Starlink is quickly becoming one of the most popular internet providers due to its new technologies and widespread coverage. Because of these technologies, it is now possible for users to receive a usable and reliable network connection in rural areas where Internet coverage was previously scarce. As the technology continues to improve and more users begin to adopt the technology as an alternative to traditional ISPs, we would like to introduce how to use our TP-Link router or other third-party routers with Starlink, and expect more questions on the forum regarding how to set up the technology and the potential benefits of the technology for specific cases. 

If you need help connecting and configuring your TP-Link Router or other third-party routers to work with Starlink, this article may be able to help. This article introduces configuration methods, the applications behind the TP-Link Routers, and what models we recommend to use with Starlink.

We will only show you here how TP-Link routers work with Starlink, but the connection and setup are also applicable for other third-party routers.

How to Connect the TP-Link Router to Starlink

Please be aware that Starlink has launched two generations of hardware for home users. The Gen-1 Terminal (Round Dish) and the Gen-2 Terminal (Rectangular Dish). The main difference between the two versions is the removal of the Ethernet Jack. Please Use The Diagram Below to Determine the Version.
Note: With a Gen-2 Terminal, you must purchase an Ethernet Adapter from Starlink to Connect to the TP-Link router.

• Original Gen-1 Starlink Setup Process

The Original Terminal is a Round Dish with an Ethernet Jack. However, the original Starlink Router that comes with your system does not support Bypass Mode, so you must unplug the Starlink router if you want the TP-Link Router to work as the main Router. Please configure your network as follows:

Step 1: Unplug The Starlink Router by Disconnecting the Cable Connected to the Power Supply.

Step 2: Plug the Starlink PoE Adapter into the WAN port of the TP-Link Router.

Your Setup Should Be Similar to the Pic 1 of the Image Above.

• Gen-2 Starlink Setup Process

Unlike the Original Starlink Terminal, the Dish is Rectangular, and no PoE adapter is included. With a Gen-2 Terminal, you must purchase an Ethernet Adapter from Starlink to Connect to the TP-Link router.

After Connecting the Starlink Terminal to the Starlink Router:

Step 1: Connect the TP-Link Router’s WAN Port to the Starlink Ethernet Adapter.

Step 2: If you would like the TP-Link Router to be the main Router for the network, you can enable “Bypass Mode on the Starlink Gen-2 Via the Starlink Application.

Step 3: Please connect the TP-Link router’s WAN port to the Ethernet adapter, as the Pic 2 in the above diagram.

When enabling Bypass Mode, All Wireless Features will be disabled on the Starlink Terminal. A factory reset is required if you want to switch back to router mode.

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

All you need to do is selecting 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 TP-Link if I want to keep both the Starlink and TP-Link Wi-Fi?

If you only wish to use the TP-Link Router to extend the Wi-Fi coverage of your existing network, you can set up the Starlink Router as the main Router and then place 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)

• The Original Gen-1 Starlink User Terminal

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

• The Updated Gen-2 Starlink User Terminal

With updated Gen-2 Starlink products, the network map is the same as before. Connect the TP-Link Router’s WAN port to the ethernet adapter directly. Then make sure that Bypass Mode on the Starlink System is DISABLED, then change the TP-Link Router to Operate in Access Point Mode to avoid Double NAT.

Starlink doesn’t recommend using Starlink in a dual LAN system, so we recommend you change the operation mode to wireless access point mode.

What if I cannot Access the Internet when connecting an Archer AX6000/AX11000 to Starlink Gen 2?

If you failed to set up the internet when connecting an Archer AX6000 or AX11000 to Starlink Gen 2, please check the solutions below:

Cannot Access Internet when connecting to Starlink Gen 2

-------------------------------------------------
Have other issues to report?
Welcome to > Start a New Thread < and elaborate on the issue for assistance.