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 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.

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 on newer Starlink systems.

 

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

Ideally, you should enable the ‘Bypass Mode’ on 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 Gen 2 Gateway will turn off its routing functionality and allow your TP-Link Deco Mesh router to handle all routing duties. Without enabling Bypass mode, your network will suffer from a double-NAT situation, 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 devices listed above can operate in both Access Point (AP) Mode or 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, but you will lose access to many of the router or mesh’s features, such as Parental Controls and Firewalls.

What’s 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