Tag: starlink

Starlink: When It Makes Sense to Use It (and When It Doesn’t)

In the rapidly expanding universe of internet connectivity, Starlink, a satellite internet service provided by SpaceX, has emerged as a game-changer for many. Its mission to provide high-speed internet across the globe, especially in underserved areas, has both intrigued and confused potential users about its best applications. This comprehensive look aims to demystify when it makes sense to opt for Starlink and when it might be better to stick with traditional internet services.

When It Makes Sense to Use Starlink

RV or Mobile Healthcare

For those living the nomadic life in an RV or operating mobile healthcare services, traditional wired broadband options are out of the question. Starlink offers a viable solution with its mobile satellite internet service. Its ability to provide reliable, high-speed internet on the go makes it an indispensable tool for remote workers, travelers, and mobile clinics, ensuring connectivity no matter the location.

Boat/Yacht/Marine Application

Maritime internet options have traditionally been limited to costly and slow satellite connections. Starlink changes the game for sailors, yacht owners, and marine operators by offering a high-speed, relatively affordable alternative. With its marine-specific plans, Starlink enables better navigation, communication, and entertainment options on the open sea, far surpassing previous offerings in both performance and price.

Aviation

For private aircraft owners, maintaining connectivity during flights has often been a luxury out of reach or tied to exorbitant costs. Starlink’s entrance into the aviation internet service market promises to revolutionize this, providing high-speed internet access mid-flight. This capability not only enhances the travel experience for passengers but also improves flight operations through better communication and real-time data exchange.

Very Rural and No Other Wired Internet Broadband Options

In remote and rural areas, where traditional internet service providers (ISPs) cannot or will not offer service due to logistical and financial constraints, Starlink shines as a beacon of connectivity. It bridges the digital divide for rural homes and businesses, offering speeds and latencies that rival, and in some cases surpass, those of urban broadband services.

Backup to Existing Wired Connection, When Fast Cellular Isn’t Available

Even in areas well-served by traditional ISPs, Starlink can serve an important role as a backup internet connection. For businesses and individuals who cannot afford downtime, Starlink provides an alternative when terrestrial broadband services fail, and fast cellular options are unavailable or unreliable. Its quick setup and portable equipment make it an ideal contingency plan.

When It Doesn’t Make Sense to Use Starlink

Other Broadband Wired Options Available

If you reside in an urban or suburban area with access to fiber, cable, or DSL internet services, opting for Starlink might not make the most sense. Traditional broadband options typically offer more consistent speeds and reliability for a lower cost. For everyday home and office use, wired connections remain the go-to choice for most consumers and businesses.

Video Conference Priorities 

Starlink, while offering impressive speeds for satellite internet, can sometimes suffer from latency issues due to the nature of satellite communication. For real-time applications such as video conferencing through platforms like Teams, Google Meets, or Zoom, even slight delays can disrupt the flow of conversation and lead to a frustrating user experience. In these cases, wired broadband services usually provide a more stable connection with lower latency.

VOIP Phone Traffic

Similar to video conferencing, Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) phone services require stable and low-latency internet connections to function seamlessly. Delays or packet loss, which can occur more frequently with satellite internet like Starlink, might lead to dropped calls or poor call quality. For critical communication needs, especially in a professional setting, traditional broadband is often more reliable.

Low Latency Needs

For applications and tasks that demand the lowest possible latency—such as competitive online gaming, high-frequency stock trading, or certain types of remote work—Starlink may not be the best fit. The inherent delay in sending signals to space and back can’t compete with the milliseconds of latency offered by fiber-optic connections.

Is Starlink Right for You?

Starlink represents a monumental leap forward in satellite internet technology, offering high-speed connectivity in many areas of the world previously left in the digital dark. However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. For those in remote areas, on the move, or in need of a reliable backup, Starlink is a groundbreaking option. Yet, for users with access to traditional broadband services or those requiring ultra-low latency, sticking with wired internet options might still be the best bet. As with any technology, assessing your specific needs and usage patterns is key to making the right choice.

