Can Starlink Routers Be Outside – Let’s Find Out

Noah Clark

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Can Starlink routers be outside?

Starlink’s success with internet routers has seen the company constantly release newer versions and updates to improve connectivity.

The Starlink router is typically installed indoors due to its proximity to power cables and the convenience of rebooting.

But most people wonder if it would work outside.

In this piece, we go through the various specs of Starlink routers and find out if it is possible to use them outside. 

Table of Contents

Factors To Consider When Installing The Router Outside

There are a few considerations to run through in the little instances you need to install Starlink outside.

Weather

One of the main barriers to wireless satellite connections is the unpredictability of the weather.

Rain, dust, and storms hinder the wireless waves, which is why you experience lags, even on Satellite TV.

That said, Starlink is no different. The overall temperature needs to be at least -30 to 50 degrees Celsius.

Anything beyond this range, and you can expect gaps in connectivity.  

Location/Accessibility

Since the router is responsible for the power supply, you need to look for a place with AC power for consistent supply.

Also, the Starlink router needs to be accessible during downtimes or when you need some troubleshooting. 

Wifi/Ethernet Connectivity

Routers in switching panels in an office 

Now that your router is outside, how will you get internet inside?

You must know how to supply the internet and the rest of the devices to your house.

You need a long ethernet cable or WiFi access to connect to other devices inside.

Check out the best way to get internet in your house with your local technician. 

Building Codes

Building codes set the requirements to set up objects such as buildings and non-building structures.

Your router falls in the latter and should follow these codes per your local by-laws.

Always check the building codes to avoid penalties and fines. 

Starlink router and antenna 

Starlink router and antenna 

Although Starlink uses satellite constellations in space, you’d be surprised to know installing the router outside is not entirely beneficial.

Starlink normally uses dishes to communicate with satellites, but the router is less effective. Let’s peruse some of these disadvantages. 

Low Coverage

The router’s coverage is initially meant to be 360 degrees and should be set up in the middle of the connections.

That way, it is easier for everyone in the house to access the internet. But when you put it outside, you lose almost 50% of the coverage.

It may help extend the coverage outside your house (backyard, porch, etc.), but you’d still lose considerable amounts of potential data.   

Potential Security Hazard

Installing the router outside puts you at a greater risk of hacks. Since the coverage may reach neighbors, someone can plot a malicious attack and gain access to your WiFi.

We’d recommend closely monitoring how many users are in your WiFi connection, but you may need a professional to sniff out any hackers.

Low Speeds

There’s always the risk of low speeds once your router’s coverage is limited.

While Starlink has stable internet, low coverage leads to slow speeds, even if you’re close to the router.

The situation worsens if more than three people connect to the network with medium to heavy browsing. In a nutshell, WiFi signals spread like water waves.

So, the closer the shore, the easier it is for the waves to break. 

Lack of Ethernet Access

You can always use a cable connection when the WiFi speeds are low.

The ethernet cable keeps the internet speeds steady, giving priority access and low latency.

When connected outside, the router needs a long wire connection to supply internet inside the house.

And since Starlink’s standard ethernet is barely 5 feet, you might need to buy alternatives.

For instance, this Amazon Basics RJ45 Cat-6 50-foot cable is perfect for outside installations and can run up to 50 feet. 

Lack of Power Plug Access

Like the ethernet cable, you will need a long enough power plug to get the router up and running.

Not many outdoor spaces have power plugs, not to mention the number of devices you have to power.

You may need to get creative and create a spot outside your walls to install the plug. 

Starlink dish outside

Starlink dish outside

Installing Starlink router outside has some notable drawbacks that may nudge you not to subscribe.

But it is still possible to enjoy fast internet speeds when your router is on the backyard or patio. 

Weatherproof enclosures

For the Starlink router’s safety, you can add an enclosure box to protect it from weather elements and particles.

For instance, the Gratury Junction Box with an IP67 rating has a high-grade waterproof ABS material with a safety lock.

It only costs a few bucks, and you’ll have great connections outside.

You might need to drill holes in the router cabinet to link it with a power plug and extension cables.  

Powerline a Secondary Router or Access Point

The wireless connectivity issue can be negated by adding an extra router to shift the epicenter of the system.

This method highly improves coverage and boosts your existing speeds using mesh nodes.

Starlink offers mesh nodes if you’re looking for an official product. 

Get Extension Cables

If you decide to install your router outside, there is a lot of hand wiring and drilling. 

You need an extension cable, particularly the Starlink cable, to keep things as smooth as possible.

If the official cord falls short, there are aftermarket versions twice as long as the standard Starlink cable. 

Inserting power cord connection cable 

Conclusion

Nothing can stop you from installing your Starlink router outside as we wind up.

It’s easy; you can get everything up in less than two hours. However, the few setbacks to this process include weather conditions, wiring, and signal coverage.

We recommend using weatherproof rubber cabinets and aftermarket accessories to help you with the connections.

So, as long as you have the right accessories, you can install a Starlink router outside.