SpaceX unveils compact Starlink internet router
Introducing the Starlink Router Mini: A Compact Solution for Home Networks
SpaceX's latest addition to the Starlink product family, the Starlink Router Mini, is now available in the U.S. through the Starlink Shop. This compact device is designed to enhance network coverage in homes, particularly larger ones or complex layouts.
Priced at $40, the Starlink Router Mini is an affordable solution for creating a stronger, more consistent network. Users can position one or more Router Minis throughout their home to expand the network's reach. The Router Mini is equipped with WPA2 security and MU-MIMO (multi-user, multiple-input, multiple-output) capability, ensuring a secure and efficient connection.
However, the Starlink Router Mini's availability is currently limited to the U.S. market. SpaceX has not disclosed international pricing or release dates for the Router Mini, although the Starlink Mini, a portable version, is available in over 105 countries outside the U.S.
In the U.S., the Starlink Mini is priced at around $499, having recently dropped from $599. In Central America, the price is significantly lower, around $200 for the Mini dish. Starlink offers flexible service plans starting at $50 per month for roaming (travel use) and $80 per month for residential use, applicable internationally where Starlink service is available.
The Starlink Router Mini is a component of a Starlink Mesh system. It can function as part of a Mesh system, providing seamless connectivity across multiple devices. The Router Mini covers an area up to 3,200 square feet, making it suitable for smaller homes.
It's worth noting that the Starlink Router Mini is compatible with all current Starlink routers except for the first-generation (Gen 1) models. The Router Mini is also expected to expand to other regions and countries in the future.
In terms of its international use, the Starlink Router Mini comes as a compact, portable kit with a built-in Wi-Fi router and requires only pointing at the sky to connect. It supports speeds typically between 50 to 150 Mbps depending on location and conditions. Users manually aim the dish using the Starlink app, and the device is powered by DC with a small AC adapter included, making it convenient for mobile and remote usage.
Users moving the device outside their “home region” may need to update the registered address, a straightforward process without much issue. For exact pricing in specific countries outside the U.S., checking the local Starlink website or authorized sellers is recommended.
The Starlink Router Mini supports dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi, ensuring a robust connection for various devices. In conclusion, the Starlink Router Mini is an affordable and efficient solution for enhancing home network coverage in the U.S., with potential for international expansion in the future.
The Starlink Router Mini, a compact device designed for home networks, leans on science and technology to deliver secure and efficient connections through its WPA2 security and MU-MIMO (multi-user, multiple-input, multiple-output) capability. Its space-and-astronomy application is evident in its functionality as a component of a Starlink Mesh system, requiring only pointing at the sky to connect and supporting speeds that vary depending on location.
