Tag: UTR-251

  • Starlink Launches Affordable Mini Router for Mesh and Travel

    Starlink Launches Affordable Mini Router for Mesh and Travel

    Key Takeaways

    1. The new Starlink Mini Router (model UTR-251) is designed for use with the $500 Mini dish kit and offers improved Wi-Fi coverage.
    2. Priced at $40, the Mini Router is currently available only in the US, with plans for wider availability to be announced.
    3. It is ideal for Starlink Mesh setups in larger homes, as well as for smaller spaces with basic Wi-Fi needs.
    4. The Mini Router enhances Wi-Fi coverage for users on the go but may not be suitable for high-demand situations with multiple users.
    5. The device is expected to gain popularity due to its affordability and functionality as a range extender.


    The recent leak of schematics for a new router from Starlink, which many believed was part of a Gen 4 equipment set, has turned out to be the introduction of an unexpected Starlink Mini Router.

    Compact Design and Features

    The new Starlink Mini Router, identified as model UTR-251, is specifically made to work alongside the $500 Mini dish kit, offering improved Wi-Fi coverage compared to the built-in router. This compact device can also function with other routers, such as the existing Gen 3 unit that comes with the Standard dish kit. In a Starlink Mesh setup, users can place one router in every other room of a larger residence for enhanced and more dependable Wi-Fi signal.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Mini router is priced at just $40 in the Starlink US store, with plans for availability in other countries or regions to be announced later by SpaceX. Currently, the Starlink Router Mini can be purchased only in the United States through the Starlink Shop. If it’s not listed, that indicates it’s not available in your area. Updates on wider release will be shared, so keep an eye out!

    Ideal Uses

    This affordable price point makes it perfect for a Starlink Mesh network setup in bigger homes. Additionally, it can serve households with minimal Wi-Fi needs. According to Starlink, it’s “a great fit for smaller spaces, homes with basic Wi-Fi requirements, or to eliminate dead spots within a house.”

    For users on the go, this compact router can enhance the Wi-Fi coverage of a Starlink Mini dish, which often lacks sufficient range. However, for situations involving multiple users streaming, working, or gaming at once, or in multi-unit properties, Starlink suggests opting for the Gen 3 router.

    At just $40, the new Starlink Mini router is an appealing range extender for home use or while traveling, making it likely to gain popularity if the introductory price remains consistent.

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  • Starlink Launches Gen 4 Router for Mini Dish Kit with Faster Speeds

    Starlink Launches Gen 4 Router for Mini Dish Kit with Faster Speeds

    Key Takeaways

    1. SpaceX is upgrading its satellite Internet devices from the Starlink Mini Kit to the Flat High-Performance dish for corporate clients.
    2. Production costs for the Starlink mini dish will be reduced while performance will be enhanced, also affecting the Standard Kit.
    3. New devices are being developed to support gigabit-level satellite Internet speeds with the new V3 satellite constellation.
    4. The upcoming Starlink Gen 4 router will feature improved specifications and a lower power requirement compared to the Gen 3 router.
    5. Pricing and launch details for the Starlink Gen 4 router and updated kits are expected to be announced soon, as production is already underway.


    SpaceX is set to enhance all of its satellite Internet devices later this year, upgrading from the Starlink Mini Kit to the Flat High-Performance dish aimed at corporate clients.

    Cost and Performance Improvements

    Sources have revealed plans to reduce production costs for the Starlink mini dish while also improving its performance. The same enhancements are expected for the Standard Kit as well.

    New Technology Developments

    This initiative may be linked to ongoing speculation that SpaceX is gearing up to launch gigabit-level satellite Internet download speeds, necessitating the development of devices that can support the new V3 satellite constellation’s capabilities. To maximize the benefits from these new satellites, which can deliver increased capacity per beam and offer download speeds of up to 2 Gbps with lower latency, SpaceX will also roll out new Starlink Gen 4 routers.

    Advanced Router Features

    One of the new routers is identified by the internal model number UTR-251 in an FCC filing, suggesting it represents a significant upgrade from the existing Starlink Gen 3 router, known as UTR-231. While the specifications for the Starlink Gen 4 router still claim Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) speeds, it supports a broader frequency range, indicating potential for quicker downloads and a more reliable connection through enhanced spectrum coverage.

    The design schematics for the Starlink Gen 4 router suggest it will have a compact form factor and might be included in the refresh of the Starlink Mini Kit, as its specifications indicate a much lower power requirement compared to the current Gen 3 router.

    Pricing and Availability

    Regarding the pricing and expected launch date for the Starlink Gen 4 router, SpaceX may provide further information soon, especially since the new Flat High-Performance dish is allegedly already in production. This means that updates for the Starlink Mini and Standard kits should not be too far off.

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