Can Starlink Support Multiple Users Simultaneously?

 

Understanding Starlink

Starlink, created by SpaceX and founded by Elon Musk, is a satellite internet system designed to bring high-speed, low-latency internet to underserved areas. The network is made up of thousands of small satellites in low Earth orbit that communicate with ground stations and user terminals.

These satellites form a mesh network, transmitting data to ensure continuous coverage. The user terminals, fondly referred to as "Dishy McFlatface" or simply "Dishy" by Musk, are compact and easy to install, making them perfect for both city and rural use.

 

How Many Satellites Does Starlink Have?

As of May 2021, Starlink has launched over 1,600 satellites into orbit, with plans to eventually have tens of thousands. This large number of satellites allows for global coverage and improves the chances of having a satellite connection at any given location on Earth.

Each Starlink satellite has a bandwidth capacity of around 20 Gbps (gigabits per second), which is significantly higher than traditional geostationary satellites. This means that each satellite can potentially support a large number of users simultaneously.

 

Starlink's User Terminal: Can it Support Multiple Users?

As it stands, all Starlink subscription plans include unlimited high-speed data on land with no long-term contracts or commitments. Some plans offer some upgraded features that could be a game-changer for businesses or organizations with multiple users, such as network priority and portability.

The standard user terminal provided by Starlink is designed to support up to 128 devices simultaneously. This is more than sufficient for most households, as the average number of connected devices per household in Australia is around 20.5.

However, depending on your device's ability to detect and connect to different Wi-Fi networks, the actual speed, including the download and upload speeds, can still vary.

 

Streaming Videos, Playing Online Games Simultaneously

You'll get pretty decent speeds with Starlink, which is perfect for streaming videos and playing online games simultaneously. Depending on your subscription, for example, if your plan has network priority, then users can expect even faster and more consistent download and upload speeds.

Starlink also has portability, in-motion, and ocean-use capabilities, among other features, which may allow for uninterrupted access to high-speed internet even while traveling or on a moving vehicle. This benefits businesses that require constant connectivity for their employees, such as remote teams, emergency, or delivery services.

 

Can Multiple Households Share a Starlink Connection?

One of the major reasons why Starlink has garnered so much attention is its ability to provide internet access to underserved areas. This also means that multiple households in remote or rural areas can share a Starlink connection, as long as each household has their own routers and/or extenders that will enable them to connect multiple devices.

It's also important to note that Starlink is constantly expanding its network and launching more satellites, which will further improve its capacity to support multiple users at the same time.

 

Factors That Can Impact Starlink's Performance

While Starlink has proven to provide high-speed internet for many users, there are some factors that can impact its performance in supporting multiple users simultaneously.

Network Congestion

As with any network, Starlink's satellites and ground stations can experience congestion during peak usage times.  This means that users may experience slower speeds or even temporary interruptions in service when there are too many devices connected to the network at once.

 

Weather Conditions

Starlink's network relies on the line of sight between the dish and satellites, which means that extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain or snowfall can disrupt the connection. This could result in slower speeds or even loss of connectivity for some users.

The dish itself also has an optimal temperature range, and extreme temperatures can cause it to automatically shut off to prevent damage.

 

Location, Placement of the Dish

Starlink aims to provide internet access to underserved areas, but it may still have limitations in some locations. For example, if a user lives in an area with heavy foliage or tall buildings surrounding their home, it may impact the dish's line of sight and therefore affect the network's performance.

In rural areas of Australia where obstructions may be minimal, users are likely to experience better connectivity compared to urban areas with more potential blockages. Proper placement can make a substantial difference, especially when supporting multiple users simultaneously.

Ookla's Speedtest Data in 2023 also shows stabilising download speeds in Australia over time, with a median download speed of 104.92 Mbps in Q2 2023 from 102.76 Mbps in Q2 2022.

 

Location, Placement of Router

Aside from the dish's placement, the location and placement of your router can also affect Starlink's performance in supporting multiple users. The closer the router is to the dish, the better as it minimises distance and potential obstructions that could impact the network's speed.

Walls, furniture, and other objects can block the Wi-Fi signal, so placing the router in a central location with minimal obstructions can help improve connectivity for all users. If you're planning to use multiple routers or extenders, proper placement and configuration are crucial to avoid interference and ensure optimal performance. 

 

SpaceTek: Your Partner for Better Starlink Experience

Need help with setting up your Starlink connection to support multiple users? Contact our superstar technicians at SpaceTek, and we'll make sure you get the most out of your Starlink subscription.

Our mounts and accessories are specifically designed for Starlink's user terminal and can help improve the dish's placement, ensuring a clear line of sight for better connectivity. We also offer professional installation services to ensure that your equipment is set up correctly and optimally.