We are excited to discuss the new Starlink Gen 3 router, a significant advancement in SpaceX’s Wi-Fi offerings. This router is currently available by invite only and is priced at a competitive $200 point. It promises a slew of features tailored to modern connectivity needs. Its standout characteristics include:
- Wi-Fi 6 Technology: Embracing the latest wireless networking, the Starlink Gen 3 router offers comprehensive support for 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax standards, ensuring high-speed and reliable connections.
- Tri-band Radios: This feature enhances the router’s ability to manage multiple devices efficiently, reducing interference and boosting overall network performance.
- Dual Band MIMO: Maximizing data throughput, this technology ensures optimal signal strength and coverage.
- Enhanced Security with WPA2: The router adheres to robust security protocols, safeguarding your network against unauthorized access.
- Impressive Coverage: Boasting up to 2000 sqft of coverage, it caters to various indoor environments, from homes to small offices.
- Device Support: It can support up to 235 devices, making it ideal for environments with numerous connected devices.
Table of Contents
Explore the Advanced Starlink Gen 3 Router
Installation and Setup
The installation and setup of the Starlink Gen 3 router are straightforwardly designed to accommodate both tech-savvy users and beginners. The router comes with comprehensive guides for various hardware versions, ensuring compatibility with existing Starlink equipment, including the original round and standard rectangle dishes. The added convenience of a dedicated reset button simplifies the process of reverting to factory settings, a significant improvement over previous models.
Check out the Starlink setup guide here.
Compatibility with Previous Generation Starlink Hardware
Seamless Integration with Existing Systems
A remarkable aspect of the Starlink Gen 3 router is its backward compatibility with all previous Starlink hardware. This feature allows users to effortlessly integrate the new router into their existing setups, whether they have the original round dish, HP Starlink hardware, or the standard rectangle Starlink dish. The compatibility extends to Gen 2 and Gen 3 mesh nodes, enabling users to create or expand their mesh networks easily.
Upgrading Options: Is it Worth It?
For users considering an upgrade to the Gen 3 router, the decision hinges on various factors:
- Original Round Dish Users: The upgrade is highly beneficial, especially if you’re still using the initial router or a third-party router. The Gen 3 router not only improves connectivity but also introduces mesh capabilities.
- HP Starlink Hardware Owners: The ease of replacing the existing router with the Gen 3 model makes it an attractive option for enhancing network performance.
- Standard Rectangle Dish Users: The most complex scenario, where the Gen 3 router serves better as an additional mesh node rather than a direct router replacement.
Enhancing Connectivity: The Gen 3 Router in Action
Router Performance Evaluation and User Experience Insights
Our in-depth analysis reveals that the Gen 3 router significantly enhances user experience with its advanced connectivity options and network security enhancements. The addition of WiFi 6 technology and tri-band radios notably improves range performance, ensuring stable and fast internet across a larger area. User reviews and tests confirm the router’s efficacy in delivering a seamless internet experience, even in environments with multiple devices. If you are looking for some tips to increase your speed, read our article 8 Tricks to Boost Your Starlink Internet Speed
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the main improvements in the Starlink Gen 3 router compared to previous models?
- The Gen 3 router features WiFi 6 technology, tri-band radios, improved range performance, and supports a larger number of devices.
- Is the Gen 3 router compatible with all Starlink dishes and hardware?
- It is backward compatible with all existing Starlink hardware, including the original round dish, HP hardware, and standard rectangle dishes.
- Can the Gen 3 router be used to create a mesh network?
- The router is absolutely compatible with Gen 2 and Gen 3 mesh nodes, allowing users to expand their mesh networks.
- What is the price of the Starlink Gen 3 router, and how can it be purchased?
- According to this Reddit forum, the router is priced at $200 and is currently available through an invite-only release to select users in the US. This is subject to change. https://www.reddit.com/r/Starlink/comments/159xzok/got_an_invitation_to_try_buy_3rd_gen_router/
- What are the security features of the Gen 3 router?
- It employs WPA2 security protocols, ensuring robust protection for your network.
Starlink Gen 3 Router comparison table
| Feature/Model | Gen 1 Starlink Router | Gen 2 Starlink Router | Gen 3 Starlink Router | Nighthawk Routers | TP-Link Archer AX80 | Netgear RAX43 | TP-Link Archer AX21 | ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX6000 | TP-Link Deco X55 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2019 | 2021 | Beta in 2023 | Various | – | – | – | – | – |
| Processor | Qualcomm IPQ4018 SoC | MediaTek MT7629 SoC | – | Various | – | – | – | – | – |
| Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Dual-Band Frequencies | 2.4GHz and 5GHz | 2.4GHz and 5GHz | Tri-Band | 2.4GHz and 5GHz | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi Range | Up to 2,000 sq ft | Up to 2,000 sq ft | – | Up to 3,500 sq ft | Up to 2,500 sq ft | Up to 2,000 sq ft | Up to 1,800 sq ft | – | Up to 6,500 sq ft |
| Device Capacity | Up to 128 devices | Up to 128 devices | Up to 225 devices | Up to 60 users | – | Up to 25 devices | – | – | Up to 150 devices |
| Ethernet Ports | 1 Gigabit | Requires adapter | 2 Ports | Multiple ports | – | – | – | – | – |
| Security | WPA2/WPA3 encryption | WPA2/WPA3 encryption | WPA2 | WPA3, Netgear Armor | – | – | – | – | – |
| Parental Controls | No | No | – | Yes | – | – | – | – | – |
| Mesh Node Compatibility | No | Up to 12 nodes | – | Yes | – | – | – | – | Yes |
| Speeds | Up to 500 Mbps | Up to 500 Mbps | – | Up to 10.8 Gbps | 1148 Mbps (2.4 GHz), 4804 Mbps (5 GHz) | Up to 4.2 Gbps | Up to 1.8 Gbps | Up to 6000 Mbps | Up to 300 Mbps |
| Design | Circular dish | Sleek square-shaped | Horizontal | Various (including hawk design) | – | – | – | – | – |
| Additional Features | – | – | IP56 rating | USB ports, advanced security | Beamforming technology, high-gain antennas | – | Budget-friendly, strong CPU | Quad-core CPU, 18% more throughput | Mesh system, eliminates dead zones |
This advice is informational and should be supplemented with professional consultation for critical business decisions.
