What Are the 5 Best Third-Party Routers to Use with Starlink in Texas, and How Do I Use Them?

 

What Are the 5 Best Third-Party Routers to Use with Starlink in Texas, and How Do I Use Them?

While Starlink provides its own router, many users in Texas opt for third-party routers to unlock advanced features, improve Wi-Fi coverage, or integrate with existing network setups. Choosing the "best" router depends heavily on your specific needs and budget, but here are 5 excellent categories and examples of third-party routers that work well with Starlink:

1. Best Overall Mesh System: eero Pro 6E

• Why it's great for Starlink: Offers excellent whole-home Wi-Fi 6E coverage, easy setup and management through the eero app, and reliable performance. Its tri-band capabilities can handle numerous connected devices smoothly, ideal for larger Texas homes.
• How to use:
  1. Put your Starlink router in Bypass Mode via the Starlink app.
  2. Connect the eero Pro 6E gateway node's WAN port to the Ethernet adapter connected to your Starlink power supply (for Gen 2, High Performance, and Self-Positioning kits) or directly to the Gen 3/Mini router's Ethernet port.
  3. Follow the eero app's instructions to set up your mesh network.

2. Best High-Performance Router: NETGEAR Nighthawk RAXE500 (or newer Wi-Fi 7 models like RAX770/RS700S)

• Why it's great for Starlink: Delivers blazing-fast Wi-Fi 6E speeds, a wealth of advanced features (QoS, VPN server/client, robust security), and excellent range for demanding users like gamers or those with bandwidth-intensive applications in Texas. Newer Wi-Fi 7 models offer even greater speed and efficiency.
• How to use:
  1. Enable Bypass Mode on your Starlink router.
  2. Connect the Nighthawk's WAN port to the Starlink Ethernet adapter or the Gen 3/Mini router's Ethernet port.
  3. Configure the router through its web interface or the Nighthawk app, ensuring the WAN connection is set to DHCP.

3. Best Budget-Friendly Mesh System: TP-Link Deco X55 (or similar AX3000 series)

• Why it's great for Starlink: Provides a cost-effective way to achieve whole-home Wi-Fi 6 coverage with easy setup and management via the Deco app. Ideal for covering medium-sized Texas homes without breaking the bank.
• How to use:
  1. Put your Starlink router in Bypass Mode.
  2. Connect the Deco primary node's WAN/LAN port (it auto-senses) to the Starlink Ethernet adapter or the Gen 3/Mini router's Ethernet port.
  3. Use the Deco app to set up your mesh system.

4. Best for Advanced Users and Customization: ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX6000 (or similar gaming-focused models)

• Why it's great for Starlink: Offers powerful performance, extensive gaming-centric features (port prioritization, low-latency modes), and highly customizable settings through its intuitive web interface. Great for gamers in Texas who want fine-grained control over their network.
• How to use:
  1. Enable Bypass Mode on your Starlink router.
  2. Connect the ROG Rapture's WAN port to the Starlink Ethernet adapter or the Gen 3/Mini router's Ethernet port.
  3. Configure the router via its web interface, setting the WAN connection to DHCP and customizing other settings as desired.

5. Best Compact and Travel-Friendly Option: GL.iNet Flint 2 (GL-MT6000)

• Why it's great for Starlink: While primarily a travel router, the Flint 2 offers excellent performance for its size, strong VPN capabilities (both client and server), and a user-friendly interface. It's a great option for RVers or those needing a secure and portable router to use with their Starlink, especially the Starlink Mini.
• How to use:
  1. Put your Starlink router in Bypass Mode.
  2. Connect the Flint 2's WAN port to the Starlink Ethernet adapter or the Gen 3/Mini router's Ethernet port (or directly to the Starlink Mini with a USB-C to Ethernet adapter).
  3. Configure the Flint 2 through its web interface, setting the WAN connection to DHCP and configuring VPN settings as needed.

General Steps for Using a Third-Party Router with Starlink:

1. Enable Starlink Bypass Mode: Using the Starlink app, navigate to Settings > Advanced and enable "Bypass Starlink Router." This turns off the routing functions of the Starlink router, making it act like a modem.
2. Connect the Routers: Use an Ethernet cable to connect the WAN (or Internet) port of your third-party router to the Ethernet port of the Starlink system.
   • Gen 1 (Round Dish): Connect directly to the Ethernet port on the Starlink power brick.
   • Gen 2, High Performance, Self-Positioning: Connect to the Ethernet port on the Starlink Ethernet Adapter (sold separately).
   • Gen 3: Connect to the Ethernet port on the Starlink Gen 3 router.
   • Starlink Mini: Connect using the official Starlink Mini Ethernet Cable (USB-C to Ethernet).
3. Power Cycle: Power cycle both the Starlink system and your third-party router. Unplug them from power for about 30 seconds and then plug them back in.
4. Configure Your Third-Party Router: Access your third-party router's configuration interface (usually via a web browser using a default IP address like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, consult your router's manual). Set the WAN connection type to DHCP or Automatic IP. Your router should receive an IP address from the Starlink system.
5. Set Up Your Wi-Fi Network: Configure your desired Wi-Fi name (SSID), password, and other wireless settings on your third-party router.
6. Connect Your Devices: Connect your computers, phones, and other devices to your new Wi-Fi network provided by the third-party router.

Important Note: Starlink's support is limited to their own equipment. For any issues with your third-party router, you'll need to consult its manufacturer's documentation or support.

If you're in Texas and need assistance selecting the best third-party router for your Starlink setup or require professional installation and configuration, don't hesitate to contact Starlink Network Solutions (www.starlinknetworksolutions.com)). Our experienced technicians can ensure a seamless and optimized network experience.