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Peplink B One

As technology continues to evolve, so does the Peplink product line of routers. The Peplink B One (B-ONE-T-PRM) has just emerged and is already showing off to be a powerhouse. It seamlessly combines the best features of Peplink’s renowned Pepwave Surf SOHO and Peplink Balance 20 routers. The Surf SOHO MK3 in particular was one of the most reviewed products here at 5Gstore.com. Even with such a great following, the Surf SOHO MK3 was discontinued in the fall of 2022. 

Unlike the next best thing, the Peplink Balance 20X, the Surf SOHO MK3 lacked a built-in cellular 4G/5G modem. This made more sense to users looking for a low-cost, reliable, multi-WAN solution. So with the Surf SOHO, as well as the Balance 20 gone, it leaves room for the B One to come in and provide a SOHO like solution for those in need. The Peplink B One stands out above the Surf SOHO MK3 with its improved speeds, enterprise software features, and robust connectivity options. 

Improved Speeds and WiFi Excellence

The Peplink B One boasts impressive throughput speeds of up to 1Gbps, catering to the needs of 1 to 150 users. It’s equipped with built-in WiFi 6 technology, providing advanced wireless capabilities for both WiFi WAN and/or WiFi AP connections. This ensures a fast and reliable internet experience for all connected devices. If we compare this to the Surf SOHO, it’s quite an increase in speed from 120 Mbps up to a full gigabit. The SOHO also only supported WiFi 5 technology, so users planning on upgrading should see better performance overall.

Enterprise Software Features for Enhanced Control

Efficiently separate devices into Virtual LANs, which enhance network management and security. 4 total LAN ports are available for these connections, but note one of the WAN ports is convertible into a 5th LAN Port (this requires special firmware from Peplink). If WiFi connections are required, you may further secure your network by creating multiple SSIDs for different purposes such as personal, guest, and IoT. 

The B One also has a built-in WiFi access point (AP) that supports 2×2 MiMO connections. If you find this doesn’t provide enough range for your location, seamlessly integrate external WiFi APs. Through the WLAN Controller, you’ll not only have extended coverage and performance, but enhanced control over your wireless local network.

Robust & Reliable Connectivity

Aside from the 2 wired WAN ports, you can provide your network redundancy by connecting a USB cellular modem or a nearby WiFi hotspot (using WiFi WAN – 2.4GHz or 5GHz). This can even be an Android phone or iPhone hotspot. Note that unlike the previously mentioned Peplink hardware, the B One uses a USB-C type port rather than type A. While most USB cellular modems use type A, modern cell Android, iPhones and Peplink’s own MAX Adapters utilize type C.

Be aware that not all USB cellular modems are created alike. If you find you cannot connect yours to the B One, Peplink support will work with you and attempt to get it functioning. For more information on modems that are known to work with the Peplink routers, check out Peplink’s supported list of USB modems. 

With the inclusion of PrimeCare warranty, the Peplink B One supports SpeedFusion technology. This enables the use of Hot Failover, WAN Smoothing, and bonding of multiple internet connections for a more reliable and faster internet feed. This can be any combination of Internet connections, whether it be a wired WAN, USB WAN or WiFi WAN. That’s a total of 5 WAN connections that the Peplink B One can support right out of the box! It is unknown at this time if a LAN port can be used as a 3rd WAN port, but we will update this article accordingly.

Easy Integration with Starlink and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA)

The router supports dual WAN ports, which is where you can connect your Starlink dish or Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) cellular modem/ router. Note that the Peplink does not have an integrated satellite or cellular LTE/ 5G modem, but can connect to them externally. Simply take an Ethernet cable from your Starlink dish, or fixed wireless modem, and connect it to one of the WAN ports on the Peplink B One.

When utilizing multiple WAN connections, you may optimize your network by bonding multiple Starlink connections together, or even one Starlink and one FWA connection. Keep in mind that this requires SpeedFusion connectivity, which is included with the PrimeCare warranty plan. 

If bonding is not necessary to your application, you can still achieve optimal performance by using Load Balancing. Balance Starlink with other internet services like 5G/LTE, Cable, Fiber, and Fixed Wireless Access.

Included Management and Cloud Integration

Effortlessly manage your router locally or through Peplink’s cloud manager service, InControl 2, included for 1 year with the PrimeCare warranty. When linked to your devices, InControl 2 consolidates data to produce informative reports covering every facet of your network. With just one screen, you can deploy configurations to all your endpoints. For a more in-depth analysis, you can remotely connect to the web admin of any device within your network.

