Starlink Cable Length: Everything You Need to Know

The Starlink cable is the cord that links your satellite dish (the part that talks to the sky) to your router or power supply (the part that delivers internet to your devices). It’s not just a regular Ethernet cable—it’s a custom designed piece of gear that carries both data and power, built to withstand outdoor conditions like rain and wind. The length of this cable matters because it dictates how far apart you can place your dish and router, which is key for finding the perfect setup in your home or yard.

How Long Is the Cable That Comes With Starlink?

The length of the cable depends on which Starlink kit you have. Starlink has evolved its hardware over time, and different versions come with different cable lengths. Here’s the rundown:

Standard Dish (Latest Model): If you’ve got the current residential kit, your cable is 49.2 feet (15 meters) long. This is plenty for most homes where the dish goes on the roof or a nearby pole.
Gen 1 (Original Circular Dish): Early adopters with the first-generation dish got a longer 100 feet (30 meters)
cable. Nice bonus if you’ve got one of these!
Gen 2 (Rectangular Dish): The second-gen kit comes with a 50 feet (15.2 meters) cable, pretty close to the latest standard.
Starlink Mini: For the portable Mini kit, you’re looking at 49.2 feet (15 meters) again, keeping it consistent with the standard residential version.

Not sure which kit you have? Check the shape of your dish—round for Gen 1, rectangular for Gen 2 and beyond—or peek at your Starlink app for the details. Most users today will be working with that 50-foot range, which covers a decent distance but might leave you wondering what to do if you need more.

What If I Need a Longer Cable?

So, let’s say your ideal dish spot is farther away than 50 feet—maybe it’s on a barn, a tall tree, or across the yard. What are your options? Good news: there are ways to make it work, but you’ll want to tread carefully.

Option 1: Get a Longer Cable from Starlink

The simplest solution is to buy an official longer cable straight from Starlink. They sell a 150-foot (45.7-meter) cable in their online shop under “Accessories,” designed to fit certain kits (double-check compatibility with your model). It’s plug-and-play, keeps everything weatherproof, and doesn’t mess with your warranty. If 150 feet still isn’t enough, you might need to think outside the box—more on that in a sec.

Option 2: Rethink Your Setup

If you need even more distance or the longer cable isn’t an option for your kit, consider moving the power supply closer to the dish. Here’s how it could work: install the dish and power supply in a weatherproof box near the dish location, then use a wireless bridge or a long standard Ethernet cable to connect back to your router inside. This keeps the Starlink cable at its original length and extends your network instead. For example, imagine your dish is 200 feet from your house—you could set up the whole system out there and beam the signal back wirelessly. Problem solved!

Also Read: Starlink Shop: Where to buy Starlink accessories?

Why You Shouldn’t DIY an Extension

Now, you might be thinking, “Can’t I just splice the cable or add an extension?” Technically, yes—but Starlink says it’s a bad idea, and here’s why:

Signal Trouble: Extending the cable could weaken the data signal or drop the power supply, leading to spotty internet or random reboots.
Weather Risks: The cable’s special connectors and coating keep water out. If you cut or splice it, you might lose that protection, and nobody wants a soggy, broken setup.
Warranty Woes: Modify the cable, and Starlink might not cover any issues that pop up. Why risk it?

Sure, some folks have hacked together extensions with Ethernet couplers, but it’s a gamble. For peace of mind and reliable performance, stick with Starlink’s official gear.

Why Can’t I Just Use a Regular Ethernet Cable?

Good question! The Starlink cable looks a bit like a standard Ethernet cable, but it’s got some unique tricks up its sleeve:

CAT5e Variant: It’s built for fast data speeds, similar to a CAT5e cable.
Proprietary Connectors: The ends aren’t standard RJ45 plugs—they’re custom-made for Starlink’s dish and power setup.
Power + Data: It delivers both internet data and electricity to the dish, which regular Ethernet cables aren’t designed to do.
Weatherproof Design: It’s tough enough to handle rain, sun, and wind without breaking a sweat.

Because of these quirks, swapping in a random cable from your tech drawer won’t cut it. You need the real deal to keep everything humming along.

Tips for Routing Your Starlink Cable

Got the right length? Awesome—now let’s get it from point A to point B without a hitch. Here are some practical tips:

Measure Twice: Map out the path from your dish to your router to ensure the cable reaches comfortably—no stretching or coiling needed.
Avoid Tight Bends: Sharp turns can damage the wires inside, so keep it smooth and gentle, especially at corners or entry points.
Drill Smart: If you’re running the cable through a wall, a 3/4-inch hole works for the connector (it folds flat to slip through). No need to go overboard.
Protect It: Running it outside? Use a cable sleeve or conduit to shield it from lawnmowers or curious critters—just don’t bury the cable itself; it’s not made for that.

Starlink’s Help Center has a handy guide on routing your cable indoors if you want more pointers.

Still Too Short? Alternative Ideas

If the standard cable—or even the 150-foot option—doesn’t reach, don’t panic. Here are a couple of creative workarounds:

Full Remote Setup: Move the dish, power supply, and router closer to the dish location, then bridge the gap to your main network with Wi-Fi extenders or Ethernet. It’s like setting up a mini Starlink hub wherever you need it.
Third-Party Gear (With Caution): Some tech-savvy users experiment with Power over Ethernet (PoE) extenders, but this is off-the-books and could backfire. If you go this route, know the risks—Starlink won’t back you up if it flops.

When in doubt, hit up Starlink support for tailored advice. They’re pretty good at helping you sort things out.

The Bottom Line: Keep It Simple and Official

At the end of the day, Starlink cable length is all about finding what fits your setup. Most kits come with a 50-foot cable, which works for the average home, but if you need more, the 150-foot option from Starlink’s shop is your best bet. Resist the urge to DIY an extension—it’s not worth the hassle or the potential for a flaky connection. Plan your install, route the cable with care, and you’ll be streaming from the stars in no time. Still got questions? Pop over to the Starlink shop or drop their support team a line. Here’s to fast internet and a setup that works just right for you!