Starlink offers fast and reliable internet access to households no matter where they might be located. Compared to other options that might require cabling or other major modifications to your property, one of the major selling points of Starlink’s internet is that it is incredibly easy to set up, even for those who might not be the most tech-savvy.
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How to set up Starlink?
Setting up Starlink satellite internet is so straightforward that the company themselves explains it in just two very easy steps:
- Plug it in
- Point it at the sky
It is so easy, in fact, that they even stress that you can do the above steps in the opposite order and it will still work.
Though all you need to do is plug the dish in and point it at the sky, the Starlink installation process does require a little optimisation. The Starlink dish needs a clear view of the sky, and this cannot be obstructed by trees, buildings, or anything else likely to interrupt the signal. Placing the dish indoors, even next to a window, may lead to connectivity issues, so it must be positioned outside.
The Starlink app can provide guidance to help you determine the best install location on your property. All you need to do is install the Starlink app on your preferred device and stand in the area where you would like to mount the dish. Open the app and select “Check for obstructions” from the menu, then follow the instructions presented on the screen.
It is also important to consider any weather conditions likely to affect the dish. The Starlink dish can melt snow, and the mast and dish together have been designed to withstand heavy rain and other harsh elements. However, the dish can be affected by build-up around the mounting base, such as heavy fallen snow. To avoid any weather-related performance issues in your Starlink internet, choose your mounting base location carefully.
How far can the Starlink dish be from the house?
Your Starlink kit will come with a power cable that reaches 100 ft (30m). This means that you can position the dish up to 100ft away from its power supply (not necessarily 100ft away from your house).
Many people who use Starlink internet in rural areas might decide to set up their dishes on an outbuilding or some other distance from their actual home. So long as you can run power here, the cable can then reach out to the dish.
Then, you simply have to run an ethernet cable from your dish back to the Starlink router in your home. This cable can exceed the 100ft range of the dish’s power cable without a drop in performance. You can also buy mesh adaptors from Starlink to help you create a mesh network within your home.
Will Starlink work without a mobile signal?
Yes! One of the biggest advantages of the Starlink system is that it does not require a mobile signal to work.
When you connect to the internet through your smartphone, you either connect using a standard Wi-Fi connection or through your data. A standard Wi-Fi connection will use copper cabling or some other method to deliver the signal and speed to your wireless router. Connecting through data relies on your proximity to a phone mast – and if there are obstructions in the way, like trees, hills, or even buildings, this can affect your signal strength.
Starlink’s connection does not come from a mast or cables, but rather from the Starlink satellite array. So long as your dish has an unobstructed view of the sky, you should be able to pick up a signal from one of these satellites.
How do I properly mount my Starlink dish mast?
You might have realised that the ideal location for mounting your Starlink dish is not always the most convenient. While setting up the dish is relatively straightforward, securing the mounting base can be a bit more challenging. A professional service can assist you in correctly installing your Starlink internet dish and ensuring its mounting is secure. Additionally, it can enhance your Wi-Fi connection throughout your property, optimising all connected systems and appliances.
If you require assistance with the installation of Starlink and want to guarantee that your dish mast is fully optimised for your property, we’re here to help! Contact us and get a free, no-obligation advice now.