InControl enables you to streamline configuration processes, reduce the need for on-site visits, monitor your network’s status efficiently, and proactively address emerging issues with speed and accuracy. Furthermore, with the InTouch feature, you can easily access devices connected behind your Peplink B One router. 

That’s not all the InControl 2 cloud management offers. With regular backups of your configuration, you can always rest assured that any changes can quickly be undone as needed. In a future update, you may even be able to upload saved configurations from different Peplink models onto the B One. We’ll update this article as we find out more information. 

Additional Specifications and Notes

  • Dimensions:
    • 10.31 x 6.33 x 1.31 inches (262 x 161 x 33.5mm)
  • The Peplink B One package includes:
    • 2x Dual Band Wi-Fi Antennas 
    • 1x 12V 3A 4 Pin Power Supply
  • PrimeCare warranty renewal for 1 year is available for $49
    • In addition to SpeedFusion features, PrimeCare (PRM-A-1Y / PCP-A-1Y) includes a hardware warranty, support and cloud management. Without PrimeCare, the router functions normally, less these features and cloud control.
    • For those looking to renew the PrimeCare for longer periods, check out product code PRM-A-2Y or PCP-A-2Y for 2 years, and either PRM-A-4Y or PCP-A-4Y for 4 years.

In conclusion, the Peplink B One router delivers on its promise of exceptional speed, reliability, and flexibility. Whether you’re looking for a replacement to your Surf SOHO or Balance 20 router, advanced enterprise features, or multi-WAN connectivity, the B One stands as a versatile and robust networking solution. With its compact design and easy management options, it’s a reliable choice for businesses and users seeking top-tier performance. 

Reach out to the 5Gstore sales team today to place your order for the Peplink B One and be sure to check out our Peplink B One FAQ!

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Peplink’s Integration with Starlink

With the advent of satellite internet services like Starlink, users are now able to access high-speed internet in remote areas. Peplink, a leader in SD-WAN solutions, has taken a significant step in supporting Starlink connectivity, offering users a robust set of tools to monitor and manage their connection seamlessly.

Monitoring Starlink Dish Status

One of the key advantages of Peplink’s support for Starlink is the ability to easily access crucial dish status information. Through InControl 2, Peplink’s cloud management service, users can gain insights into metrics such as throughput, latency, and obstruction status. This invaluable data empowers users to optimize their internet experience and troubleshoot any potential issues with ease.

Reboot and Stow with a Click

InControl 2 provides a user-friendly interface to reboot and stow your Starlink device effortlessly. No more manual interventions or complex procedures – a simple click through InControl 2 allows you to perform these actions remotely. This feature is particularly useful for users who want to ensure optimal performance or temporarily disable their Starlink connection.

Enabling Access: A Step-by-Step Guide

To harness the full potential of Peplink’s support for Starlink, follow these steps to enable access and view your dish’s data:

  • Web Administration of Peplink Router:
    • Navigate to the Network tab and select WAN on the left.
    • Scroll to the bottom of the page and edit the “Starlink” setting.
  • Pairing Starlink Connection with WAN Source:
    • Pair the Starlink connection with a WAN source on your router.
    • Save and apply the changes.
  • Verification:
    • Once completed, a Starlink logo will appear beside the paired WAN connection.
  • InControl 2 Configuration:
    • Log into InControl 2 and locate the organization and group where your Peplink router is saved.
    • Click on the device to access its details page.
  • Accessing Starlink Details:
    • In the Status section on the right, click “Details” beside your Starlink WAN connection.

By following these steps, you can unlock a wealth of information about your Starlink connection, ensuring you have the necessary tools to maintain and optimize your internet experience.

Conclusion

Peplink’s support for Starlink marks a significant stride in providing users with comprehensive control over their internet connectivity. The ability to monitor throughput, latency, and obstruction status, coupled with the convenience of remote reboot and stow functions, makes Peplink routers an ideal choice for users harnessing the power of Starlink. Embrace the future of satellite internet with Peplink’s innovative solutions, where control and accessibility are just a click away.

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Starlink Satellite Service: Is It Right for You?

