The WiFi router with Starlink works perfectly for most customers, but it’s always good to know how to connect a router to Starlink.
Another router may have more features and advanced networking options, perfect for whatever you need.
This guide will show you how to connect a router to Starlink easily and quickly. You will also need certain accessories to help with the set-up.
Let’s read further.
How To Use an Aftermarket Router with Starlink
Starlink has a very good standard router capable of everything the brand offers, such as good speeds and strong connectivity. There are many options for the type of lifestyle you have, too.
However, the router may fail to give you the things and features your aftermarket router has to give, especially for things like online hosting and gaming.
(Starlink router)
Purchase the Starlink Ethernet Adapter
The Starlink Ethernet Adapter is the first and most important accessory to purchase. This connects the Starlink dish cable and your router, which adds one wired internet connection.
The ethernet adapter is essential to help connect the Starlink internet service to the other device, like your router.
With this, you can use it to connect many networked devices, such as printers. The adapter also allows you to use a mesh system or a separate router in conjunction with the Starlink internet.
This nifty little gadget, paired with your router, allows you to get full-house coverage and more router features for just a little money.
Since it is plug-and-play, it is very easy to connect, compared to connecting the dish cable to the Starlink router.
Plug in the aftermarket router.
Using the ethernet adapter, you can now plug in the aftermarket router. This is easy to do and requires minimal effort.
(ethernet adapter)
Turn on bypass mode in the Starlink app.
The bypass or bridge mode on the Starlink app lets you completely turn off the built-in WiFi router. You can even use two routers, a third-party one and the Starlink one!
Putting the bypass mode is easy and can be done through the app. Before continuing to the app, ensure you have a good internet connection to log into the app.
Click on settings in the app’s home screen, and you will see a lot of Starlink router settings.
You will then notice a bypass mode option. You will be presented with a little slider, which you have to move to the right. The app will ask you to confirm by pressing OK.
And it’s done!
When you return to the app’s home screen, you will see that the network and statistics options are all gray, meaning you cannot access them anymore.
When you notice that you are no longer connected to the WiFi, bypass mode has been activated.
(Starlink app)
Can I Use My Router with Starlink?
From working well in bad weather to good speed and connectivity, Starlink is slowly becoming the new brand of satellite internet.
But there are many reasons you’d want to use your own Starlink, such as:
- It would be best if you had more range because you want to make your own mesh system, and you want more access points.
- You are making a guest WiFi network.
- The router that comes with Starlink does not allow more devices.
- You need more options that are not given with the standard router, such as advanced firewall rules, DMZ, or port forwarding.
Limitations
While it is possible for you to use your own router with Starlink, there are still some limitations you should know.
These are:
- You will not be able to see any Starlink dish connection information. This isn’t a big deal unless you want to sort out a problem with a dish and need to see this information. However, you can overcome this by plugging the Starlink router just for the time being to see the information for that time/
- Starlink uses something called carrier-grade NAT (CGNAT) technology. This does not give everyone a normal public IP address like other WiFi networks. So, when you plug in the router, this is a second layer of NAT. Then, when you plug in your 3rd party router, you’ll be NATed three times, which isn’t the best of things. CGNAT means you cannot use port forwarding, and you cannot connect from other places to the router. While this may not matter to a normal user, advanced users would like to know about this.
(WiFi router)
How to Use Your Own Router With Starlink
It is very simple to use your own router with this internet. You must research and look for a router that you like and meets your needs.
Ensure you are buying a router, not a modem router because Starlink does not need a modem. You don’t want to waste money!
Then, buy the Starlink ethernet adapter. You cannot use the 3rd party ones as they will not work. Go into your Starlink app and switch on bypass mode.
This will bypass the normal connection to allow you to connect to your router.
Now, you can connect the Starlink router to the new router.
Conclusion
It is so easy to connect the router you choose to Starlink! This fast-growing satellite internet is proving to be one of the best, with fast connections and speed, as well as the opportunity to connect your own router to it.