Starlink’s internet service is fast and it is available in remote areas. However, dealing with the wireless connectivity from its routers can be frustrating.
Moreover, the second-generation Starlink router that comes with the Starlink kit lacks an ethernet port for wired connectivity.
This is where using the Starlink Ethernet Adapter is a game-changer. But how does Starlink ethernet adapter work?
In this guide, I’ll take a deep dive into how the Starlink Ethernet Adapter works. What its benefits are and how to troubleshoot an Ethernet adapter that’s not working? Let’s get started.
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The answer depends on the type of Starlink router. Gen 1 Starlink router comes with an in-built ethernet adapter and port to connect your devices.
However, the Gen 2 router lacks this port. If you’ve just ordered your Starlink kit, you are probably getting the Gen 2 router that lacks an ethernet port.
The lack of an ethernet port on the Gen 2 WiFi routers can be frustrating for those who prefer a wired connection. A wired connection offers several advantages over wireless connections.
For instance, you can expect faster and more consistent internet speeds with an ethernet connection.
Also with a wired connection, you’re less likely to experience connectivity issues even if you’re far away from the router.
If you have a Gen 2 router, you’ll need an Ethernet adapter to connect your devices using a wired connection.
The Starlink Ethernet Adapter is a handy accessory that’s similar to a 3-port switch.
You can install it between the Dishy terminal and the router. This connection provides you with an extra Ethernet port for easy connections.
It’s worth noting that the Starlink Ethernet Adapter is not included in the regular Starlink Kit. You have to purchase it separately if you need it.
Here are a few specs for your Ethernet adapter. Skip the specs
| Ethernet adapter dimension | 4 x 2 x 1 inch |
| Adapter weight | 4.6 ounces |
| Connector dimension | 48.8 x 88.4 x 18.8mm |
| Connector | d-shaped, 2-sided, with a total of 20 pins (12 and 8) |
| Cord length to the router | ~85cm |
Installing the Starlink Ethernet Adapter is a straightforward process.
It took me less than ten minutes to install mine and restart my network.
To install, follow this simple step.
Power down your Starlink router and unplug the power cable from the device and power supply. This step is crucial for your safety.
Disconnect the cable from the Starlink rectangular dish to the router. This cable connects beneath the router.
Take your Starlink Ethernet adapter and connect its cable to the same port you removed the dish cable.
Now, you can plug the cable from the dish into the Ethernet adapter securely.
Connect the power cord to the router and turn it back on. Give it a moment to boot up and establish a connection.
If you encounter connectivity issues after following these steps, try rebooting your router using the Starlink app.
With the installation now completed, you now have an additional RJ45 Ethernet port ready to connect your devices.
After connecting my Ethernet adapter, I observed a significant improvement in my internet speeds.
My download speeds went from 195Mbps to 210Mbps while my upload speeds increased from 10Mbps to 15.7Mbps.
If you’ve wondered how an Ethernet adapter works, here’s a simplified explanation to help.
Once you install the Ethernet adapter, the satellite dish sends signals through the adapter to the original router.
The router, acting like a traffic corp, then routes the signal through the ethernet cable to the device connected to the adapter.
With an Ethernet adapter installed, you can do more with your network. A few things you can accomplish includes.
The adapter provides an interface that allows you to connect a third-party router. With a third-party router installed, you have the option to extend your WiFi network coverage and access advanced functionalities.
You can connect devices like Xbox or Smart TVs that need a smooth and uninterrupted connection directly into the ethernet port.
For some reason, your Ethernet adapter may work for a while and then stops working.
So, what just happened?
If you’re experiencing this, here are a few tips to help.
Try a simple disconnect and reconnect: If your adapter is not working, disconnect the adapter from the whole setup. Then connect your Starlink dish directly to the router. This will help determine if the issue lies with the adapter or elsewhere in the setup. If the setup is working correctly, follow the installation instructions above to connect your adapter again. This time, make sure you power off your router before proceeding with the connection.
Check for loose connections: Sometimes the problem is with a cable that is not properly seated. Unplug the cable from the dish to the Ethernet adapter and plug it back in securely until you hear it click into place. Following this procedure ensures that the cable is properly seated and this eliminates any potential connection issues.
Check the Ethernet cable: Also, try checking for a faulty Ethernet cable. Change your Ethernet cable or get a new one if the current cable is old or damaged. Using a faulty cable can lead to intermittent or no connection. So it’s a good idea to rule this out.
A power cycle of your router: If none of the above solutions work, a simple power cycle of your router might do the trick. To power cycle your router, turn it off. Then wait a few minutes, and power it back on. This simple step can often resolve connection issues.
Request a new adapter: This is your last action to take. If none of the above tips worked, it is time to request a new adapter. A defective adapter can be the cause of the problem. A replacement will be necessary.
There are several places you can purchase the Starlink Ethernet Adapter.
The first option is to purchase it from the official Starlink shop. To purchase it from the Starlink shop, you need an active Starlink account. Also, if you are on a waiting list for your Starlink kit, you can not purchase the adapter until your order is fulfilled.
Another place you can buy your Starlink adapter is through third-party online stores like Amazon.
- Gigabit connection
- Allows for hardwired network cable to connect to satellite system
- Plug-and-play
If you want to connect more devices to your adapter, I recommend an unmanaged switch for this purpose.
Connecting an unmanaged switch to your adapter is easy.
Plug the switch into the adapter’s ethernet port.
Proceed to the Starlink app and disable Bypass mode if it is enabled. Disabling this mode allows the Starlink router to handle the DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) for the wired devices connected to the switch.
With the Bypass mode disabled, you can now connect your devices to the switch.
Can I use multiple Starlink Ethernet Adapters at once?
If you want more ethernet ports, connecting multiple ethernet adapters won’t work as intended.
However, there are a couple of alternative solutions that you can explore to meet your connectivity needs.
If Bypass mode is enabled, You’ll only get one IP address from the router. In this case, I recommend you connect your router instead. With the router connected, you can have your devices connected to it wirelessly.
If you are using Starlink router mode, you can connect an unmanaged switch to the adapter. Connecting an unmanaged switch will increase the number of ports available to you to connect your devices. An unmanaged switch is a device that can extend the number of ports available in your network without any configuration needed.
Can the Starlink Ethernet Adapter be used with a Wi-Fi router?
Yes, you can connect the router to the adapter.
Using the ethernet port to connect provides you with flexibility and options for your network setup.
After connecting your Wi-Fi router using the wired connection, you need to toggle the Bypass mode on.
Enabling bypass mode will let your Wi-Fi router take over as the main router.
What is the maximum speed supported by the Starlink Ethernet Adapter?
Ethernet Adapter can handle a maximum speed of 1 Gbps (gigabits per second).
However, it’s crucial to note that the speed of your internet connection is not solely determined by the adapter itself.
The Starlink service has its download speed limitations.
This limitation means that even if the adapter can support up to 1 Gbps, your actual internet speed will depend on the Starlink network in your area.
The Starlink Ethernet Adapter is a game-changer for those seeking a stable and high-speed internet connection.
By providing an ethernet port to connect devices, this small yet powerful accessory opens up a world of possibilities.
Its installation is easy and the adapter ensures faster and more consistent internet access for your devices.
If you’re ready to elevate your Starlink experience even further, consider investing in the best mesh Wi-Fi system for Starlink.
A mesh Wi-Fi system can enhance your Wi-Fi coverage, eliminate dead zones, and ensure seamless connectivity throughout your home or office.
So, do not settle for less. Upgrade your setup with the best mesh Wi-Fi for Starlink and enjoy uninterrupted browsing, streaming, and gaming.
