How to Optimize Your UniFi Network for Starlink

Published onby Iron

Starlink is transforming internet access in rural and remote areas. But, while Starlink’s satellite internet is revolutionary, its default router may not meet the needs of a modern, multi-device household. This is where UniFi comes in. By combining the power of Starlink with the flexibility and control of UniFi, you can build a network that offers greater coverage, better performance, and smarter traffic management.

Let's dive in!

Table of Contents

The Starlink router works, but it has limitations. Pairing it with UniFi provides several key benefits:

  • Better Wi-Fi Coverage: Starlink's internal Wi-Fi is basic. UniFi access points offer stronger, more reliable signals that can cover large homes, offices, or even multi-floor buildings.
  • Control Over Devices: UniFi's traffic management system lets you prioritize specific devices, ensuring smoother video calls and gaming experiences.
  • Advanced Features: With UniFi, you get access to VLANs, network isolation, and custom configurations you won’t find in Starlink’s default setup.
  • Seamless Scalability: Add extra access points, switches, or cameras to the network with ease.
  • Monitoring & Analytics: UniFi's Network Controller lets you track device usage, optimize performance, and troubleshoot issues remotely.

What You Need for the Setup

To get started, you’ll need the following gear:

  1. Starlink Kit: Includes the satellite dish, Ethernet adapter, and Starlink router.
  2. UniFi Console: Dream Machine, Dream Router, or a Cloud Key with UniFi Switch.
  3. UniFi Access Points: For larger areas, adding APs ensures strong Wi-Fi in every room.
  4. Ethernet Cables: To connect Starlink to your UniFi hardware.
  5. UniFi Network Controller: Cloud-hosted or self-hosted software to manage your UniFi network.

If you don't have a UniFi controller, consider using UniHosted's cloud UniFi hosting. It’s affordable, simple, and avoids the need for a self-hosted server.

Here’s how to link Starlink and UniFi for a smooth experience.

  1. Put Starlink in Bypass Mode

    • Open the Starlink app and go to Settings.
    • Enable Bypass Mode to disable Starlink’s built-in router.
    • Wait for Starlink to restart.

  2. Connect Starlink to UniFi Gateway

    • Plug an Ethernet cable into the Starlink adapter.
    • Connect the other end to the WAN port on your UniFi console (like the Dream Machine).

  3. Check Internet Connection

    • Open the UniFi Network Controller.
    • Look for the WAN status. It should show Connected with a public IP assigned by Starlink.

If everything looks good, your network is online!

Now that the hardware is connected, it’s time to configure the network for maximum speed.

  1. Set WAN to DHCP

    • Go to Settings > Networks in the UniFi controller.
    • Select your WAN connection.
    • Set the IP method to DHCP since Starlink assigns a dynamic IP.

  2. Adjust DNS Settings

    • Starlink's DNS may not always be optimal. Use 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) or 8.8.8.8 (Google) as your DNS servers.

  3. MTU Settings

    • Check the MTU setting in the WAN configuration.
    • Use 1500 for maximum compatibility, but if you encounter packet loss, try 1480.

Wi-Fi performance can make or break your network. Here’s how to set up your Wi-Fi the right way.

  1. Create a New Wi-Fi Network

    • Go to Settings > Wi-Fi in your UniFi Controller.
    • Add a new Wi-Fi network.
    • Name it (e.g., "Starlink_UniFi") and set a password.

  2. Use Dual-Band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz + 5GHz)

    • Let UniFi automatically select 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. This ensures better coverage and speed.

  3. Enable Fast Roaming

    • Activate Fast Roaming to ensure devices can switch between access points without interruptions.

  4. Smart Channel Selection

    • Use UniFi's smart channel selection to avoid crowded Wi-Fi channels.

Step 4: Use Traffic Management and QoS

Starlink's satellite network can be crowded, but UniFi’s traffic controls help reduce congestion.

  1. Prioritize Critical Devices

    • Go to Settings > Traffic Rules in the UniFi Controller.
    • Create rules to prioritize your work devices or gaming consoles.

  2. Enable Smart Queue (QoS)

    • Enable Smart Queue to balance bandwidth usage.
    • This prevents a single user from hogging the entire connection.

  3. Limit Bandwidth for Guests

    • Create a guest network and limit its bandwidth so guests don’t slow down your network.

Step 5: Improve Network Coverage

Wi-Fi signals can get weak in large spaces. Here’s how to fix it.

  1. Add UniFi Access Points

    • Place them in areas where Wi-Fi is weak.
    • Use Power over Ethernet (PoE) to power them with a single Ethernet cable.

  2. Position Access Points Wisely

    • Mount APs on ceilings or walls for better signal distribution.
    • Avoid placing them behind furniture or near appliances.

Step 6: Set Up WAN Failover (Optional)

If you want extra internet redundancy, you can set up a backup connection.

  1. Connect a Secondary Internet Source

    • Plug a secondary internet modem into WAN2 on your UniFi Gateway.

  2. Configure WAN Failover

    • Go to Settings > Networks.
    • Set the failover priority for WAN1 (Starlink) and WAN2 (backup).

This way, if Starlink goes down, your backup connection takes over automatically.

Step 7: Monitor and Troubleshoot Your Network

Use UniFi’s built-in analytics to keep everything running smoothly.

  1. Check Device Usage

    • Open the Statistics page to see which devices use the most bandwidth.

  2. Look for Wi-Fi Interference

    • Use the UniFi Controller to scan for signal interference.

  3. Firmware Updates

    • Keep UniFi devices up to date for security and performance improvements.

Troubleshooting Tips

Problem 1: No Internet

  • Check if Starlink is in Bypass Mode.
  • Ensure WAN is set to DHCP.

Problem 2: Weak Wi-Fi Signal

  • Add UniFi Access Points for larger coverage.
  • Ensure APs are properly positioned.

Problem 3: Devices Dropping Connections

  • Enable Fast Roaming for seamless transitions.
  • Use smart channel selection to avoid interference.

Problem 4: High Latency

  • Satellite internet has natural latency.
  • Avoid using VPNs, as they increase latency.

Advanced Tips

  1. Isolate IoT Devices with VLANs

    • Set up VLANs to keep smart devices separate from your main network.

  2. Use a Cloud UniFi Controller

    • Instead of self-hosting, use UniHosted for automatic backups, updates, and 24/7 support.

  3. Set Up Alerts

    • Enable push notifications to get alerts if a device disconnects.

Final Thoughts

Starlink is a great way to get fast internet in rural areas. But with the power of UniFi, you can make it even better. By following this guide, you’ll have stronger Wi-Fi, smarter traffic control, and better network management.

If you don’t want the hassle of hosting your own controller, consider UniHosted's cloud-hosted UniFi service. It handles updates, backups, and security, so you can focus on enjoying fast, stable internet. If you would like me to personally walk you through UniHosted, you can schedule a call with me here.

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