The world of satellite-based internet services has been utterly transformed by the introduction of Starlink, an innovation by SpaceX. With the ambitious goal of providing high-speed internet connectivity to remote and underserved regions across the globe, Starlink has garnered both praise and skepticism. Drawing from our team’s experience and customer feedback, this article provides a comprehensive perspective on Starlink’s performance, highlighting its strengths and offering insights into its potential challenges.

Leveraging the Starlink App

Prospective users have the advantage of utilizing the Starlink app to optimize their installation site. By leveraging the app’s capability to scan the sky for obstructions using the device’s camera, users can make informed decisions about their setup. The app provides recommendations on whether to continue with the current location or explore alternatives, facilitating the best possible connectivity.

Starlink Obstructions: Navigating Rain, Leaves, and More

Starlink’s operation at Ku-Band frequencies, combined with its low Earth orbit architecture, has enabled its success in delivering connectivity through compact satellites and small antennas. Yet, certain environmental factors can impact its performance. Notably, heavy rain can temporarily attenuate Ku-Band frequencies, leading to signal degradation. The severity of the rainstorm plays a pivotal role in determining the extent of this impact.

Obstructions like branches and leaves can also hinder Starlink’s performance. Those residing in heavily vegetated areas should prioritize maintaining a clear line of sight for the satellite dish to mitigate disruptions. While speculation exists about potential interference from planes, no conclusive evidence has been presented thus far. 

Starlink Challenges and Considerations

Starlink, like any technology, comes with its share of challenges. Streaming services may encounter variability when used while traveling abroad, underscoring limitations in global coverage. Although streaming often remains viable even with some obstructions, video conferencing, especially on platforms like Zoom, might face intermittent issues.

The orientation of the satellite dish can occasionally become problematic. While the dish typically reorients itself when obstructions appear in its line of sight, isolated instances have been reported where it inadvertently directed itself towards obstructions. This could be due to satellite movement, necessitating users to explore solutions like raising the dish or seeking assistance from Starlink’s customer service.

Moreover, sporadic high packet loss can disrupt real-time applications such as VoIP, online gaming, and video meetings. This emphasizes the fact that Starlink’s performance may not consistently match the reliability of established internet options like fiber or cellular connections.

Starlink Outages and Bonding

While Starlink has made substantial strides in delivering internet access to previously unreachable areas, it’s not immune to occasional outages. These interruptions can undoubtedly frustrate users who rely heavily on the service. To address this, our team has explored the concept of bonding. This approach involves combining multiple internet connections, including Starlink and other alternatives, to enhance overall connectivity reliability. If you find yourself grappling with Starlink outages, reach out to us to discuss the benefits of bonding.

Setting Realistic Expectations

While Starlink has made it more possible to connect across the globe, it’s important to align your expectations with its inherent variability. For occasional users seeking primary internet access in remote areas, Starlink can be an exceptional solution. Especially if the fastest alternative in the area is DSL. However, those requiring unwavering reliability and stability might want to consider a secondary internet service and a bonded connection strategy. This approach would help alleviate potential Starlink-related challenges.

Last Thoughts

As we conclude our exploration of Starlink’s satellite service, it’s essential to consider various scenarios and expectations to determine if this innovative solution is the right fit for you. If you’re transitioning from the confines of rural areas burdened with sluggish DSL or even archaic dial-up connections, Starlink could very well be a game-changer for you. Despite its occasional faults, the leap in speed and accessibility that Starlink brings will likely be a breath of fresh air.

However, the story takes a different turn if you’re accustomed to the seamless streaming and consistent connectivity offered by cable or fiber services. For those who engage in regular streaming sessions, whether it’s your favorite TV shows, movies, or work-related conferences, the relationship with Starlink might be a mix of admiration and frustration.

When embracing Starlink, it’s crucial to understand and factor in its limitations. Rain can impact performance due to the attenuation of Ku-Band frequencies. If your internet usage primarily occurs after 6 PM, it’s important to be prepared for the possibility of encountering slower performance during peak usage times.

Equally paramount is the realization that Starlink’s performance is intimately tied to your geographical location. Factors such as obstructions, vegetation, and terrain play a pivotal role in determining the quality of your connection.

