Why does my Starlink speed vary so much?

Starlink uses Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. As satellites move across the sky, your dish ('Dishy') handshakes from one to another. Gaps in satellite coverage or tiny obstructions (branches, poles) can cause momentary speed drops or 'micro-outages' visible in the app's 'Network Statistics' page.

How do I access the Starlink web interface?

While the Starlink App is recommended, you can access a basic web interface by visiting http://192.168.100.1 or http://dishy.starlink.com in your browser. This works even when the internet is down, allowing you to check if the dish is 'Connected', 'Searching', or 'Booting'.

What does 'Obstructions' mean in the app?

The Obstructions map shows red areas where trees or buildings block the dish's view of the sky. Even a small branch can cause frequent Zoom call drops. Ideally, the map should be completely blue.

How fast is Starlink Roam vs Residential?

Residential plans are prioritized and typically see 100-250 Mbps. Roam (RV) plans are 'Best Effort' and deprioritized, meaning speeds can drop to 5-50 Mbps in congested areas (cells) during peak hours.

Starlink Speed Test

This tool verifies Internet speeds for Starlink users globally. Unlike old geostationary satellite internet (Viasat/HughesNet), Starlink uses a constellation of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites to provide low-latency, high-speed internet comparable to ground-based connections.

Testing your Starlink connection is vital to ensure you don't have Obstructions (trees/buildings) blocking the signal path.

Interpreting Your Starlink Results

Download Speed:
- Residential: Typically 100-250 Mbps.
- Roam (RV): Highly variable (5-100 Mbps) depending on cell congestion.
- Business/Priority: Can reach 300+ Mbps.
If your speed is consistently < 20 Mbps, check the app for "Obstructions" .

Upload Speed: Typically 10-25 Mbps. Sufficient for Zoom calls.

Ping (Latency): 25ms to 50ms. This is the game-changer compared to old satellite (600ms). It allows for competitive gaming and seamless video conferencing.

Starlink Router Login & Management

Starlink is designed to be managed via the **Starlink App** (iOS/Android), but a web interface exists for desktop users.

Method	Access Details
Mobile App (Recommended)	Full control: Obstruction Camera, Speed Test (Router-to-Internet vs Device-to-Internet), Range Test, Stow, Heater Control.
Web Browser	http://192.168.100.1 or http://dishy.starlink.com View: Status, Uptime, Latency Graph. (Limited settings).

Troubleshooting in the App

Network Statistics: Check this page first. If you see "Obstructed" or "Network Issue" bars in the graph, you need to move your dish to a clearer view of the sky.

Heater Mode: In "Settings" > "Snow Melt", set to "Automatic". "Pre-Heat" uses significantly more power (up to 150W) and is usually unnecessary.

Split 2.4/5GHz: If your smart home devices won't connect, go to WiFi Settings and toggle "Split 2.4 / 5 GHz Networks" to create a dedicated 2.4GHz band.

Gen 2 vs Gen 3 Hardware

Gen 2 (Rectangle): Has a motor. It self-aligns. Do not rotate it manually or you will strip the gears.

Gen 3 (Kickstand): No motor. You must manually rotate it to align with the satellite belt using the alignment tool in the App.

When to Contact Support

Open a ticket in the App if:

Your dish status is "Disconnected" even though the cable is plugged in (Check for cable damage; the proprietary cables are fragile).

You see a "Motor Stalled" error (Gen 2).

Your speeds are < 20 Mbps with Zero Obstructions reported.

Starlink Speed Test FAQs

Does Starlink work in heavy rain/snow? Yes, but speeds will drop ("Rain Fade"). The integrated heater ("Snow Melt") detects snow and increases power to melt it off the dish face automatically.

Can I use my own router? Yes. For Gen 2 (Rectangle), you need the official "Ethernet Adapter". Then, enable "Bypass Mode" in the app to disable the Starlink router and use your own (e.g., Eero, Ubiquiti).

Why is my ping spiking? This often happens during "handshakes" when the dish switches from one satellite to another. It typically lasts less than a second.