The Starlink cable is what connects your dish to the router/power supply. It carries both power and data. The connectors on each end of the cable are proprietary, meaning they are unique to Starlink. The type and length of Starlink cable depends on which model dish you have. In this guide, I’ll go over the cable lengths for each type of dish, and answer some common questions I get about the Starlink cable.
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What type of cable is the Starlink cable?
The Starlink cable is shielded CAT5e, also known as STP CAT5e. It contains 4 twisted pairs, for a total of 8 conductors. The dish is powered by Starlink’s unique POE (power over Ethernet) version, so data and power travel through the conductors.
Although the Starlink cable is essentially just a standard shielded Ethernet cable, the connectors on each end are proprietary on the Gen 2 hardware. That means you can’t just replace or extend the Starlink cable with a standard Ethernet/CAT5e cable, as there are no adapters or methods of hooking them together.
The original Gen 1 dish, and the newest Gen 3 dish, use standard RJ45 connectors instead of the proprietary Starlink connectors. That means that, with Gen 1 or Gen 3 equipment, you can use aftermarket cables if you need a different lengths for the Starlink cable. Although it is technically possible, Starlink does not recommend using non-Starlink cables.
Starlink Cable Lengths By Model
The length and type of your Starlink cable depends on which dish model you have. Starlink equipment now spans 3 generations, each with a different cable:
Gen 1 Circular
The original Gen 1 dish comes with a permanently attached 100 feet (30 meters) Starlink cable. It connects to the Gen 1 power supply brick with an RJ45 connector. Longer lengths can be achieved by coupling another shielded Ethernet cable to the Starlink cable, but I don’t recommend a total length of over 125′.
Gen 2 Standard Actuated (Residential, Roam)
The Gen 2 Standard Starlink kit comes with a Starlink cable that is 50 feet (15 meters) long. Optionally, you can purchase a 75′ or 150′ Starlink cable for the Gen 2 Standard dish if you need more length. The longer cables are available directly from Starlink, in the online shop. 150′ is the maximum Starlink cable length for the Gen 2 Standard dish. The Gen 2 Standard dish uses proprietary Starlink connectors on each end of the Starlink cable, and the connectors are not compatible with any other Starlink model.
Gen 2 High Performance (Business, Priority)
Gen 2 High Performance kits, sold with the Business/Priority service plan, have a Starlink cable length of 82 feet (25 meters). 82 feet is the only cable length available for the Gen 2 High Performance dish. The Gen 2 High Performance dish uses proprietary Starlink connectors at each end. The High Performance cable connectors are different than the Gen 2 Standard and Gen 2 Flat High Performance connectors, so the cables are not interchangeable between the different models.
Gen 2 Flat High Performance (Maritime, Mobility)
The Gen 2 Flat High Performance Starlink dish comes with a cable that is 26.2 feet (8 meters) long. A longer 82 feet (25 meter) Starlink cable is available. If you need a shorter cable, Starlink also sells a 1.6′ (0.5 meters) Starlink cable for the Gen 2 Flat High Performance dish. Like all Gen 2 hardware, the connectors on the Flat High Performance are proprietary, and the Starlink cable isn’t compatible with any other model.
Gen 3 Standard (Residential, Roam)
49.2 feet (15 meters) is the Starlink cable length for the newest dish model, the Gen 3 Standard. A longer 147.6′ (45 meters) Starlink cable is available in the Starlink shop. The Gen 3 Standard Starlink cable uses RJ45 connectors on each end of the cable. The connectors have a passive latch, unlike traditional RJ45 connectors. They also have a moisture seal to keep water and debris out of the Starlink dish and router.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Starlink connectors USB-C?
No, the Gen 2 Starlink connectors are not USB-C, or any other standard that is widely used on the market. Like I mentioned before, the Starlink connectors are unique to Starlink, and aren’t compatible with any other style of connector. They might look similar to USB-C or HDMI, but they aren’t the same.
Can I combine two Starlink cables together?
No, Starlink cables cannot be combined together. The longest Starlink cable sold for your dish model is the longest length available. Starlink dishes have limitations on the length of the cable due to voltage drop issues.
Can I use my old internet or satellite coax cable for the Starlink?
No, you cannot use existing coax, cable, or satellite connections to hook up your Starlink dish. The Starlink cable provides power and data to the Starlink dish, and has unique specifications and requirements. Coax and other types of cables are not compatible, so you will have to run the Starlink cable between the dish and the router.
Recommended: How To Route The Starlink Cable Into Your HouseCan the Starlink cable be buried underground?
Starlink cables are not rated for direct burial, but they can be buried underground if they are run through conduit. I recommend at least 1 inch conduit. Avoid sharp bends due to the shape of the Gen 2 Starlink connector.
Should I be worried about UV or weather exposure with the Starlink cable?
The Starlink cable is rated for outdoor conditions, including UV and sun exposure. It can withstand extreme temperatures, rain, etc. Routing the cable across your roof or home exterior is fine.