Furthermore, an important aspect to keep in mind is Starlink’s support structure. Unlike conventional customer service where a phone call can swiftly address your concerns, Starlink’s support operates through the app’s messaging feature. As such, seeking assistance involves sending messages within the app, a process that might require some adjustment for those accustomed to direct phone support.

Navigating the Starlink journey can be greatly facilitated by tapping into the wealth of knowledge within the user forums and communities. Before taking the plunge, we strongly encourage you to conduct thorough research by exploring these platforms. They offer insights, experiences, and solutions shared by fellow users, allowing you to make an informed decision that aligns with your unique needs and expectations.

In summation, Starlink’s satellite service presents a transformative opportunity for those seeking enhanced connectivity, especially in rural or underserved areas. For some, the transition will be seamless, while for others, it may require a level of adaptability and understanding. By comprehensively evaluating your usage patterns, geographic location, and support expectations, you can navigate the Starlink landscape with clarity and confidence.

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What Service Plans is Starlink Offering?

In the world of internet connectivity, Starlink has been shaking things up. The satellite internet service from SpaceX makes headlines for its innovative technology that promises to bring fast and reliable internet access to even the most remote parts of the world. Now, Starlink is offering new service plans that cater to both fixed and mobile users.

New Priority Plans

For businesses and high-demand users who require faster download and upload speeds, Starlink’s Priority plans are the way to go. Starting at $250 per month, these plans include priority customer support, a public IP address, and faster speeds even during peak usage times. Once Priority data is exhausted, the plans include unlimited Standard data. This is a game-changer for businesses that rely on high-speed internet access for their day-to-day operations.

New Mobile Priority Plans

But Starlink’s new offerings don’t stop there. For those who are always on the move, whether on land or sea, Starlink is now offering Mobile Priority plans. These plans start at $250 per month for 50 GB of Mobile Priority data, which enables the fastest network speeds available. And once you’ve used up your Mobile Priority data, the plan includes unlimited Standard data on land. This is perfect for anyone who travels frequently or lives in an area where traditional wired internet is not an option.

Government Approval

It’s important to note, that the use of Starlink while in motion on land or in territorial waters around the world is subject to local government approval. But if you’re able to get approval, Starlink’s Mobile Priority plans could be a game-changer for anyone who needs high-speed internet access while on the move.

How to Order New Starlink Data Plans

If you’re interested in signing up for one of Starlink’s new service plans, simply head to their website at starlink.com. There, you’ll find all the information you need about their plans, pricing, and availability. And if you have any questions, be sure to check out their FAQs for more details.

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What Are the Pros and Cons of Using Starlink with a Peplink Router

Starlink, the satellite-based internet service by SpaceX, has been making waves in the internet industry with its promise of providing high-speed, low-latency internet to even the most remote and rural areas. To make the most of Starlink’s capabilities, many users are opting to pair the service with a Peplink router. Peplink’s networking solutions are known for their reliability and versatility, but even more so their SpeedFusion technology. SpeedFusion allows for seamless failover and bonding between multiple Internet connections. 

We’d like to explore a few pros and cons we’ve found with using Starlink and Peplink together. In turn, we hope it will help you to determine whether it’s the right solution for your application needs. 

Pros of Using Starlink with Peplink Router

Reliable Internet

Starlink’s low latency and high bandwidth capabilities can provide a stable and fast internet connection, especially in rural or remote areas. The service’s satellite-based nature allows it to bypass many of the issues that can affect terrestrial-based internet connections, such as outages, slowdowns, and limited connectivity. With Peplink’s multi-WAN, failover support, you can enjoy reliable internet just about anywhere.

Backup Connection

In case of an emergency or if the primary internet connection goes down, Starlink can be used as a backup connection for critical services. With a Peplink router, you can set up a failover connection to automatically switch to Starlink if your primary connection goes down, ensuring that you never lose connectivity when you need it most.

Cost-effective

Starlink is more affordable compared to other satellite-based internet solutions. Peplink routers also tend to be less expensive in comparison to similar manufacturers, and generally offer more features. Most are capable of supporting the Starlink connection. It comes down to the number and type of Internet connections you plan on using that will determine which Peplink solution is appropriate for your needs. 

