Are you having Wifi signal issues in certain parts of your home? A mesh Wifi system might be the answer to your problems. Mesh networks are nothing new in home networking, but an official Starlink accessory now allows people to easily implement a mesh network in their home without 3rd party hardware or IT experience.
The accessory that creates the mesh network is the Starlink Mesh Wifi Router, formerly known as Starlink Mesh Node. In this article, I will explain what mesh networks are and how they work. I will also detail and review the Starlink Mesh Wifi Router. Finally, I will recommend some 3rd party mesh systems to consider.
Table of Contents
What is a mesh network?
A mesh network is a system of wireless access points, aka mesh nodes, that can all communicate with each other and with the main router. It is referred to as a mesh network because of the inter-connectivity between all nodes, and the seamless coverage that they provide. Think of a mesh fabric and how it looks up close. Mesh nodes connect to each other in a similar pattern, blanketing your home with Wifi coverage.
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, and it connects over Wifi. There are wired mesh networks as well, but in this article, I’ll be focusing on 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’s mesh solution
You may be thinking, if mesh networks are nothing new, why is Starlink coming out with their own mesh system? The main reason for the Starlink Mesh Wifi Router is the ease of installation and integration with the Starlink system.
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 plug and play, requiring virtually no networking knowledge.
Features of the Starlink Mesh Wifi Router
The Starlink mesh units support the IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac standards, have dual band 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz radios, and have Wifi 5 technology. Each node will come with a power adapter. There is also a port to connect the Starlink Ethernet Adapter if you need to connect devices directly.
Interestingly, the Starlink Mesh Wifi Router is identical to the Starlink router that comes with each hardware kit. That means you can use a mesh node as the main router if you wish. Or, if you have an extra router laying around from an old kit, you could use it as a mesh node in your Starlink system.
You can have up to 12 Starlink mesh nodes connected to the main Starlink router.
The Starlink mesh nodes can only connect to each other wirelessly. You cannot connect them via Ethernet.
How much does a Starlink Mesh Wifi Router cost?
The Starlink Mesh Wifi Router costs $145 each.
Customers can buy them from the Starlink.com shop.
Compatibility
Starlink mesh nodes are only compatible with the current generation hardware, including the Standard rectangular dish, High Performance dish, and Flat High Performance dish.
Unfortunately, the Starlink Mesh Wifi Router’s are not compatible with the original round dish. If you own a round dish, you will need to purchase a 3rd party mesh system. I put together a list of recommended products toward the end of the article.
How to install a Starlink mesh system
Installing and setting up a Starlink mesh system is very simple, and can be done in just a few steps:
Step 1: Find a good spot
Find a place where you want to install a new mesh node, then plug it in to AC power. Starlink recommends that you space the mesh nodes evenly from the main router. Each node needs a strong signal to the main router to be most effective.
Step 2: Pair the mesh node
Make sure you are connected to your main Starlink Wifi network, and then open the Starlink app. You will be promoted to pair a new mesh node. Tap Pair to continue.
If you don’t see the prompt, wait a few minutes for it to pop up. If you still don’t get the prompt, make sure you are connected to your existing Starlink Wifi network, and not the new “STARLINK” Wifi network that comes online with the mesh node.
Step 3: Wait for the new mesh node to connect
After you hit Pair, the new mesh node will take several minutes to connect. With a successful connection, you will see the mesh node in the Starlink app. You can check more details and settings by visiting the Network page of the app.
Within the Network page, you can manage your Starlink mesh system. You can name each node, unpair them, and more. You will also find a section to pair previously rejected mesh nodes. This is handy if you accidentally reject a pair request.
That’s it! Your devices will automatically connect to the mesh node with the best signal.
Can you use the Ethernet Adapter with them?
Yes! The Starlink Mesh Wifi Router includes a place to plug in the Starlink Ethernet Adapter. 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.
My review and impressions
The Starlink Mesh Wifi Router’s are easy to install, but they have some major drawbacks compared to 3rd party mesh network hardware. I’ll cover the downsides first in this review section, followed by my overall thoughts.
