How to Extend Starlink Cable? Starlink can transform internet connectivity and close the digital divide thanks to its innovative technologies.
The service comes as a package with several components that provides high-speed and reliable internet regardless of global location.
One of the fundamental elements of the Starlink service is the Starlink cable, which connects the satellite dish to the router.
The cable conveys data and power between the two devices; its correct length is vital for seamless operation.
This article discusses the length of Starlink cable and how to extend Starlink cable to ensure maximum service benefit.
Table of Contents
Starlink Cable Type
The Starlink cable comprises shielded CAT5e, referred to as STP CAT5e. It features eight wires inside, divided into four twisted pairs.
Additionally, it comes with the PoE adaptation, in which data and power move via the same CAT5e cable.
This distinctive function guarantees dish powering and data transmission seamlessly, eliminating the need for extra power cords.
How Long is Starlink Cable?
The Standard Starlink hardware kit for households comes with the 50 feet cable. However, Starlink’s maximum cable length is 150 feet, which may be enough for most properties.
Therefore, you must order the total length if your installation requires extra feet.
Note that SpaceX discourages aftermarket adapters or extenders.
Let’s look at various cable lengths available for different Starlink setups:
Ethernet cables
Standard Residential and RV
The length of the Starlink cable for most home and RV configurations is 75 feet or roughly 23 meters.
This cable is the typical length with Starlink’s hardware kit for these configurations.
But a 150 feet replacement cable from the Starlink store is available if you require a long-distance connection.
High Performance and Business
The High-performance Starlink cable routing kit includes an 82-foot cable for commercial settings.
However, Starlink does not offer extensions or spare cables for these configurations.
To discover a workable solution, consider alternatives or consult a professional installation to cover a greater distance.
It’s also crucial to remember that the cable length restrictions and specifications may change depending on your setup’s particular requirements.
Starlink rectangular dish
Flat High Performance and Maritime
The length of the Starlink cable for flat, high-performance, and maritime installations is 26.2 feet or almost 8 meters. Starlink includes this cable with the hardware package for these kinds of configurations.
The length of the wire cannot currently be increased, and Starlink does not offer replacement cables.
Original Circular Dish
A 100-foot cable is included with the original Starlink dish, a round satellite dish.
You can purchase aftermarket cable extensions with a coupler if you need to cover a larger distance because the cable uses standard connectors.
Consider getting advice on the necessary and available cable lengths from a qualified installation or the Starlink support staff.
How to Extend Starlink Cable
As we discussed earlier, Starlink provides a maximum of 150 feet of cable which is enough for most households and companies. However, sometimes this length is not enough, especially when placing your dish far away from the house.
You can extend the length of the cable seamlessly utilizing CAT6/6A ethernet cable with Female to Female connector. The most important thing is to use waterproof connectors to avoid power and signal loss.
Additionally, Starlink may not work as intended if you extend the cable too long. The longer the cable, the less power and signal it transmits due to increased resistance.
If extending your Starlink cable length is necessary, use the following procedure.
Stripped ethernet cable
Purchase the necessary cable
Purchase an extension cable compatible with your Starlink cable’s specs to prevent connectivity problems. Consider ordering the 150 feet cable from Starlink to ensure optimum compatibility.
Unplug the system
Before working with the cords, turn off the Starlink system’s power source. Disconnect the Starlink cable from all connected devices and the power supply.
Unplugging guarantees your safety and guard against potential equipment harm.
Cut the cable to the necessary length:
Cut the CAT6/6A Ethernet cable to the necessary length with a cable cutter or scissors. Using a cable stripper, strip approximately an inch of the outer cover from each end of the cable.
Be careful not to damage these four twisted pairs of wires inside as you remove their covering.
Untwist and arrange the wires
Gently unwind each of the four wire pairs on the end of each cable. Avoid over-unwinding the wires, as this can reduce signal strength.
Arrange the wires per the T568A or T568B wiring standard and makes sure it’s the same on both wires. Use a crimping tool to securely fit the wires into the plug for a long-lasting installation.
Standard ethernet cable arrangements
Insert the wires into the coupler.
Put the wires from the cable’s one end into the female-to-female coupler’s one side. Ensure you insert each wire completely and match the coupler’s metal contacts.
Use the same procedure to insert the wires from the other cable into the opposite side of the coupler.
Connect the ground wires.
The Starlink network conveys power to the dish from the same cable that transmits data from the internet. Hence, it has an extra ground wire which requires a connection.
Use wire nuts to join the ground wires’ ends once you install the two safely into the coupler.
Secure the joint using a waterproof enclosure and testing
While this step may not be necessary for indoor connections, outdoor joints require a weatherproof enclosure to prevent moisture.
Once done, plug both devices in to test the connection. If there is no connection, inspect the joint wiring and perform any necessary adjustments.
Conclusion
You can only officially place the Starlink dish up to 150 feet from a house. Unofficially, you can use a cable extender to position it up to 300 feet away.
Starlink utilizes PoE (power over ethernet) cable, which has a maximum theoretical length of 330 feet.
However, Starlink customer service advises against using unconventional cables as an extender. Use the official 150-foot cable whenever possible.
If it’s not practical, utilize a reputable brand CAT6/6A cable which supports PoE. However, refrain from going over 300 feet to ensure reliable Starlink internet.
