If you have seen or used a Starlink router, then you may be aware that it does not have extra connections, just a spot for connecting the dish connection and power cable.
Therefore, it would not come as a surprise that you would want to use your own router to connect to Starlink internet, but you need to know how to do it the right way.
A Starlink router does not have features like guest networks, granular control, and port forwarding. Using a different router affords you a much better router instead of making do with the basic one provided by Starlink services.
Read on to learn how to connect your router to Starlink internet.
How to Connect Starlink to My Router (Quick Answer)
First, you will need a good router with the recent version of WiFi standards. Avoid modem router combos because Starlink doesn’t use modems. In addition, get the Starlink-issued ethernet adaptor. Enable bridge (bypass) mode on the Starlink router, then use the Starlink ethernet adaptor and an ethernet cable to connect the Starlink router to your router.
Why Connect Starlink to Your Own Router?
Here are the benefits of connecting Starlink to your router.
- It provides additional range and more access points.
- It lets you establish a mesh system.
- If you wish to establish a guest WiFi connection.
- It allows you to connect much more devices.
- Enjoy functionalities not found in Starlink routers, like Advanced firewall rules, DMZ, and port forwarding.
- If you want to attempt to enable IPv6, although it is in the experimental stages in 2022.
How To Connect Starlink to Your TP-Link Router
Starlink hardware comes in two generations- Gen-2 Terminal (rectangular dish) and Gen-1 Terminal (Round Dish). The ethernet jack removal differentiates the two versions.
Connecting Gen-1 Starlink to TP-Link Router
The Starlink round dish has an ethernet jack, but the router that accompanies it doesn’t support bridge mode. Therefore, you must disconnect the Starlink router to use the TP-Link router as the primary router.
Here is how to configure the system.
- Disconnect the cable connecting the Starlink router to the power supply.
- Connect the Starlink PoE Adapter to the TP-Link Router’s WAN port.
Note:
If you wish to connect a TP-Link router but keep TP-Link WiFi and Starlink, the Starlink router has to be the primary router, then plug in the WAN port to the TP-Link router to the Starlink router’s AUX port. This will allow you to switch the TP-Link system to Access Point Mode, avoiding problems like Double NAT.
Connecting Gen-2 Starlink to TP-Link Router
The rectangular dish does not have the PoE adapter like the original Starlink dish. Therefore, get a Starlink Ethernet Adapter to use your TP-Link router with Starlink internet.
Once you connect the Starlink router to Starlink Terminal, here is what to do:
- Connect the WAN Port of the TP-Link router to the Ethernet Adapter from Starlink.
- Enable the Starlink Gen-2’s Bypass mode through the Starlink app if you want the TP-Link router to serve as the primary router.
- Plug the ethernet adapter into the WAN port of the TP-Link router.
Note:
The Starlink terminals disable every wireless feature when you enable Bypass Mode, and you will require a factory reset to revert to router mode.
How To Configure The TP-Link Router to the Starlink Network
You simply need the WAN connection to be Dynamic IP, and here is how to achieve that:
- Access the administrator web UI of TP-Link.
- Choose Network, Network, then the Internet Page.
- Select Dynamic IP.
The Limitations of Using Your Own Router with Starlink
1. You Cannot See the Dish Connection Information
While you cannot see any connection information on the Starlink dish, it is not a significant problem unless you want to troubleshoot a problem. Alternatively, you can connect the Starlink router to troubleshoot an issue.
2. Starlink Does Not Offer Their Users Their Public IP Addresses
Starlink utilizes NAT (CGNAT) technology instead of giving every user a public IP address. Therefore, the router you connect becomes NAT’s second layer making your network double Natted. Moreover, linking a third-party router without enabling the bypass mode makes you triple Natted.
CGNAT means you cannot utilize port forwarding in the conventional sense, nor can you connect from outside.
Which Third-Party Routers Work with Starlink?
You can use nearly every router with Starlink, including mesh WiFi routers, basic consumer-grade routers, or business-grade/ advanced prosumer routers. Go for an AmpliFi mesh or Netgear Orbi product if you want a great range with a simple setup. On the other hand, Ubiquiti Unifi products offer advanced functionalities at desirable prices.
Final Thoughts
Widespread coverage and new technologies make Starlink a popular choice for many. However, the provider offers basic routers, so you are better off using a different router for better settings and coverage. The provided router should be sufficient for small and medium houses, but you will need a better router for large homes or those with thick walls.