Many software features that are common with mesh networks are not available with Starlink’s mesh system. For example, you can’t view usage statistics for the devices. You also cannot configure bandwidth limitations or traffic priority for devices. These are features commonly found in other 3rd party mesh network hardware.
Another drawback of the official Starlink mesh system is the lack of Wifi 6 support. They run Wifi 5, which is not the newest standard that is supported on many 3rd party mesh systems.
The final drawback to using the Starlink Mesh Wifi Router’s vs a 3rd party mesh system is the fact that they only support dual radio bands. The mesh nodes have a 2.4GHz channel and a 5GHz channel, and not a dedicated third 5GHz 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.
Overall, I think the Starlink mesh system is best for people who don’t need advanced features, and want a plug and play solution. I’ll admit, the Starlink mesh node design is unique, and they look great in any space. They are also super simple to use and manage. If you just need expanded Wifi coverage without the bells and whistles, the Starlink mesh solution is for you.
Signal boosters and Wifi extenders for Starlink
There is a big difference between a mesh system and a simple Wifi signal booster. Wifi range extenders take the signal from your main Starlink router and attempt to amplify it for additional coverage. Performance is generally poor compared to a proper mesh setup, and coverage isn’t seamless.
The main advantage of these simple devices is cost. Usually under $50, Wifi extenders like the TP-Link AC750 can offer a quick and cheap solution to Wifi coverage issues.
If you are needing to extend your Wifi, we recommend going straight to a mesh system. The Starlink Mesh Wifi Router is one option, but it is on the expensive side at $145. The mesh network alternatives listed below are a more affordable way to boost your Wifi signal while maintaining a high level of bandwidth and performance.
3rd party mesh system recommendations
At $145 each, the Starlink Mesh Wifi Router’s are rather expensive compared to equivalent 3rd party offerings. For a fraction of the price per node, you can buy popular dual band mesh network products from retailers like Amazon. In this section, I’ve rounded up several good 3rd party mesh systems to consider using in place of the Starlink mesh system.
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. But even if you have hardware that is compatible with the Starlink mesh system, you might want more features or a lower purchase price.
If you have the Standard rectangular dish, you’ll need the Starlink Ethernet Adapter in order to plug in these mesh nodes. You’ll also want to enable bypass mode on the Starlink router.
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 Wifi Router’s. 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.
Buy on AmazonAmazon 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 Wifi Router’s, with the advantage of enhanced configuration settings and features. 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.
Buy on AmazonNETGEAR 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 plus 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.
Buy on AmazonFinal thoughts
The official Starlink mesh system is a game changer for Starlink customers hoping to implement a mesh network without the complexity of many 3rd party options. For $145, 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 Starlink mesh nodes.
On the other hand, 3rd party mesh systems offer better features at a lower price. But either way you go, you’ll get seamless Wifi coverage throughout your home. Personally, I don’t think you can make a wrong choice. My advice is to write down which features you want, how much you have to spend, and make a choice based on those factors.
Let me 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 mesh system?
Related: Best Aftermarket Wifi Routers For Starlink
Great article! Thanks! We have a security cam that struggles to connect to our Starlink mesh router. Our phones connect perfectly. Would it help to split the 2.4/5 ghz and force the camera to use the 2.4, or is it already choosing the strongest signal? It’s kind of a cheaper camera so I don’t know if its transmitted power is strong enough to reach the mesh.
I recommend trying to split the 2.4 and 5ghz networks as a first step. From what I’ve seen with my own devices, they will try to connect on 5ghz, even if the signal is weaker and less reliable. With devices like security cameras, speed isn’t all that important. 2.4ghz reaches further, and will usually be more reliable if the device is further away from the router.
Hi Noah
We have the starlink in our home and want to extend the network to two parts of the house that receive lower signal.
Which system would you recommend? Is the Mesh system best or an Extender will do?
Any of mesh systems mentioned in the article will be much better than a simple extender.
What products and types are recommended to properly capture bandwidth from Starlink Gen 2 without using a Starlink Lan Adapter. With low interference as a bridging to the Mikrotik router as bandwidth management in order to accommodate a large number of users simultaneously
Connecting 3rd party equipment requires the Starlink Ethernet Adapter. I don’t typically recommend simple extenders that just pick up the Wifi signal and attempt to repeat it.
