Starlink is the massively ambitious satellite internet constellation being constructed by SpaceX, the rocket company founded by Elon Musk.
Unlike most previous satellite internet systems that rely on just a handful of massive satellites in fixed geostationary orbit 22,236 miles over the equator, Starlink is designed to utilize a constellation of thousands of small low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellites capable of higher speeds and much lower latencies than traditional satellites are capable of.
Our most up-to-date information on Starlink and utilizing Starlink for connectivity in a boat or RV, is in our dedicated guide linked below. This Gear Center entry covers the specifications for Starlink hardware.
Starlink for RV & Boat Internet
Starlink Hardware
Currently, Starlink has two generations of consumer hardware and also a more advanced (and expensive) business hardware for Starlink's business plan.
As of late 2021, the consumer first-generation hardware (round dish with 2 revisions) was retired and replaced with the rectangle second-generation hardware. Customers with first-generation hardware do not need to upgrade to the second generation. Performance wise they should be equivalent.
Second-Generation Dishy
This second-generation Starlink receiver is rectangular in shape and smaller than the first generation dish. The dishy dimensions are 19" x 12" and it weighs nearly 7 lbs less that the original Dishy at 9.2 lbs.
Also new - the cable between the indoor router (which is now integrated into the power supply) and outdoor Dishy is now removable and replaceable.
The smaller size and removable cable should make it a lot easier to use Starlink in a portable fashion where you set up at each new location.
One downside is that Starlink's second-generation indoor router does not come with a built-in Ethernet port. There is an Ethernet adapter available for purchase on the Starlink Shop ($25) to allow for a wired connection if needed. If you need more than one Ethernet port, you can use an Ethernet switch or your own secondary router.
Dishy Specs (2nd Generation)
- Dimensions: 19" x 12" (50 x 30 cm)
- Height: 24" (61 cm)
- Mast diameter: 1.3" (3.4 cm)
- Weight (with cable): 9.2 lbs (4.2 kg)
- Operating Temperature: -22°F to +122°F (-30°C to +50°C)
- Outdoor use: Yes, IP54 rated
- Mounting Options:
- Included tripod:
- Dimensions: length 22" (55 cm), width 12.9" (32 cm), height 4.75" (12 cm)
- Additional mounting options are available in the Starlink Shop.
- Included tripod:
Router Specs (2nd Generation)
- Wi-Fi support: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11a/b/g/n/ac)
- Operating Temperature: -22°F to +122°F (-30°C to +50°C)
- Outdoor Use: Limited IP54 rated (water resistant), configured for indoor use
- Ethernet: None (Ethernet adapter available)
System Specs
- Power: 100-240 VAC 50/60 Hz, 2.5A Max
- Power supply integrated with Wi-Fi Router
- Cabling:
- 75 ft (23 m) detachable proprietary power over ethernet cable between Starlink and router.
- Additional cable lengths are available for purchase.
First-Generation Dishy
The first generation Dishy was available from Starlink's initial rollout in October 2020 until late 2021 when it was replaced by the second-generation version for new customers.
The first-generation system router has a single Ethernet port labeled as AUX that may be used to connect wired devices (TVs, computers, smart devices, etc.). If you need more Ethernet ports, you can add an Ethernet switch or connect to the WAN port of a router.
The power supply is separate from the Starlink Wi-Fi router, and it is possible to use your own router without hooking the Starlink router up.
There are actually two nearly identical first-generation Starlink systems. The earliest units shipped have a black mast leg, and the newer systems have a grey leg. The only practical difference between these versions is power consumption - the grey-legged Starlink uses significantly less power.
Dish Specs
- Dimensions: 23.2" (58.9 cm) diameter
- Weight: 16 lbs (7.3 kg)
- Mast diameter: 1.4" (3.6 cm)
- Height: 25.4" (64.5 cm)
- Operating Temperature: -22°F to +122°F (-30°C to +50°C)
- Outdoor use: Yes, IP54 rated
- Mounting Options:
- Included Tripod:
- Dimensions: length 11" (28 cm), height 4" (10 cm)
- Additional mounting options are available.
