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How Starlink works has often been discussed. Basically, Musk relies on transmission by light via a satellite network in low-Earth orbit
How does Starlink work – the internet from space
Starlink uses thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit to provide high-speed Internet worldwide. These satellites communicate with each other and with ground stations to transmit data quickly and efficiently. Users receive the signal via a special dish connected to a router to enable internet access.
- Participation in the global Internet takes place through a conversation between a client and a server. Your computer, laptop, smartphone or tablet, the client, asks the server a question. The server starts working as soon as it understands what your client wants and sends back the results. Communication between the two stations requires either wires, radio or light.
- The faster data can be transported on its way, the faster the Internet pages are set up on your end. Routes and transport media influence the speed of the data packet. The Starlink satellite internet uses light for this transport. It is similar to fiber optic technology. However, the Starlink signal travels faster as it is transmitted more directly.
- Your data is transmitted from a satellite dish in your home to satellites in space using light. However, as the information requested by your client is not in space but on earth, the request is sent back from space to the server on earth, which can provide the answer. Your data packet therefore travels a distance from your home to space and back to another home, namely that of the server.
- Starlink satellites orbit at an altitude of around 340 kilometers. Your request therefore covers a distance of 720 kilometers to make its request. The response from the server follows the same route. This means that your data packets have traveled 1,420 kilometers before you see anything. Satellites from other providers, such as Astra or Eutelsat, operate satellites at an altitude of 36,000 kilometers. As a result, your data takes longer to travel, which can lead to slower Internet.
- Satellite Internet has been around since the early 2000s. However, these services worked completely differently to Starlink. Back then, a modem or ISDN line was still required for the return channel and the provider booked a fixed transponder with a few hundred megabits of data throughput for the whole of Europe. In contrast, Starlink relies on thousands of satellites, which in future will deliver gigabit data rates for individual users in every corner of the world. This system is already available in Germany.
- To use Starlink, you need special hardware. The standard kit is best suited for a private household. It comes with a satellite dish, Wi-Fi router, cables and a stand, the base. The special hardware required costs a private household a one-off fee of 249 euros (as of 2024). Shipping costs may be added. A monthly service fee of 50 euros is payable for unlimited high-speed Internet with low latency.
- For the hardware to work properly, it must have a clear view of the sky. While TV antennas need a clear view of the southern horizon, Starlink needs an unobstructed all-round view. It is best to place the dish in the garden or on the roof. Mounting on a balcony is not recommended
- The standard Starlink dish is supplied with a 23 meter long cable. The cable transports both data and power to the antenna. In the building, connect the supplied PoE adapter to the power supply. You also connect a network cable to the supplied router.
- Use the Starlink app to set up the Starlink devices. Open the app and scan the sky for satellites. The app shows your current download speed and connection. It also allows you to check if your Starlink satellite is blocked and download updates
The operating principles of Starlink
Satellite internet service Starlink was and is being developed by SpaceX in Redmond, USA. The system consists of a large constellation of small, low-earth or LEO satellites. They work together to provide worldwide internet coverage. This is particularly interesting in remote and rural areas where traditional internet infrastructure is often lacking or unreliable.
- Satellite constellation: Starlink uses thousands of satellites operating in low earth orbits (LEO) at altitudes of around 340 to 600 kilometers. These low orbits reduce latency compared to traditional geostationary satellites, which are much further away (36,000 kilometers).
- Ground stations and user terminals: To receive the Internet, users need a special user terminal, often referred to as a dish or Starlink antenna. This terminal communicates directly with the satellites in the sky. Ground stations, also known as gateways, are distributed worldwide and connect the satellite network with the conventional Internet.
- Data transmission: The data is transmitted from a ground station to a satellite, which then forwards it either directly to the user terminal or via several satellites before it reaches the end device. This is done using high-frequency radio signals. The Starlink satellites are equipped with advanced antennas and transceivers that enable a high data rate and low latency.
- Network management: SpaceX uses complex algorithms and software to manage the network and ensure that the satellites choose the best route for data transmission. This includes the continuous adjustment of satellite positions and connections. The satellites are also able to communicate with each other via laser links, which further improves the efficiency and redundancy of the network.
- Launch and maintenance: SpaceX regularly launches new satellites into orbit. The transportation is carried out by the company’s own Falcon 9 rockets. These regular launches are necessary to keep the network operational and improve coverage. Defective satellites crash back to earth and burn up in orbit.
