exactly what I need to do to get decent WiFi in my “guest quarters” RV, which is about 70’ from my primary router. The “electrical system connection” is a long extension cord but I’m guessing that it will work!
Hi Noah,
I just ordered a Starlink satellite, just got the email that it has shipped and will be here next week. Will I be getting the square dish?
Assuming yes, and if I am setting up a mesh wifi for the first time as well, do you recommend I go with the Starlink Mesh Nodes from the get go? I know you said one of the draw backs is the lack of Wifi 6 support. I don’t know that I need that? How do I know?
Do you have an opinion of the Netgear Orbi whole home tri band mesh Wifi 6 system?
Lastly, do you know how quickly the Starlink Mesh Nodes are being shipped?
New customers will get the square dish. You can also tell which dish you will get by visiting https://shop.starlink.com/ and logging in. It will automatically direct you to the page of accessories that is compatible with your dish.
If you just need better Wifi coverage throughout your home, and don’t need any of the advanced features, the Starlink Mesh Node is a good option. It’s easy to set up, works directly with the Starlink app, and doesn’t require you to set up another router. It’s just plug and play. The vast majority of customers won’t notice any different between Wifi5/6 or dual/tri band Wifi. If you have gamers using Wifi, or lots of people in your household using Wifi, I would recommend the faster Wifi6 and tri band mesh systems. If the highest level of performance and speed is important, that’s how you know.
I don’t have any personal experience with the Netgear Orbi system, but from just looking at the specs, it’s a good option. It would be one of the higher end choices, getting you all the latest Wifi technologies.
As far as shipping, I haven’t heard any reports of delays like with the Ethernet Adapter. The users who have been beta testing it have not had issues receiving them in a timely manner after ordering. That could change, though, now that orders are open for everyone.
Hi Noah,
Thank you for the response. I did end up getting the 3rd party recommendation you noted for mesh Wi-Fi. I got the TP Link Deco Tri-Band AX3600 Deco X68. I received the Starlink yesterday, my nodes today. The Deco set up is plugging an Ethernet into the router. Starlink router does not have an Ethernet plug. Do you have any thoughts on how I make this system work with Starlink?
I have the same problem deb. Did you find out how to fix this?
The Starlink Ethernet Adapter is required to be able to connect using ethernet. For some reason, Starlink removed the ethernet port from the updated routers that come with the rectangular dishes. They now require you to buy the accessory to have access to an ethernet port:
https://shop.starlink.com/products/us-consumer-ethernet-adapter-gen2
You will need the Starlink Ethernet Adapter:
https://shop.starlink.com/products/us-consumer-ethernet-adapter-gen2
What about google mesh network solution?
Seems to be a mixed bag from what I’ve seen. Here is one example:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Starlink/comments/tfnstn/i_dont_recommend_google_nest_wifi_for_starlink/
I’ve found reports of consistent issues with the Google mesh product, but also people who have had no issues. If it’s a product you are interested in, make sure you buy from a retailer with a good return policy and give it a shot. No risk to you if it doesn’t work, as long as you can get your money back when you return it.
We just switched from a line of sight Internet which was our only option to Starlink. I kept both for a month to see if I felt confident in the Starlink to let the LOS go. It worked fine with her Google mesh because we have an apartment over our garage that needed the signal, but when they took away the los dish, our Google Mesh stopped working so now we don’t have internet in the house. I just ordered the Internet adapter to see if I could attach one Google point to it and make it communicate with the other two to stretch the signal out. Do I also need to buy a modem? I’m wondering if the LOS was acting as a modem even though I wasn’t using its Internet signal.?
When you get the Ethernet Adapter, you’ll plug the main Google router into the Starlink router via the ethernet connection. Then turn the Starlink router into bypass mode. This will allow the Google mesh system to take over routing and Wifi duties, and you should have internet again. If that doesn’t work, I suggest resetting the Google mesh system to factory defaults, and running through the setup process again with Starlink now that your LOS service is gone.
Thanks for the great info. I’m very interested in the Starlink product when it becomes available. In the meantime I’ll try one of the less expensive solutions you’ve described here.
Thanks for the feedback, glad we could help!