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How Far Can a Starlink Dish Be From a House?

Published in Starlink Installation 3 mins read

A Starlink dish can be positioned up to 100 feet from a house, as this is the typical length of the cable that connects the dish (Dishy) to its power supply and router, which are usually located inside the home or an adjacent structure. This cable length is the primary limiting factor for dish placement.

Understanding the 100-Foot Limit

The operational distance of a Starlink dish from your house is primarily dictated by the included cable that runs from the dish itself to the Starlink router/power supply unit. This cable is designed to provide both power and data connectivity to the dish. While the dish needs to be powered, its precise location relative to the house is flexible as long as the cable can reach and it has a clear view of the sky.

Key Factors Influencing Dish Placement

Choosing the optimal location for your Starlink dish involves more than just cable length. Several critical factors must be considered to ensure reliable and high-performance internet service:

1. Clear Line of Sight

The most crucial factor is an unobstructed view of the sky. The Starlink dish needs a clear, wide view to communicate with the satellites orbiting above. Even minor obstructions can degrade performance or cause service interruptions.

  • Obstruction Avoidance: Trees, tall buildings, utility poles, and even parts of your own house can block the signal.
  • Starlink App: Use the official Starlink app (available for iOS and Android) to scan for obstructions from potential installation sites. This feature provides a visual representation of your dish's field of view and highlights any areas that might cause signal blockage.

2. Power Supply Proximity

Since the 100-foot cable connects the dish to its power supply, the location of an indoor power outlet directly influences how far the dish can be placed. The cable runs from the dish, through an entry point into your home, and connects to the Starlink router, which then plugs into a standard power outlet.

3. Mounting Options and Stability

Consider where and how the dish will be mounted. Starlink offers various mounting accessories to suit different needs:

  • Roof Mounts: Often provide the best line of sight, but require careful installation and cable routing.
  • Pole Mounts: Ideal for elevated placement in open areas away from the house.
  • Ground Mounts: Suitable for areas with no overhead obstructions, but may be more susceptible to ground-level blockages or damage.

Ensuring the mount is stable and secure is vital, especially in areas prone to strong winds or heavy snowfall.

Practical Installation Tips

  • Pre-Planning: Before drilling or making any permanent installations, use the Starlink app to test multiple potential locations around your property.
  • Cable Management: Plan the cable run carefully to avoid tripping hazards, protect the cable from damage (e.g., from pets, lawnmowers, or UV exposure), and ensure it can be neatly routed into your home. Consider using conduit for outdoor runs.
  • Weather Considerations: Position the dish where it can shed snow and ice effectively. Starlink dishes have a self-heating capability, but proper placement aids this function.

By understanding the 100-foot cable limitation and prioritizing a clear view of the sky, you can effectively determine the best placement for your Starlink dish to achieve optimal performance, whether it's directly on your house or further away in your yard.