Hello Noah,
thanks for your contribution. We are planning a mash network for outdoors. It should be weatherproof and withstand rain and frost.
Is the Starlink system compatible with WAVLINK WiFi6 Outdoor Wireless Access Point/WLAN Repeater/Router?
Thanks for your help
Milena
Yes, from what I can tell, it is compatible with Starlink as either the router or just an access point/repeater.
Is it now possible to bypass the Starlink main router with a 3rd party router for more configuration features when the Starlinks are connected?
Yes, the Starlink router has a bypass mode that can be enabled to use only the 3rd party router.
can I add mesh to starlink and not bypass it? To use both
You can, although I don’t see why you would want to. You might have some odd network glitches since you would have two routers on the same network. The primary reason to bypass the Starlink router is to prevent a double NAT situation.
Hi, I have an office that is approx 90 feet from the starlink router in my house. I have the router in the window facing a window in office where I have the little USB antennae for PC on an extension and they are looking at each other. The signal is surprisingly good but I would like it to be better, as well as have it be stronger in other parts of this building.
Would it be recommended to put an additional router in office with an ethernet adaptor or should I bury an ethernet cable to the PC.
Great information here, Thank you.
An Ethernet cable connection is always going to be best if you can do that. You’ll get better speeds vs relying on trying to connect wirelessly at that distance. But, if running a cable isn’t possible, trying to use mesh nodes at the windows would be the next best thing to try. You can also look into wireless Ethernet bridges from Ubiquiti as an alternative to running a cable.
We have the standard Starlink and have one wireless security camera connected to it. We would like to setup another security camera outside our barn approximately 130 ft from the Starlink router. The mesh system I know is needed, but what kind? Tech savy enough to do lots of research but on this I am reaching out for help. My thought was to purchase a group of 2 or 3, set one facing the barn from one bedroom window (this one would be close to the Starlink router) and another in the block barn? The security camera would be on a pole beside the barn. Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.
At that distance the signal might not reach. I recommend either running Ethernet cable or using a wireless Ethernet bridge, and then connecting the cameras to a switch that is connected to Starlink.
Thank you
Would my LINKSYS nodes from previous HughesNet provider work with this system?
If you bypass the Starlink router completely, yes. But 3rd party mesh nodes won’t connect to Starlink mesh.
Hi, I had the original Starlink router, which has now stopped working, could you recommend a router that I could use to connect to Starlink and a deco x55 ax300 home mesh system ?
If you have the Deco X55 system, you already have a router. Just plug Starlink into the WAN/Internet port on the your main Deco unit.
I have my home theater system set up in a separate building. I’m currently getting WiFi to it through two extenders, one piggy backing off the other which is getting the original signal from the router. While the signal is decent my issue is I lose a lot of download speed. Where I may have 80-90 Mbps directly from the router by the time the signal gets to the 2nd extender it is down to 20-30 Mbps. Will a mesh network overcome this issue? Thanks!
A mesh can help because the performance between the nodes is typically better than a simple extender can accomplish. But it’s always best to connect buildings together with cable or a high speed wireless bridge.
We just moved and brought our Starlink system with us but we have a distance problem. I am not sure what I need. I read comments about wireless bridge, extenders and mesh systems and even replacing the Starlink router with a different router (using an adapter?). I have the Starlink router in an office about 150 feet from the main house. The router is inside the office in a window facing the house. I barely get the wifi signal (checking with my phone) at the house in a window facing the office. I would like to get wifi at the main house so we can have a TV with streaming services. The house is a one story house with three bedrooms and a main area so I feel like I don’t need an intricated mesh network. Need some advice.
150 feet is too far for extenders or mesh systems. You need either a hardware Ethernet connection to the house, or a wireless Ethernet bridge. On the Starlink router, you install the Ethernet Adapter. That gives you an Ethernet port. You would connect the wireless bridge or Ethernet cable run to the Ethernet Adapter. At the house, you plug the other end of the Ethernet run into a 3rd party Wifi access point. Now you’ll have a full strength Wifi signal in the house.
