After launching two test satellites in February 2018, Starlink, an internet service provider, was officially launched in May 2019. Starlink is a satellite system created by the company SpaceX, which is owned by Elon Musk. Starlink satellites are in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) which means that they are closer to the Earth than other terrestrial networks, which are often vulnerable to outages.
Upon getting the Starlink kit, you might get confused about where to start however, the Starlink kit comes with everything you need to connect to the internet including a Starlink device, Wi-Fi router, cables, and lawn mount brackets. Therefore, the following is a detailed overview of how you may connect their system right out of the box.
1. Unboxing the Starlink Kit
First and foremost, carefully unpack your Starlink kit. In the package, you will find the following items:
- Starlink dish: the satellite antenna
- Wi-Fi router
- Power supply
- Mounting hardware
- Cables
Once you have confirmed that all these components are included, you can continue to the next step.
2. Location Finding
Before you power on your Starlink system, you need to find an appropriate location to place your dish. This location should:
- Provide good visibility to the clear sky and not be obstructed by trees or buildings.
- Be elevated, if possible, for optimal satellite connectivity.
You can check for obstructions using the Starlink app. Additionally, this app will help in the alignment of the dish once it’s connected.
3. Setting Up the Dish
Lift the kickstand: take your Starlink dish and lift the kickstand at the back.
Next, connect the dish: plug one end of the Starlink cable into the dish, while the other end connects to the Wi-Fi router. Make sure that the connections are snug.
4. Powering Up the Starlink System
After that, connect the power supply to the Wi-Fi router and plug it into an electrical outlet. The router will then instantly begin booting up, which typically takes just a few minutes. During this time, the dish will also start self-aligning with the satellites above in order to establish a connection.
5. Connecting to Wi-Fi
Once the router is powered on, you will then need to connect your device to the Starlink Wi-Fi network. To do this, follow these steps:
- First, turn on the Wi-Fi settings on your device.
- Next, locate a sticker on the router or use the Starlink app to find the network name (SSID). It should resemble “Starlink.”
- Finally, click to connect to the Starlink network and input the password found on your router or in the app.
6. Using the Starlink App
Furthermore, the Starlink app will come in handy during setup. Download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Once installed, launch the application and sign up if you do not already have an account.
The application will then guide you through the installation process, helping you find the best placement for your dish and correctly hooking it up.
7. Testing Your Connection
Once you are connected to Wi-Fi, you will need to test your internet connection. Open any web browser or internet-using application, then launch a website or play a video to verify that it’s working flawlessly. If you encounter any issues at this point, revisit the setup or explore other troubleshooting options using the Starlink app.
8. Installation of the Dish (Optional)
If you’re planning to install the dish permanently, you may want to mount it securely. Use any of the provided mounting hardware to attach the dish to a pole or wall. Ensure it is locked in and correctly positioned for the best access to the satellites.
9. Final Checks and Updates
Now that everything’s online, check the Starlink app for any available firmware updates. Keeping your system updated means enhanced performance and security.
In conclusion, once you’re well set up, you will have reliable and high-speed internet services anywhere you are located. From remote regions or as an alternative to household broadband internet, Starlink is one of the best options out there.
