Can you keep your existing network?
Often, yes. Starlink provides the internet connection; it does not automatically mean you need to replace the rest of your network. Existing Wi-Fi routers or mesh systems, wireless access points, printers, televisions, security cameras, CCTV recorders, smart-home devices, network storage, switches and wired computers may continue to work.
The result depends on how your equipment is connected and configured. In particular, changing which device acts as the main router can affect Wi-Fi names, network addresses, printer discovery and remote access. Before unplugging anything, note how the current network is connected and which device is providing Wi-Fi and router functions.
Check which Starlink equipment you have
Starlink kits do not all provide Ethernet in the same way. Some newer routers have Ethernet ports built in. Some older kits, including the Gen 2 router supplied with certain Standard Actuated kits, need a compatible Starlink Ethernet Adapter for a wired connection. Other kits provide Ethernet from a separate power supply or use a different adapter.
Check the model of your router and the Starlink support page for that exact kit before buying an adapter or moving cables. The physical port arrangement and whether bypass mode is needed vary by kit.
Do not connect an Ethernet switch between the dish and the Starlink router or power supply. Connect switches to a router's LAN port, using only the Ethernet connection provided for that purpose.
Connecting your existing router or mesh system
A common arrangement when your existing router is to manage the home or office network is:
- Identify the Starlink Ethernet port or the compatible adapter required for your kit.
- Connect an Ethernet cable from that port or adapter to the WAN or Internet port on your existing router. Do not plug it into one of the router's LAN ports unless the router is specifically configured as an access point.
- In the existing router's internet or WAN settings, use Automatic IP or DHCP so it requests its internet address from Starlink.
- Check whether the existing router provides internet to a connected device before changing other network settings.
If the Starlink router is still routing as well, the two routers may create a double-NAT arrangement. This can work for ordinary browsing, but can complicate some games, VPNs, port forwarding and remote access. If you want your existing router to be the only main router, bypass mode may be appropriate for your Starlink kit. Bypass turns off the Starlink router's Wi-Fi and router functions; Starlink says a factory reset may be required to leave bypass mode. Confirm the steps for your exact router first.
If you only need more wired ports, use a network switch connected to a LAN port on the router that manages your network. A switch is not a second router: it does not provide Wi-Fi, routing or DHCP. A switch connected to the Starlink router to extend its existing network normally does not need bypass mode. Starlink warns bypass mode is for a third-party router and can provide only one IP address, so do not enable it just to add a switch.
If you are adding a second router to extend coverage, check whether it can be put into Access Point (AP) mode. In AP mode, the main router continues to manage IP addresses. Avoid having two routers both hand out addresses on the same network. Follow the equipment maker's instructions for AP mode and cabling.
Before making changes, take photos of the current cable connections and record the Wi-Fi name, password and any special network settings. If your existing setup is working, avoid changing its LAN address range, DHCP settings or Wi-Fi security settings unless there is a clear reason.
Will your existing devices keep working?
Many devices reconnect if the Wi-Fi name and password stay the same, but that is not guaranteed. Check the following if a device stops working:
- Wireless printers and smart TVs: confirm they are connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the computer or phone using them. A saved Wi-Fi name on its own does not guarantee the device joined the new router.
- Cameras and CCTV recorders: check that the recorder and cameras can still reach each other on the local network. Remote viewing may also depend on the service or connection method used by the system.
- Network storage and wired devices: connect them to the LAN side of the router that now manages your network, usually through a LAN port or switch.
- Reserved or static IP addresses: reservations on an old router do not automatically move to a new one. A device with a manually configured address may also be on the wrong network range after a router change. Check the address range and DHCP reservations before changing them.
- Remote access: services that expect a public IP address or an incoming connection to your network may be affected. Starlink's default IPv4 service uses Carrier-Grade NAT, which blocks unsolicited inbound ports; public IP availability depends on the Starlink service and configuration.
These checks can identify common causes, but compatibility depends on your Starlink service, router settings and the device itself.
Common problems after switching
- Wi-Fi connects but there is no internet: check the Starlink app for the connection status first. If Starlink is online, check the existing router's WAN status and cable connection. Make sure its WAN connection type is set to DHCP or Automatic IP.
- Some devices work, others do not: restart the affected device and reconnect it to the correct Wi-Fi. Check that it received an IP address from the router now managing the network. Devices with old static IP settings may need attention.
- Printers have disappeared: confirm the printer and the computer are on the same local network. Restarting the printer and reconnecting it to Wi-Fi may help; avoid factory resetting it until you know its setup details.
- Problems began after connecting two routers: check whether both are in router mode and both providing DHCP. Use one main router, or put the secondary device into AP mode if supported. Bypass is for using a third-party router as the main router on kits that require it, not for connecting a switch.
- Wi-Fi is weak but Starlink is online: test near the router. If service works nearby but not in other rooms, the issue is likely Wi-Fi coverage or placement rather than the dish's internet connection.
- The internet connection drops everywhere: check the Starlink app for service alerts and its obstruction map. Trees, roofs and other obstructions in the dish's view can interrupt service. If the app shows Starlink is online while only one device has trouble, focus on that device or the local Wi-Fi.
Planning a change to your network?
If The IT Workshop has helped set up your network and you are changing to Starlink, contact us before disconnecting your existing equipment. We can help work out how Starlink should connect to your current setup and assist with compatible home or small-business networking equipment.
We can review your networking setup, but we are not presenting ourselves as an authorised Starlink installer or reseller. For Starlink account, kit compatibility or service questions, use Starlink's own support resources.
For an overview of our Wi-Fi and networking support, see our services page.
Hardware and network details checked against Starlink's guidance for Ethernet ports, using a third-party router, bypass mode, using a network switch, IP addresses and obstructions.