Looking for the best Starlink mesh network setup configuration? You’re at the right place!
Bringing your home Starlink Wi-Fi to the next level with a mesh setup is an excellent idea, especially if you’re dealing with plenty of dead Wi-Fi zones.
Continue to unwrap to understand the best configuration suitable for your situation and environment.
To properly set up a Starlink mesh network, ensure the main Starlink router is connected and working correctly.
After that, connect the Starlink mesh device (secondary router), open the Starlink app, and allow the new mesh node to establish the connection.
There’s more!
Can you Connect a Mesh Network to Starlink?
Absolutely! Choosing mesh networking on Starlink is one of the most fantastic options to extend the Wi-Fi coverage of the network within your house.
Installing a mesh node in the Wi-Fi dead spots around your home will significantly improve the coverage and speed of the Starlink WiFi connection.
Starlink Mesh Node Vs. Third-Party Mesh
The thing about Starlink is that it works with all types of compatible mesh nodes.
Yes, that is correct; even third-party mesh systems can be connected to your main Starlink router, but the only downside is that you’ll need a wired connection.
Using a Starlink mesh node allows the main Starlink router to automatically detect it without pressing any buttons or activating any features.
It is enough to connect a Starlink mesh node nearby the main Starlink router of your system, and the connection will be performed by itself.
How Many Mesh Nodes Do I Need?
The requirement for mesh nodes entirely depends on how many Wi-Fi dead spots are in your household.
If you’re living in a larger home where one Wi-Fi router simply doesn’t cover all of the rooms, you may have to install 2 or 3 nodes; in contrast, you wouldn’t need more than one.
Starlink Mesh Network Setup Guide
Tip: Follow our steps in a consecutive order to set up a functional Starlink mesh system!
1. Choose a Spot for the Mesh Node
The first and most important step is to select an appropriate place for the mesh node device.
Placing the mesh node right next to the main Starlink router is pointless since there will be no point in extending the network from right next to the router.
How to Select an Appropriate Place?
As mentioned, a mesh node works best when placed in a dead Wi-Fi zone.
To identify the dead spots in your home (if you don’t know them already), simply go around while holding your phone and determine which room or floor has the weakest Wi-Fi.
Tips for Placing a Wi-Fi Mesh Node!
First, even if obvious, you should avoid placing the node in particular places such as closed compartments, or enclosed spaces.
The node must have an open view of the room and it is best placed as high as possible, possibly hung on the wall.
Notice: Many people install their nodes on the fridge or highly-elevated furniture such as kitchen drawers but avoid installing the mesh near your microwave.
2. Power Up & Setup the Mesh Node
Once you’ve chosen a suitable position for the node, the next task is to make sure that the node is working and gets detected by the Starlink network.
If you’re utilizing a Starlink node, then all you have to do is connect your unit to the power.
When your Starlink node is powered on, there will be a visual indication by the LED lights that the device is set up and ready to go.
How to Setup a Third-Party Mesh Node?
If you’re utilizing a third-party mesh node, check if there’s a power button on the mesh node that turns on the device.
Popular mesh networks such as Eero typically power up immediately after being connected to power, and if your unit doesn’t, look for a power button somewhere!
Also, always check if the mesh node has a mobile application on its own and whether an initial setup is required.
Some mesh nodes need to be set up independently first before connecting to any Wi-Fi router or network such as Starlink.
Note: In case of any trouble, consult the user’s manual!
3. Setup & Check the Starlink App!
To keep track of the Starlink system’s condition, you need the Starlink mobile app.
Once connected, all mesh nodes will appear on the Starlink application’s home page, allowing you to manage the interface of the connected nodes as well as the main Starlink router.
How to Get the Starlink Application?
- Open the Google Play/App Store on your phone.
- Type “Starlink” in the search field to find the app.
- Then, download the first application that pops up.
- Once installed, launch the Starlink application.
- Then, log in with your Starlink user credentials.
- Finally, follow the necessary setup instructions.
How to Update Starlink Application?
To make sure the mesh setup completes without any interruptions or errors, you should also verify that the Starlink app is on its most current firmware version.
So, open the app store on your phone, go to “Manage Installed Applications,” and check if Starlink has a pending update.
Note: Updates for the Starlink application are frequently released, so always keep track!
4. Connect Starlink With The Node!
The next step on how to setup a mesh network with Starlink is to establish the mesh node pairing!
Once the mesh node is detected by the Starlink application, the next step is to allow the pairing.
If you’ve connected a Starlink-powered mesh node, the main Starlink router will automatically detect the node without the need to do anything on your end.
To establish the pairing with the mesh node, allow the connection by pressing the “Pair” button that will appear within the Skylink app.
After accepting the connection, the mesh node may take up to 2-3 minutes to connect and show up on the homepage of the Starlink application. You can then control the mesh node!
Note: Do not power off or unplug the mesh node!
How to Know If Mesh Node is Connected?
You will know that the mesh node has established a connection whenever the unit appears on the home screen of the Starlink application.
The first screen you see upon launching the Starlink application is the dashboard containing all connected devices.
Note: The mesh node will appear under the “Main Router” interface, and it will be connected with an arrow at all times.
How to Configure The Starlink Mesh Node?
If you’re adding a Starlink node, then you will be able to access advanced configuration settings for the device within the Starlink app.
So, open the Starlink app, go to the home page, and then press on the mesh node to configure its name, settings, and all of the connectivity details.
How to Connect a Third-Party Mesh Node?
Well, connecting a third-party mesh node to Starlink is only possible via an Ethernet cable.
All you have to do is locate the Ethernet ports on the main Starlink router and on the back of the third-party mesh node.
After that, connect the mesh node with the main Starlink router via an Ethernet cable and wait until the node appears within the Starlink app.
This might take from 5 to 10 minutes.
Alert: A third-party node may have to stay wired with the main Starlink route in order to work.
5. Test Your Starlink Mesh Network!
To verify that the setup process has undergone successfully, your final task is to test if the mesh network is reliable and the connectivity is stable.
The simplest way to test if the connection is working is to connect your mobile device to the Starlink Wi-Fi and move around the home.
If there are no drops or outages in the Wi-Fi connection, then you are ready!
How to Rearrange Starlink Mesh Nodes?
If the Wi-Fi connection on some ends of your house doesn’t seem to have improved, you may need to move the mesh nodes a little bit.
Try elevating the mesh node higher in the room and placing it in a centralized stop, so the unit’s signal can cover as much space as possible.
A major key for sustaining proper Wi-Fi connectivity at all times is keeping the mesh setup interference-free.
Make sure that there are no other wireless devices close to the mesh nodes that could potentially interfere with the wireless signal.
Tip: To cover bigger homes, use more nodes!
Quick Recap:
To achieve optimal performance with a Starlink mesh network setup, make sure all nodes are positioned in a proper place and connect them with the main Starlink router.
The next step is to open the Starlink app, go to the “Connected Devices” section, and then verify.
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Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.