SpeedFusion Benefits

Peplink’s warranty/ Care plans include access to SpeedFusion VPN, which allows you to utilize multiple WAN links together as one high-speed link. This can provide an instant failover (meaning no downtime), as well as more bandwidth from bonding Starlink with other Internet connections. 

Load Balancing

Load balancing is a networking technique that evenly distributes network traffic across multiple Internet connections in order to maximize performance and avoid overloading of any single connection. The Peplink includes 8 total load balancing algorithms. These are rules which allow you to use Starlink only when its response time is the fastest or the latency is lowest compared to the other Internet connections. 

Cons of Using Starlink with Peplink Router

Limited Coverage 

Currently, Starlink’s coverage is limited to certain regions and may not be available everywhere. The service is still in its early stages and is only available in a limited number of countries, so if you live outside of one of these areas, you may not be able to use Starlink. However, as the service continues to grow, it’s likely that coverage will expand, so it’s worth checking back regularly to see if Starlink is available in your area.

Weather Dependent

Starlink’s performance can be affected by severe weather conditions, such as heavy rain or snow, which can disrupt the signal and cause slower speeds or even temporary outages. This can be a major issue for those who live in areas with frequent severe weather, and it’s important to keep this in mind when considering Starlink as a potential internet solution.

Equipment Cost

Starlink’s equipment and setup costs vary based on the type of install (home, business, RV). A Peplink router can also get costly if you maintain the warranty/ Care plan, which keeps the SpeedFusion VPN active. In addition, the cost of installation and setup can also be a significant factor, especially for those who live in remote or rural areas. However, it’s worth noting that the cost of Starlink and Peplink is likely to be lower than the cost of other satellite-based internet solutions, so it’s still worth considering if you need high-speed, reliable internet in a remote area. 

Configuration 

This is not a plug and play installation. Setting up Starlink to work with your Peplink router will require some configuration such as changing the router’s LAN IP address, SpeedFusion, and Outbound traffic rules. If you think you’ll need assistance, make sure you purchase from a certified Peplink partner like 5Gstore. We have guides available on the web and representatives on the phones who can assist as needed. 

Making a Decision

Using Starlink with a Peplink router can be a great solution for people who are looking for a fast, reliable and cost-effective internet solution, especially in rural or remote areas. However, it’s important to keep in mind the limitations of Starlink and the requirements of managing a Peplink router. If you’re considering using Starlink and a Peplink router, take time to think about what you’re needing to accomplish. Consider the Internet connections you will utilize, and the budget you have to spend. This will all help in making an informed decision as to whether using Starlink and Peplink is the right choice for you.  

If you still need assistance, please reach out to the 5Gstore team via phone, email, or chat!

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How Can Peplink’s SpeedFusion Technology Improve Starlink Performance?

Starlink is a satellite internet service developed and operated by SpaceX, a private American aerospace manufacturer and space transport services company founded by Elon Musk. The service aims to provide high-speed internet access to remote or underserved areas around the world by using a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites. 

The company has launched several batches of satellites into orbit since 2019, with the goal of eventually having thousands of satellites in its constellation. Their aim is to provide internet speeds of around 100 megabits per second (Mbps) with latency of around 20 milliseconds. This is significantly faster than current satellite internet services, which can have latency in the hundreds of milliseconds and speeds of around 25 Mbps. However, just like with cellular connections, throughput and latency are not guaranteed. 

So, you may be wondering, how might you make your Starlink connection more reliable? Enter Peplink SpeedFusion Connect (SFC). Peplink is a company that specializes in developing networking solutions for businesses and organizations. They offer a range of products, including routers and other networking devices, that can help connect computers, devices, and networks together. Their SpeedFusion technology runs just like a VPN tunnel. It is used to combine multiple Internet connections together to create a single, fast, and reliable connection for use with a Peplink router. 

The goal of SpeedFusion is to provide a way for users to improve the performance and reliability of their Internet connection by using multiple connections from different providers, such as broadband, cellular, and satellite. SpeedFusion can be used to load balance traffic across multiple connections, seamlessly failover to a secondary connection in the event of an outage, and bond connections for more bandwidth, all while providing improved security and privacy through the use of encryption.

