What equipment is needed to connect to Starlink?

Okay, no problem. If you want to connect to Starlink, think of it simply: it's pretty much like installing satellite TV, but it provides internet. You mainly need the set of equipment officially sent to you.

What equipment do I need for Starlink?

Simply put, you only need to purchase an official "Starlink Kit," which includes all the necessary core equipment. Connect them correctly, activate them with the mobile app, and you'll have internet access.

Below, I'll break down what's in the kit and what each component does:

1. Starlink Dish (The Dishy)

• What is it? This is what people often call the "dish" or "flat panel." It's the most crucial part of the entire system, responsible for "communicating" with satellites in space, receiving and sending internet signals.
• What's special about it? It's very smart; once powered on, it automatically searches the sky and adjusts to the optimal angle to align with the satellites – you don't need to adjust it manually. It can also heat itself to melt accumulated snow in winter, ensuring signal integrity.

2. Mount

• What is it? This is a stand used to securely place the dish on the ground or a flat surface. The kit comes with a basic four-legged base.
• What to note? If you want to install the dish on a roof, wall, or pole, the included mount might not be sufficient. You'll need to purchase suitable "mounting accessories" separately (e.g., a roof mount, pole adapter, etc.).

3. Wi-Fi Router

• What is it? This is like the broadband router you currently use at home, a square box. The internet signal received by the dish is transmitted to it via a cable, and then it creates a Wi-Fi network that your phone, computer, and TV can connect to for internet access.
• What to note? Newer Starlink routers, for simplicity, have removed physical Ethernet ports (LAN ports). If you want to connect a computer or other devices via an Ethernet cable, you'll need to purchase an "Ethernet Adapter" separately.

4. Cables

The kit mainly includes two cables:

• Starlink Cable: This is a long, specialized cable (usually tens of feet long), with one end connected to the dish and the other to the router. It's responsible for both power supply and data transmission. It's quite long because it needs to run from outdoors to indoors.
• Power Cable: This is a standard power cable used to plug in the router.

In summary, your box will contain:

• Starlink Dish x 1
• Mount x 1
• Wi-Fi Router x 1
• Starlink Cable x 1
• Power Cable x 1

What do you need to prepare yourself?

1. An unobstructed installation location: This is the most important! The dish needs to "see" as much of the sky as possible; there shouldn't be tall trees or buildings blocking its view, otherwise, the signal will be intermittent. You can use the Starlink mobile app to check if the installation location is suitable.
2. A smartphone (iPhone or Android): The installation and setup process must be completed through the official Starlink App, so a phone is essential.
3. ** (Potentially) Additional mounting accessories:** If you don't plan to simply place the dish on the ground, you'll need to plan ahead based on your installation location (e.g., roof) and purchase the appropriate mounting bracket.
4. ** (Potentially) Ethernet Adapter:** If you have devices that must connect via an Ethernet cable, remember to purchase this small accessory.

Overall, Starlink has designed the entire process to be very "idiot-proof." As long as you find a good place to position the dish, the rest is just plugging in cables, powering it on, and following the instructions on the mobile app – it's very simple.