Starlink Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding TP-Link Router Setup With Starlink ISP

 

How Do I Configure The TP-Link Router to Connect to the Starlink Network?

 

You may choose Dynamic IP as the WAN Connection Type on the TP-Link router. Access the TP-Link admin web UI (www.tplinkwifi.net), go to Advanced > Network > Internet page, and choose Dynamic IP.

 

How Do I Manage the Starlink Terminal When Removing the Starlink Router, or the Starlink Router is in Bypass Mode?

 

If the Starlink router is under Bypass mode or has been removed, you may need to set up a static route on the TP-Link router; then, you can manage the Starlink terminal in the Starlink APP. Use these settings to establish a static route from the TP-Link Router’s UI.

 

Network destination: 192.168.100.0

Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0

Gateway: 192.168.100.1

Interface: WAN

 

 

 

How do I set up my Network to keep the Starlink and TP-Link Wi-Fi connections?

If you only wish to use the TP-Link Router to provide additional Wi-Fi coverage for your existing network, you can set up the Starlink Router as the main Router, then configure the TP-Link Router into Access Point (AP) Mode.

 

Please First Identify Which Starlink System You are Using (Gen-1 = Round Dish; Gen-2 = Rectangular; Gen-3 = Rectangular with Included Gateway)

 

The Original Gen-1 Starlink User Terminal

For Gen-1 Starlink Users, the Starlink Terminal should be treated as the main Router for the network. Users may connect the TP-Link router’s WAN port to the Starlink Router's AUX port. At this point, the TP-Link System can be switched to Access Point Mode, which avoids issues such as Double NAT.

 

 

The Gen-2 Starlink User Terminal

With Gen-2 Starlink Systems, the network map is the same as before. Connect the TP-Link Router’s WAN port to the Ethernet adapter directly, make sure that Bypass Mode on the Starlink System is DISABLED, then configure the TP-Link Router in Access Point Mode to avoid a Double NAT scenario.

Starlink advises against using a multi-LAN system (Double NAT), so we recommend you change the TP-Link Router's operation mode to Access Point mode.

 

The Gen-3 Starlink User Terminal

With Gen-3 Starlink terminals, no additional hardware is needed between the Starlink Gateway and your Wi-Fi Router. Simply connect the TP-Link Router’s WAN port directly to an available Ethernet port on the Starlink Gateway, then configure the TP-Link Router in Access Point Mode.

 

 

Will a TP-Link Router or Deco Mesh System work with Starlink?

Yes! TP-Link Routers and Decos are designed to work with any ISP, including Starlink. For a seamless experience between Starlink and your home Wi-Fi, configuring extra settings or purchasing an Ethernet Adapter directly from Starlink may be required, depending on which generation of Starlink equipment you have.

 

What Additional Configuration Is Required for Using a Router with Starlink?

Ideally, you should enable ‘Bypass Mode’ in the Starlink App (see above) and set a Static Route on your TP-Link Network for your Starlink Gateway. This will allow you to avoid a Dual-NAT situation and ensure you have access to the settings and statistics for your Starlink Network.

Depending on your generation of Starlink hardware, you may also need to purchase an Ethernet Adapter from Starlink separately. 

 

Why Do I Need to Enable Bypass Mode on My Starlink Gateway?

Enabling Bypass Mode on the Starlink Gateway will turn off its routing functionality and allow your TP-Link Wi-Fi Router or Deco Mesh System to handle all routing duties. Without enabling Bypass mode, your network will suffer from a double-NAT scenario, possibly introducing performance and stability issues.

 

Why Do I Need to Configure a Static Route if My Devices Can Access the Internet?

Configuring a Static Route on your TP-Link Deco Mesh router will tell your Deco how to reach the Starlink Gen 2 Gateway and allow you to access its management interface while connected to your Deco network. Using your wireless network without configuring a static route may also affect your network's overall performance and stability.

Creating a Static Route on an Archer Router  |  Creating a Static Route Through the Deco App

 

Choosing Between Router and AP Mode:

Many of the devices listed above can operate in both Access Point (AP) Mode and Router (Default) Mode. The Mode you choose will largely depend on the device you want to see at your network's head, managing the individual connections between your devices and the router.

Using a Router or Mesh System in Access Point Mode will effectively only extend your existing Starlink network. If used in Access Point Mode, you will lose access to many of the router's or mesh system's features, such as Parental Controls and Firewalls.

The Difference Between Router and AP Mode: Archer Routers | Deco Mesh

 

Related Articles:

Getting Started with TP-Link and Starlink

Extending Your Existing Starlink Wi-Fi with a Range Extender

Discussion: May 22nd, 2023, Your Experience with Starlink and TP-Link

Knowledge Base: Configuring Your Network for Starlink: Archer Router | Deco Mesh

Knowledge Base: Creating a Static Route for Starlink: Archer Router | Deco Mesh

Knowledge Base: Starlink Frequently Asked Questions