Seeing that cellular and satellite connections can be sporadic and unreliable on their own, Peplink technology helps them to behave more like wired services. Congestion on the network and latency spikes are the biggest factors to consider with wireless services. Ways to mitigate these issues include increasing the number of WAN connections that you are using. Though, even if you are only using two WANs, there are still ways that the Peplink SpeedFusion can be configured to improve performance. 

Here are some tips: 

  • Avoid bonding multiple Starlink connections together as this could create more issues with performance.
  • Important part of the SFC connection is how to get it connected and how to route your traffic
    • The default configuration is already optimized for best performance, but it is a matter of making changes to the WAN connection priority. This is what controls whether the SFC tunnel runs with just Hot Failover between connections, or bonds them.
    • With connections in different priorities, you have Hot Failover. With connections all in priority 1, you have bonding. This is what allows you to have connections active simultaneously so that bandwidth can be bonded and real time/ mission critical traffic can be routed over this connection. 
  • If you would like to have the benefits of both Hot Failover and bonding, simply create sub tunnels (i.e. one for Hot Failover and one for Dynamic Weighted Bonding).
Sub-Tunnel #1: Hot Failover
Sub-Tunnel #2: Dynamic Weighted Bonding
  • To get the traffic routed as needed, this is where the outbound policy comes into play. This can be done at the local admin page or through InControl 2.
    • The big difference is that SaaS is only possible via InControl 2. 
    • Add more redundancy by using the priority algorithm and prioritize your tunnels
    • Use your Dynamic Weighted Bonding tunnel to protect your real time traffic. Route regular traffic over single WAN with hot failover tunnel.
    • Local configuration is the same as on InControl 2, but does NOT support SaaS or regional based routing. 
Default Outbound Policy Rule for Regular Traffic
Custom Outbound Policy Rule for Mission Critical Traffic
Viewing Outbound Policy Configuration from the Local Web Admin
  • Use WAN smoothing over Dynamic Weighted Bonding when seeing high packet loss. Otherwise Dynamic Weighted Bonding can be more helpful without increasing your data usage.
  • Firmware: Upgrade to version 8.3.0 to use TCP Ramp up. This improves the handling of Upload/ Download TCP traffic, which is important because Starlink uses TCP acceleration. This also helps with congested LTE networks. It is the initial duplication of traffic and allows for more bandwidth. 
  • If Starlink goes up and down, elongate the health check interval.
  • MTU for Starlink is 1500.

Have more questions about using Starlink and Peplink together? Reach out to our team via phone, email, or chat!

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Where to Find More Information About Using Starlink with Peplink

Starlink satellite Internet service has been a popular talking point since before it was even available. Now that it has gained more users, there’s more inquiries about how it works along with Peplink routers. 

In an effort to help old and new customers alike, Peplink did some research and put together a webinar. More recently, they also posted an informational page to educate users. This covers common challenges of Starlink connectivity and how Peplink SpeedFusion can help. There’s also a short FAQ. Check out the post here. 

Are you looking for a Peplink solution, or interested in learning more about SpeedFusion benefits? Contact the Peplink certified engineers at 5Gstore.com via phone, email, or chat!

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SpaceX has a new premium satellite service with faster speeds at 5 times the cost of the standard service

Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, tweeted some big news on Tuesday. The tweet included a link to their website with mention of a new Starlink Premium service plan.

The Starlink satellite Internet service has been offering a standard plan to users. The plan costs $99 per month, plus a one time $499 fee for a setup kit. The plan promises users bandwidth speeds up to 150Mbps. Of course, as many users have reported, that can be quite variable at this point. 

Now SpaceX is offering their premium plan, which has been designed for better performance in “extreme weather conditions.” According to the Starlink website, the service plan is described as ideal for “small offices, storefronts, and super users across the globe.”

It seems that because of these upgrades to the service, the monthly cost is much higher, at $500. There’s also a $500 deposit that is required and the setup kit jumps up to a price of $2500. The setup kit not only includes the Dish, but a tripod mount and a WiFi router. Performance compared to the standard plan also goes up quite a bit. Users can experience anywhere from 150 to 500 Megabits per second. 

The website says that customers would be able to get their hands on Starlink Premium in the second quarter of 2022. Also, customers who paid the $500 deposit will receive a notification when their internet kit is on the way. 

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