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What is the difference between Starlink Gen 2 and Gen 3?

Published in Starlink Hardware Comparison 3 mins read

The primary difference between Starlink Gen 2 and Gen 3, based on available information, lies in the WiFi router's capabilities and performance. The Gen 3 Starlink WiFi router offers significant upgrades over its Gen 2 predecessor, enhancing network speed, range, and overall user experience.

Key Differences Between Gen 2 and Gen 3 Routers

The table below highlights the main distinctions between the Starlink Gen 2 and Gen 3 WiFi routers:

Feature Starlink Gen 2 Router (Typical) Starlink Gen 3 Router
Performance Standard Wi-Fi capabilities Improved overall performance
Range Standard coverage Enhanced range
Wi-Fi Standard Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Chipset Standard Wi-Fi chipset Wi-Fi 6 chipset
Radio Bands Dual-band Tri-band radios
Mesh Performance Standard mesh support Enhanced for better mesh networking
Connectivity Often fewer Ethernet ports Typically includes built-in Ethernet ports (varies by model and region)

Detailed Enhancements of the Gen 3 Router

The Gen 3 router brings several critical improvements that translate into a better internet experience for Starlink users:

  • Improved Performance and Range: The Gen 3 router is engineered to deliver a superior connection. This means faster data transfer rates and a stronger, more consistent signal across a wider area within your home or office.
  • Wi-Fi 6 Chipset: A key upgrade is the integration of a Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) chipset. This newer Wi-Fi standard offers several advantages over previous generations, including:
    • Faster Speeds: Wi-Fi 6 can achieve higher theoretical throughputs, meaning quicker downloads, smoother streaming, and more responsive online gaming, especially when multiple devices are connected.
    • Better Performance in Congested Environments: Wi-Fi 6 is designed to handle multiple devices more efficiently. It utilizes technologies like Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) and Multi-User Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output (MU-MIMO) to allow more devices to communicate simultaneously without significant slowdowns, which is crucial in homes with many connected smart devices.
    • Improved Efficiency: It also includes features that optimize battery life for connected devices.
  • Tri-band Radios: The inclusion of Tri-band radios is another significant enhancement for mesh networking. While dual-band routers typically offer 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, tri-band routers add a second 5 GHz band. This extra band can be dedicated to backhaul traffic between mesh nodes, freeing up the other bands for client devices. This results in:
    • Enhanced Mesh Performance: Smoother and more reliable connections when using multiple Starlink mesh nodes to extend Wi-Fi coverage throughout larger spaces.
    • Reduced Congestion: By having an additional frequency band, the router can better manage traffic, leading to less interference and more consistent speeds for all connected devices.

These advancements in the Gen 3 router are aimed at providing a more robust, faster, and more reliable Wi-Fi network experience for Starlink subscribers.

For more information on Starlink hardware, you can visit the Starlink Support website.