Modems and routers are the main components of everyone’s internet setup nowadays, and that is understood by Starlink. Even when internet used to come through the phone line, there was a modem to decode that signal into internet ‘juice’ and transfer it to the computer.
When wireless internet technology first started, routers were there to distribute the signal throughout the building and reach multiple devices simultaneously. Since then, they have changed shapes, technologies, gotten smaller and faster but, no matter how, they are still there.
As everyone wants to have an active internet connection at home, in the office or even in the streets, internet equipment became more and more demanded, especially when it comes to signal strength.
Most Starlink modems and routers currently on the market are able to deliver high, or even ultra-high (which seems to be a constantly changing concept) speeds. But that is not much if your device doesn’t also deliver a fair amount of stability.
That is one of the main issues Starlink routers face nowadays. As carriers deliver higher and higher speeds into these devices, they have to find a way to keep all this traffic going uninterruptedly. However, that is not the only issue routers experience these days.
How Do Routers Work?
Routers are a common component of internet connection setups, and they are almost always present, even though they are not mandatory. What this is trying to say is that you can have an active internet connection even if you don’t use a router.
So, why do most people choose to have a router? Isn’t it better to cut intermediates when it comes to signal distribution?
One would think the answer to the latter is a clear yes, but routers add to the distribution system and are able to perform tasks modems cannot. For example, modems are not able to distribute the internet signal to multiple devices.
Moreover, modems have a smaller coverage area then routers, so you would have to use one if you wish to get service in a part of your house that is further from the modem.
The whole internet setup begins with a computer in an ISP, or Internet Service Provider’s, headquarters that is decoding the signal into radio waves and transmitting it through antennas.
The signal is received by your Starlink wireless router, or a modem, and is decoded back into internet signal. Once it is turned back again into internet signal, the router distributes it throughout the area into the multiple connected devices.
Therefore, if you are having some sort of issue with your internet connection, there are a number of factors that could be causing the problem.
However, most of the time, the source of the issue is with the router, which can suffer malfunctions due to misconfigurations, lack of compatibility, and a whole bunch of other reasons.
What Are Common Issues Starlink Routers Usually Undergo?
Starlink Routers can experience a number of issues, some easier to deal with, others, not so much. Amongst the most common problems these devices face, there are some who stand out due to their frequency. Let’s see some of them:
- Slow Network: for a variety of reasons, your network might be running slower than it should. Sometimes it is simply due to a change in the configuration of an adapter, sometimes it is for a problem with the carrier’s gear. We can hardly list all the reasons why this problem might occur.
- Weak Wi-Fi signal: Most commonly, this issue occurs when the router is not placed in the best possible spot in the house. This can be because of the distance to the device you wish to receive the signal from. Either that or because of obstacles, like metal plates or electromagnetic devices (which are fairly common in houses). The signal might be hindered.
- Connectivity Issues: Mostly caused by frays or bends in cables, or even by loose connectors not properly attached to the ports. This kind of problem is usually solved by replacing the damaged component.
- Excessive CPU Usage: Yes, a router can overwhelm the processing unit in your device. A longer period of multitasking might cause the CPU to work harder than it is used to. Also, a virus obtained through the access to unofficial webpages can have the same effect on the CPU.
- Duplicate And Static IP Addresses: Although this can sound complicated to most unexperienced users, it is quite easy to understand. The IP address is a kind of ID for your own internet connection and it has to match the parameters of your carrier’s server or else the connection won’t be established. Think of a plug, for instance. If the pins don’t match the outlet, the connection will not be made.
Those are some of the most common problems routers face nowadays. The odds you have already faced at least one, if not all of these issues, are fairly high. The good side is that all of them can be fixed with a simple and easy fix, and that fix is generally rebooting.
Why Should I Reboot My Modem Or Router?
Routers experience a series of issues every now and then. Most of the time, people automatically assume there is something really wrong with the whole internet setup. But the source of the issue is usually plainer than what it seems.
So, before you go checking with your provider and spend precious time waiting for a customer support employee to pick up your call, take a look at your own gear.
Yes, mind the LED lights of your router, for example, as they are an extremely efficient way of checking the condition of your internet connection.
Therefore, should you notice different lights or behaviour from the LED lights, or even any other kind of problem, take the time to attempt this easy fix. This may save you a lot of time and get the issue out of the way for good.
Rebooting your router will command its system to perform a series of checks, diagnostics and protocols that will most likely locate and fix most of minor issues.
Configuration and compatibility issues, for example, are tended by the troubleshoot step in the rebooting procedure, which means they can be easily repaired.
Additionally, as routers gather temporary files that enhance the connectivity in the cache, the more you navigate the internet, the more files you will probably store in there.
A reboot will also clear the cache from unnecessary temporary files, which might even be taking up your memory and causing the system to run slower than it should. Once all is done, you will have a router starting its operation from an error-free and fresh starting point.
So, How to Reboot Starlink Router?
- Disconnect The Router From The Modem
A simple disconnection from the modem might be enough to cause your Starlink router to perform all the checks. Bear in mind, though, that you should do it prior to disconnecting your modem, if you have one. That way the router will not register the loss of access and won’t automatically switch to emergency mode.
- Be Patient
Once you disconnect your Starlink router from the modem and then from the power source, give it at least half a minute before plugging it back in. That should give it enough time to clear the information stored in the memory
- Reconnect The Modem And The Router
Once you’ve waited enough, plug the modem back in again and allow it to switch on all its features. In the meantime, you can plug the router back into the power source again.
Once both devices finish running their restarting protocols, reconnect the router to the modem. Then, give it a minute or two for the router to re-establish the connection with the carrier’s server.
- Run A Speed Test On Your Connection
Once the modem and your Starlink router are properly rebooted and reconnected, they should be delivering the correct amount of internet signal to your device. Take this time to run a speed test and verify the data traffic of your connection.
The test can be performed by simply accessing a webpage full of images and keeping an eye for the time it will take to load everything. Alternatively, you can run any of the speed tests available for free on the internet.
In A Nutshell
Starlink routers can undergo a range of issues, and many of them may be related to outdated firmware, so keep your device updated.
Additionally, refrain from installing the device in a place where there is not enough ventilation, as overheating it is a highly effective way to shorten its lifespan.
However, no matter what kind of issue your Starlink router might be facing, make sure to give it a reboot before considering other more complicated troubleshooting techniques. Just follow the sequence herein and that should get most of the issues out of the way.
I’m having problems with my starlink this morning it was working now it can’t work. What do I do?