I have a detached art/craft shed which is about 80 ft from my Starlink Gen 3 router which is in my house. I purchased 2 Gen 3 routers hoping to expand the wifi connection to my outer building. I plugged in the second router by a window near my home entrance door which is 32 ft from the main router and 50 ft from the external building hoping it would allow coverage. It isn’t really working. I have in my Amazon shopping cart “TP-Link Deco AXE5400 Tri-Band WiFi 6E Mesh System(Deco XE75) – Covers up to 5500 Sq.Ft, Replaces WiFi Router and Extender, AI-Driven Mesh, New 6GHz Band, 2-Pack”. Is that something that could help? Should I return one of my Gen3 routers? I am a senior citizen and not very techy.
You could try it and see if the coverage will reach. I would think almost any mesh node should be able to reach 50 feet to the shed.
Thanks for the thoughtful discussion Noah. Like some others in the comment section, I have a stone house and the wifi signal does not penetrate well. My sense is that I’m a poor candidate for adding Starlink Mesh Routers because they must connect to one another via Wifi, correct? There’s no way to hardwire a Starlink Mesh Router via ethernet?
If that’s the case and I go with one of the 3rd party Mesh System you mention above, I’ll need to get the Starlink Ethernet adapter for my Starlink router/gateway. Do I also need an ethernet switch, or can I plug the ethernet cable from the Starlink Ethernet Adapter directly in to the 3rd party Mesh router?
Also, I understand I’d need to put the Starlink router/gateway into bypass mode. If that disables the wifi from the Starlink router/gateway, how will I go about doing any future configuration on the Starlink router/gateway (if necessary)? Will the Starlink app still find it if it’s in bypass mode and connected to a 3rd party Mesh network via ethernet?
Right, the Starlink mesh nodes can only connect to each other via Wifi. Some 3rd party options can connect through Ethernet cables so that the signal is carried to each room at full strength. If you are connecting the mesh nodes wirelessly, you wouldn’t need a switch, just plug in the main router to the Starlink Ethernet Adapter. But if you are hooking up each node with Ethernet, you would want a switch to connect everything together.
Since the Ethernet Adapter is connected to the Starlink router (and dish), you will still be able to configure Starlink settings and use the Starlink app even in bypass mode. If you ever need to turn off bypass, you simply factory reset the Starlink router.
FYI, I ended up installing TP Link powerline adapters – they extend the network over the electric lines in the house. I was dubious, but it worked immediately right out of the box. No need to run a cable to the other side of the house.
How many connection for wifi starlink router?
128 devices can connect at one time.
I have a myQ garage door opener hub that will not work on Starlink. I have split the 5 and 2.4 and called MYQ and they told me it would not work. my question is will the Starlink mesh work with the MYQ?
If it doesn’t work with the main router, it wouldn’t work with the mesh router (they are identical). I’m not familiar with the myQ product, but I don’t see any reason it wouldn’t work. There isn’t anything unique or special about Starlink’s Wifi compared to any other internet router.
Hi, just reading through all the comments. I had a v1 kit which got replaced with a v2 kit after a defect in Italy. I have a house with very thick walls and large garden and have tried extenders via power sockets in the house but did not work. I find that the current router is pretty shit is going through large walls so probably need to have a wire extension mesh network right?
The router is now centrally located in the house but I would like to have about 100m2 garden coverage (now its about 10m2) and a small cabin 15 meters from the router (with thick walls inbetween) should also be available.
So not sure if an extra starlink mesh will cut it?
In your case, I would recommend 3rd party equipment that is hardwired together via an Ethernet network. With thick walls and a larger area to cover, the performance won’t be good with wireless.
Thank you for all this information!
The current Starlink router appears to be WiFi-5. If that is the case, is there any advantage to adding mesh nodes that are Wifi-6?
When you add your own aftermarket mesh nodes, you bypass the Starlink router, it becomes irrelevant. The Starlink mesh nodes are also Wifi5. You can’t add aftermarket Wifi6 nodes to the factory Starlink router.