- Included Tripod:
Router Specs
- Wi-Fi support: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11a/b/g/n/ac)
- Dual band 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- 2x2, MU-MIMO Wi-Fi Antenna
- WPA2 and WPA3 security
- Operating Temperature: +32°F to +86°F (0°C to +30°C)
- Outdoor use: No
- Ethernet: 1x Gigabit port
System Specs
- Power: 100-240 VAC 50/60 Hz, 2.5A Max
- Cabling: 100 ft (30 m) attached power over ethernet cable between Starlink and power supply.
Business Dishy
Starlink's business service offers a larger and more capable Dishy that costs $2,500 along with a higher-performance business plan that costs $500/month.
This Starlink receiver business receiver is also rectangular in shape but definitely larger than the consumer version to house more than double the antenna capability. The dishy dimensions are 22" x 20" and it weighs more around the original round dish at 16 lbs with cables
It appears it comes with several different cables and has a separate router and power supply.
Along with the premium price, Starlink Business users are promised faster internet speeds and higher throughput. They also receive prioritized support and a publicly routable IPv4 address.
Dishy Specs (Business Model)
- Dimensions: 22" x 20" (57 x 51 cm)
- Height: 26.7" (67.8 cm)
- Mast diameter: 1.3" (3.4 cm)
- Weight (with cable): 16 lbs (7.2 kg)
- Operating Temperature: -22°F to +122°F (-30°C to +50°C)
- Outdoor use: Yes, IP56 rated
- Mounting Options:
- Included tripod:
- Dimensions: length 22.2" (56.4 cm), width 22.1" (56.3 cm), height 4.7" (12.1 cm)
- Additional mounting options are available in the Starlink Shop.
- Included tripod:
Router Specs (2nd Generation)
- Wi-Fi support: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11a/b/g/n/ac)
- Dual band 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- 3x3, MU-MIMO Wi-Fi Antenna
- WPA2 and WPA3 security
- Operating Temperature: -22°F to +122°F (-30°C to +50°C)
- Outdoor Use: Limited IP54 rated (water resistant), configured for indoor use
- Ethernet: None (Ethernet adapter available)
System Specs
- Power: 100-240 VAC 50/60 Hz, 6.3A Max
- Power supply: Outdoor use - IP56 rated
- Cabling:
- 25 m(82 ft) detachable power over ethernet cable between Starlink and Power Supply. Additional cable lengths available in Shop.
- 2 m (6.5 ft) power cable (Power Supply)
- 2 m (6.5 ft) power cable (Starlink Router)
- 2 m (6.5 ft) cable between Power Supply and Starlink Router*
- 2 m (6.5 ft) Power Supply to RJ45 cable (for third party routers or devices)*
- Additional Cable lengths available in Shop*
News, Videos, & Status
Testing Status
Members of the Mobile Internet Resource Center team have had extensive hands-on testing with the Starlink service since the very beginning of the beta period.
We have shared our experience in our frequent Starlink news stories and videos (linked below). MIA members have access to further details of our testing and experience in our testing forum:
- In Progress Forum: SpaceX Starlink - Satellite Broadband Internet
The bulk of our Starlink content is in our dedicated guide:
- Guide: Starlink for RVs and Boats
Our Featured Starlink Video
Satellite Playlist On YouTube:
Additional Reading
Related Articles
Related Guides
Alternatives to Consider
For other featured mobile satellite options:
This Review Contains Additional Member Exclusive Content!
We are Honored to be Member Funded! No ads, no sponsors, no selling (but may contain affiliate links)
Our members fund our in-depth independent reviews.
This entry may contain additional member exclusive content such as testing notes, field testing data, user interface tours, comparisons to alternatives, analysis, tips, videos and discounts.
Members also get interactive guidance, alerts, classroom and more.
Are you a member? Please log in above to access your member exclusive content!
Purchasing Options
Links Provided for Convenience
We do not sell any gear or equipment. These links are provided to make your shopping easier. Unless otherwise disclosed, only Amazon links are affiliate links (see our disclaimer). We request vendors give our members bigger discounts instead of giving us affiliate kickbacks.
Member Discounts - Learn & Save!
Our MIAs get special discounts from these vendors. Members please check for discount codes before ordering. Some vendors offer up to 10% off - you could save more than the cost of your membership on major purchases.
- Starlink (sign up for availability in your area)
The guides below have been hand-picked to help further your education about mobile satellite:
Mobile Internet Resource Center is founded by Chris & Cherie of