In today’s hyper-connected world, reliable home networking is essential, especially for those in rural or remote locations. Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet solution, has revolutionised internet access in such areas, offering impressive speeds and coverage. However, integrating Starlink into a comprehensive home network setup can elevate connectivity to a new level, particularly when paired with advanced equipment like the Ubiquity Dream Machine Pro (Unifi). Recently, we undertook a project that highlights this integration, combining Starlink’s capabilities with a robust home networking infrastructure. Here’s what we learned.
The Challenge: Maximising Starlink’s Potential
Starlink offers a plug-and-play solution, with its Wi-Fi router and satellite dish providing direct internet access. For many, this is sufficient. However, for homes requiring broader coverage or more sophisticated network management, the standard setup can fall short.
Our recent project centred on a property where the Starlink dish was installed on a garage rather than the main roof—an intentional decision to simplify the cable routing and equipment installation. Starlink provides a proprietary cable, which can reach up to 100 feet, allowing flexibility in placing the dish away from the home’s central hub.
However, integrating this solution into a more complex home network presented its own challenges. The home had an existing, yet outdated, network cabinet filled with defunct equipment, old switches, and HDMI-over-Cat6 extenders. A key part of the project was clearing out the redundant gear to make space for a modern network architecture, anchored by the Ubiquity Dream Machine Pro.
The Solution: Integrating Starlink with a Dream Machine Pro
One of the standout aspects of Starlink is its versatility. The dish and its router can either function independently, providing Wi-Fi across the home, or be incorporated into a more sophisticated system. For this home, we opted for the latter, enhancing the connectivity by bypassing Starlink’s internal router and instead leveraging the power of the UniFi Dream Machine Pro.
This advanced router allowed for more precise control over the home network, improved signal distribution, and provided the necessary infrastructure to support future expansions, such as additional access points. By converting Starlink’s proprietary cable into a standard Cat6 connection, using an adapter, we seamlessly linked it to the Dream Machine.
The result was not just faster speeds—154 Mbps download and 26 Mbps upload—but also a more resilient and scalable network. With the Ubiquity Dream Machine in place, the home now benefits from optimised performance and the ability to handle multiple devices without compromising on speed or reliability.
Streamlining the Network Cabinet
As part of the installation, we also undertook a significant overhaul of the customer’s network cabinet. Over the years, it had accumulated a range of outdated devices, from HDMI extenders to old routers and switches. Many of these were no longer in use, consuming valuable space and electricity while creating unnecessary clutter.
Removing this “dead wood” not only freed up space but also simplified the network infrastructure. The network cabinet is now leaner, housing only essential components, such as the new Dream Machine Pro and the necessary switches to manage the home’s network traffic. While the cabinet isn’t entirely clutter-free—future expansions may still require more space—it’s now far easier to manage and troubleshoot.
Enhanced Control and Monitoring with UniFi App
One of the significant advantages of integrating Starlink with the UniFi Dream Machine Pro is the enhanced control it offers. The UniFi Network app, available on both mobile and desktop, allows users to monitor and manage their network in real time. From device connections to bandwidth usage, the app provides a clear and intuitive interface for managing network performance.
This level of control is crucial for large homes or properties with multiple access points, as it enables homeowners to quickly identify any issues and optimise settings as needed. For example, during the installation, we used the app to bypass Starlink’s built-in Wi-Fi in favour of the Dream Machine’s superior capabilities. With the app’s help, we ensured that the network was running smoothly, and any potential issues could be addressed remotely if necessary.
The app also offers additional features like snow-melt mode for Starlink dishes in colder climates, which ensures that snow and ice do not obstruct the signal. These kinds of options make Starlink a compelling choice for those in remote areas, where weather and environmental factors can impact performance.
Future-Proofing with UniFi Access Points
While the Dream Machine Pro forms the backbone of this home’s network, additional UniFi access points throughout the property ensure seamless connectivity across different rooms and floors. With these access points strategically placed, the home enjoys comprehensive coverage, avoiding dead zones and weak signals.
UniFi’s system is designed with scalability in mind, meaning the homeowner can continue adding access points as needed without compromising network performance. This is particularly useful for larger properties or homes with multiple users and devices. As new devices are introduced into the network, the Dream Machine Pro and UniFi system will continue to provide robust coverage without lag or interruptions.
Conclusion: Starlink and Ubiquity – A Winning Combination
By combining Starlink’s groundbreaking satellite internet with the power of the UniFi Dream Machine Pro, we created a robust, future-proof home network. This setup provides the customer with more than just basic internet access—it offers an advanced network solution that is scalable, reliable, and tailored to their specific needs. For homeowners in remote locations or those with large properties, this combination represents the best of both worlds: the expansive reach of Starlink and the unparalleled control of UniFi.
For anyone looking to upgrade their home network, particularly in areas where traditional broadband isn’t an option, Starlink paired with a comprehensive UniFi system could be the solution to achieve high-performance, reliable internet for years to come.
